Nylon (FDM)

Polyamide (PA) or nylon is a thermoplastic with remarkable chemical and abrasion resistance. It also has excellent mechanical properties perfect for functional applications (e.g. functional parts and functional prototypes).
Nylon mjf
minimum lead time
2 days

Minimum lead time

price range
Medium

Price range

Tolerance
± 0.3% (with lower limit on ± 0.2)

Tolerances

layer height
100 - 300

Layer Height

wall thickness
0.8mmmm

Wall Thickness

max part size
50 x 50 x 50

Max. Part Size

Pros

Nylon has three remarkable strengths. First, it has high impact resistance. It can stand impacts from situation like it was dropped or when parts are constantly banging together. Second is that it is resistant to abrasion. Nylon is an ideal material for when it is used in applications with moving parts because its low reaction to friction. And lastly, nylon is very flexible especially when produced in thinner geometries. It can be twisted and flexed repeatedly without fracturing or breaking the material.

Cons

Along with its advantages, using Nylon also has its disadvantages. It is not suitable to be used for heightened temperature applications. Once it breaks, it will have sharp edges. Lastly, it is colorless (white or black for SLS and black or gray for MJF).

Applications

PA 12 is used for functional parts that require high fatigue strength. This is mainly because it has better mechanical properties than ABS, and has excellent resistance to chemicals and abrasion.

Markforged, a manufacturer of 3D printing systems based in Massachusetts, has its own thermoplastic nylon called Onyx. It is a thermoplastic filled with chopped carbon fiber that is very stiff and can produce durable prints. Its micro-carbon reinforcement makes it twice as strong as ABS.
PA 6 is an excellent material for additive manufactured tools, prototypes, and production parts. It is has exceptional qualities because it is altogether strong and tough just like the Nylon 6, and is durable and dependable like FDM.

Did you know?

The very first product that was made from nylon were toothbrush bristles. It was almost exactly one year after it was patented on February 16, 1937 by Wallace Carothers. Soon after its first appearance in the market, it started being used in food packaging, car engines. clothing, fishing line, and in 3D printing.

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