Comparing 3D Printed Nylon Materials
The 3D printing market has rapidly expanded from its humble
origins, and the technology is evolving at a breakneck pace. From small, costly
machines to industrial-grade operations, 3D printing hardware continues to be
refined, though at a much more gradual pace. The next major frontier for the
industry is improving the materials we use to create more resistant, flexible,
and usable parts and components.
One of the more interesting developments in recent years is
the introduction of 3D printable nylon, which delivers several noteworthy benefits
and can be combined with other ingredients to create better products from the
printing process.
Nylon is more hygroscopic than other printable materials, making it easier to cover with fabric dye or spray paint, and it provides a valuable blend of strength and flexibility. Today, it’s used in common applications such as cable ties, screws, bolts, nuts, and even plastic gears for machines. However, it does require higher temperatures for printing than other plastics, making it more specialized in terms of use.
FDM Nylon 12CF (carbon filled) features the highest strength-to-weight ratio and stiffness of any FDM material. What Printing Methods is Nylon Good For?
A major benefit of using nylon in printing is that it allows
for a variety of printing methods.
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM): This is one of the more common printing methods and uses nylon filament threads as the input. With FDM, it’s easy to print and create prototypes, though nylon’s moisture-absorbing properties make it harder to create smooth finishes. To get the best results, the filament should be dried before use to avoid moisture affecting the print.
MultiJet Fusion (MJF): This method uses powder-based materials but instead of lasers, it uses selective heating and several jets that can be moved to specific areas as needed for the print. This reduces the need for extensive drying of materials, but it still requires a relatively moisture-free space to obtain the best results.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS): SLS allows for precision and can use several types of nylon as well as composite materials. This method supports highly complex builds but thermal distortion can be a problem, leading to shrinking and warping.
What are the Types of 3D-Printed Nylon Materials?
When it comes down to selecting the right nylon variant for
printing, there are a few main types to consider based on your needs:
Nylon 11: also known as Polyamide 11 (or PA 11), this type of nylon is known for its flexibility and impact strength. This makes it ideal for aerospace parts, as well as printing ducts and tubing in motor sports and construction work. PA 11 is also preferred sometimes due to its low moisture absorbance, making it easier to work with.
Nylon 12: One of the biggest...
