Nylon filament is a strong and durable type of filament with similar properties to that of ABS or PLA.
Everybody that owns a 3D printer is surely familiar with the two most widely used and popular filaments on the market, ABS and PLA.
If you, like most others who own a 3d printer have printed with PLA, you will already be aware of how strong this filament is. On the other hand, you will also be aware of how brittle this material can be. It is not a plastic that enjoys being left out in high temperatures.
If you, like most others who have printed with PLA, you might have already experimented with ABS which is another strong and durable filament. In fact, it is stronger than PLA but it doesn’t do well when it is being served for functional parts.
As you can see, these two filaments are both similar but very different.
Introducing the next strongest, useful filament… nylon.
Nylon filament, similar to ABS and PLA is one extremely strong and versatile plastic. Nylon is a plastic that is very flexible when it is thin but gradually becomes more and more stronger with each layer added to it.
Nylon serves its purpose well when it is used for mechanical objects such as door hinges.
Below we have listed some information regarding nylon filament and how to make the most out of it if you decide to use it for your next print.
Nylon Filament Needs to be as Dry as Possible.
Nylon needs to be kept as dry as possible. Nylon is a plastic that absorbs water from the air and very quickly too. It is able to absorb more than 10% of its weight in water in under 24 hours.
If you want to ensure a successful print using nylon filament, it is important that the filament is as dry as it can be because the water that has been absorbed in the filament is likely to explode and causes air bubbles which are more than likely going to weaken your model.
Nylon is meant to have a smooth and glossy finish. This can only be achieved with dry nylon filament. If your nylon is wet and you want to get it as dry as you can as quick as you can, then it is recommended that you put it inside an oven with a temperature around 71 degrees Celsius for a few hours.
In order to keep your nylon as dry as possible, it is a good idea for you to think about storing it in an airtight container to avoid letting moisture get in and make it wet all over again.
Nylon can Warp
Just like ABS, Nylon can become a victim of warping. We found this method to be a good way of avoiding potential disaster.
When printing nylon on glass, a heated bed is important. A PVA based glue stick applied to the bed is one of the best methods of bed adhesion. Glue Sticks are cheap and easily obtainable from any supermarket, warehouse or office supplier.
We believe that a bed heated to 75 degrees Celsius, with a minimal layer of glue applied in a cross-hatch pattern works best.
Recommended Printing Temperatures
240°C – 260°C Extruder Temperature filament types may vary so be sure to check with your manufacturer to find the best printing temperature for your particular brand of filament.
55-65°C Bed Temperature
70-80°C Bed Temperature with PVA Glue
Where can I find Nylon Filament?
As well as the supplier of various filament types, Go 3D also supplies nylon filament of high quality. Currently, there are three colour variants being black, white and natural. You are also able to test out our samples before committing yourself to a full roll of filament.
Nylon filament is a great choice if you are wanting to switch it up from the use of PLA and ABS to see just how useful and versatile it can be for you.
Until then, Happy Printing!
