Nylon (PA) Filament: Complete Print Settings and Tips Guide
Nylon is one of the strongest, toughest, and most versatile 3D printing materials — and one of the most demanding to print. This guide covers everything from moisture control to the exact settings you need.
Nylon (polyamide, or PA) is what engineers reach for when they need parts that can take real punishment. Gears, hinges, cable ties, functional brackets, snap-fit assemblies — these are the applications where nylon shines and PLA or PETG simply isn't strong enough.
Why Print Nylon?
| Property | Nylon PA6 | Nylon PA12 | PLA (comparison) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | ~80 MPa | ~50 MPa | ~50 MPa |
| Impact resistance | Excellent | Very Good | Poor |
| Heat resistance | ~180°C | ~150°C | ~60°C |
| Flexibility | High | Very High | Low |
| Moisture sensitivity | Very High | High | Low |
| Print difficulty | Hard | Moderate | Easy |
Nylon is the go-to material when you need parts that flex without breaking, survive high temperatures, resist impacts, or operate in mechanical assemblies with moving parts.
The Moisture Problem
Nylon absorbs moisture faster than any other common filament. PA6 left open in moderate humidity (50%) can absorb enough moisture to visibly affect print quality within a few hours.
Symptoms of wet nylon:
- Extreme stringing
- Bubbles and craters on surfaces
- Brittle parts that snap along layer lines
- Popping and crackling sounds from the nozzle
Solution: Dry at 80°C for 8–12 hours (PA6) or 70°C for 6–8 hours (PA12). Print from inside a sealed dry box — moisture reabsorbs faster than you print in humid conditions.
Printer Requirements
All-metal hotend (required): Nylon requires 240–270°C. Any PTFE-lined hotend is limited to ~240°C before the PTFE degrades. You need an all-metal hotend.
Heated bed (required): 70–90°C minimum to prevent warping.
Enclosure (strongly recommended): Temperature gradients cause warping and delamination. A 40–50°C chamber temperature dramatically improves results.
Bed surface: Garolite (G10/FR4) is the gold standard for nylon adhesion. PEI + glue stick works reasonably well. Avoid bare glass.
Nylon Print Settings
| Setting | PA6 | PA12 |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle temp | 240–260°C | 230–250°C |
| Bed temp | 70–90°C | 60–80°C |
| Print speed | 30–50 mm/s | 40–60 mm/s |
| Cooling fan | Off or minimal | 25–50% |
| Retraction (direct) | 0.5–1 mm | 0.5–1.5 mm |
| Retraction (Bowden) | 3–5 mm | 3–5 mm |
Always use a brim — 5–10mm. Even with good bed adhesion, nylon corners can warp and peel. Use 4–5 walls for maximum part strength.
Applications Where Nylon Excels
- Gears and pulleys — self-lubricating, wear-resistant
- Snap-fit assemblies — flexes repeatedly without breaking
- Cable ties and clamps — classic nylon application
- Tool handles and grips — impact resistance and comfort
- Hinges and living hinges — excellent fatigue resistance
- Structural brackets — high strength-to-weight ratio
Browse nylon-compatible printer settings in our Settings database.