Nylon

Nylon (polyamide, or PA) is an engineering thermoplastic with excellent mechanical and thermal resistance, suited to functional technical parts.

Why it matters

Nylon is tough and resists abrasion. Prusa says it is flexible in thin layers while still strong in large volumes, which is why it appears in functional parts that rub or take repeated load.

It is difficult to print, and Prusa recommends it for experienced users only. Its profile uses a nozzle at 285 °C and a bed at 110 °C. The main flaw of pure nylon is warping, and an enclosure helps a lot. Carbon-fibre-filled grades warp much less, so some can print without one.

Nylon is strongly hygroscopic. Prusa says that, stored badly, it can absorb water up to 10% of its own weight. Wet nylon makes bubbles and uneven layers, so dry it before printing, at least 4 hours below 90 °C, and keep it airtight with desiccant.

Nylon also gives off a strong odour and possibly ultrafine particles, so print in a ventilated room or enclosure. Many nylon blends are sold with carbon fibre.

See every nylon spool in the UAE and in Saudi Arabia.