15 Feb Nylon filament for 3D printing: learning about plastic materials
The second espisode of our little guide to learn about the materials: Nylon plastic filament!
What is Nylon?
Nylon is a synthetic plastic, polyamide, with considerable mechanical properties. It is also used in textile and fabric-like mode for many purposes, from clothing to industry;
Nylon is applicable to FFF / FDM, SLS and SLA printing; one of the most interesting features with respect to this application is the flexibility of the material: nylon, in fact originally used to produce fabrics, is used with additive printing to produce fabrics with characteristics similar to silk.
It is used by many manufacturers all over the world, nylon (polyamide) is known for its impressive durability, high strength / weight ratio, flexibility, low friction and corrosion resistance and ability to withstand significant mechanical stress. Nylon is an excellent choice for 3D printing tools, functional prototypes and end-use components.
It is equipped with particularly interesting mechanical properties, Nylon makes it possible to produce resistant, flexible and long-lasting objects.
Nylon plastic filament requires temperatures that often exceed 250 °. It is particularly sensitive to humidity: the coils must in fact be kept in closed containers, and preferably dehumidified before use. Because of this it tends to warp during printing, and does not require the use of heated floors.
This material is hygroscopic that means that it absorbs liquids: a curious effect of this functionality is that users can leave it in dyes of liquid fabrics and take that color.
Summary of NYLON features:
- Strength: nylon printed models have a strong mechanical strength and less deformation
- Print results: thanks to the self-sealing properties of Nylon, it has a better surface finish
- Versatility: It does not require a heated bed or cooling systems
- Personalization: Ability to make small and large objects equally well, the possibility of dyeing the filament
- Odorless: It does not give off odors and fumes
Why you should choose Nylon?
Nylon plastic filaments can be used successfully in 3D printing. Compared to traditional ABS, nylon has several advantages: greater mechanical resistance of the minute and less tendency to delamination. Thanks to the self-sealing properties of nylon, better surface finish, no heated bed required or cooling systems.
Less deformation and possibility of achieving just as well small and it does not give off odors and fumes.
Discover how to create your custom material with Felfil Evo
Nylon applications
Nylon is an ideal material for the mechanical moving parts: hooks, gears and mechanical components resistant to wear.
Tips and Tricks
Nylon is a hygroscopic material, this means that it easily absorbs water from the air. The Nylon plastic filament must be dried before printing: printing with a non-dry nylon filament could be dysfunctional because of the water in the filament. It infact can explodes causing air bubbles during printing that prevents good adhesion of the layer, also ruining the finish of the print.
Extrusion with Felfil Evo
Our result with Felfil Evo filament extruder:
temperature: 240 °C
rpm: 9
motor duty A: 0,7
drying needed: YES
