Overview
Nylon (Polyamide) is one of the most mechanically capable FDM materials available. Its self-lubricating properties make it ideal for gears, bearings, and sliding mechanisms. It has excellent fatigue resistance, meaning it can withstand repeated bending cycles without failure.
Nylon is a strong choice for any application where parts are in constant motion or under cyclical loading.
Technical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 78MPa |
| Flexural Modulus | 2.7GPa |
| Heat Deflection Temp | 120°C |
| Layer Resolution | 0.1–0.3mm |
| Density | 1.14g/cm³ |
| Elongation at Break | 30% |
Advantages & Limitations
Advantages
- ✓Self-lubricating - excellent for gears and bushings
- ✓Highest fatigue resistance of standard FDM materials
- ✓Good chemical resistance to oils, fuels, and solvents
- ✓Flexible enough to absorb shock without cracking
Limitations
- ✗Highly hygroscopic - must be dried before and during printing
- ✗Requires dry storage; absorbs moisture from the air within hours
Applications
Gears & pulleysBearings & bushingsCable guidesFood-processing partsStructural bracketsLiving hinges
Printing Tips
Dry nylon at 80 °C for 8–12 hours before printing. Print at 240–260 °C with a bed temperature of 70–90 °C. An enclosed printer is recommended. Print slowly and use brim or raft to improve bed adhesion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why must Nylon be dried before printing?
Nylon absorbs moisture from the air rapidly. Wet filament causes bubbling, stringing, and weak layer bonds. We dry all nylon filament to ≤0.08% moisture content before every print run.