Nylon (PA) 3D Printing
3D-printed nylon offers durability, heat resistance, and good long-term wear resistance
We offer multiple grades of nylons through our selective laser sintering (SLS) and Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) 3D printing processes. These powdered thermoplastic materials build durable parts with mechanical properties suitable for functional prototyping and end-use.
PA 12 White (PA 650): Economical material choice. Strength and stiffness
PA 11 Black (PA 850): Highest elongation at break of all additively manufactured nylons. Uniform deep-black color that showcases features and provides a clean appearance
PA 12 Black: Near isotropic mechanical properties. Economical material choice
PA 12 Mineral-Filled (PA620-MF): Highest stiffness of all additively manufactured nylons. Temperature resistance
PA 12 40% Glass-Filled (PA614-GS): Long term wear resistance and high stiffness
PA 12 40% Glass-Filled Black: Economical material choice. Heat deflection
Compare Nylon 3D Printing Material Properties
| Material | Process | Color | Tensile Strength | Tensile Modulus | Elongation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PA 12 White (PA 650) |
SLS | White | 7.25 ksi | 290 ksi | 11% |
| PA 12 Black | MJF | Black | 7.1 psi | 276 ksi | 8.5% |
| PA 11 Black (PA 850) |
SLS | Black | 7.54 ksi | 261 ksi | 30% |
| PA 12 Mineral-Filled (PA620-MF) | SLS | Light Gray | 5.51 ksi | 450 ksi | 3% |
| PA 12 40% Glass-Filled (PA 614-GS) |
SLS | White | 7.25 ksi | 522 ksi | 5% |
| PA 12 40% Glass-Filled Black | MJF | Black | 4.35 ksi | 508 ksi | 8.5% |
| Material | Process | Color | Tensile Strength | Tensile Modulus | Elongation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PA 12 White (PA 650) |
SLS | White | 50.0 MPa | 2,000 MPa | 11% |
| PA 12 Black | MJF | Black | 49 MPa | 1,900 MPa | 8.5% |
| PA 11 Black (PA 850) |
SLS | Black | 52 MPa | 1,800 MPa | 30% |
| PA 12 Mineral-Filled (Duraform HST) | SLS | Light Gray | 38 MPa | 3,100 MPa | 3% |
| PA 12 40% Glass-Filled (PA 614-GS) |
SLS | White | 50 MPa | 3,600 MPa | 5% |
| PA 12 40% Glass-Filled Black | MJF | Black | 30 MPa | 3,500 MPa | 8.5% |
Guidelines and Tips for Nylon 3D Printing
Wall Thickness: Recommended minimum wall thickness is 0.030 in. (0.762mm) in SLS and 0.020 in. (0.508mm) in MJF.
Channel Gaps: Recommended minimum channel gap sizes of 0.030 in. (0.762mm) for both SLS and MJF.
Knife Edging: Consider designs that have an inset feature, such as a counter-bored hole. Your dimension may drop below the minimum feature size at the distal end of the hole. This could cause a feature that does not properly form, and is instead shortened or round. Ensuring your distal features are at least 0.030 in. (0.762mm) in SLS and 0.020 in. (0.508mm) in MJF will lead to best results.
Part Warpage: The heat that accumulates as a nylon part is sintered or fused together can lead to warpage. Maintaining uniform wall thickness is the most effective way to minimize the likelihood of warping. Filled materials, glass-filled and mineral filled, can also be used when part warping is a concern due to geometry.
Applications for 3D-Printed Nylon
The mechanical properties of 3D-printed nylon makes it a common material for the following applications:
- Jigs and fixtures
- Housings
- Snap fits
- Living hinges
- Gears
- Bearings
Related Resources
How to Design for Nylon 3D Printing
How to Design 3D-Printed Hinges
3D Printing for End-Use Production
