Nylon is a strong, versatile material that has many applications in both the industrial and consumer worlds. It can be used to create prototypes or even final products, making it an ideal choice for a variety of purposes. So what 3D printers can print nylon?
The Pulse XE – NylonX is specifically designed to be able to print out nylon components for prototypes, models, and even final products. It is also capable of printing a variety of other materials, including ABS and PLA.
Other popular 3D printers that are suited to print nylon are:
- LulzBot Taz 6
- Qidi Tech X-Plus
- Ultimaker S5
- Dremel Digilab 3D40 Flex
- Velleman Vertex 3D K8400
- Prusa i3 MK3S
But as more and more manufacturers are realizing the potential of 3D printing to create prototypes, models, and final products, there has been a surge in the development of specialized 3D printers that can handle nylon materials.
Which Printing Technologies are Suitable for Printing with Nylon?
Nylon is a popular material for 3D printing as it is strong, durable, and resistant to abrasion, making it ideal for prototypes and end-use parts. Nylon parts can be 3D printed with FDM using nylon filament or with SLS or MJF using nylon powder.
Printing Nylon with SLS (Selective Laser Sintering)
SLS uses nylon powders, such as PA 11 and PA 12. Glass fibers, aluminum, and carbon fibers are typically used for reinforcing PA powders. SLS allows for the reuse of up to 70% of the unsintered powder used as support for sintered parts. However, it is expensive. The powder for a desktop SLS printer costs about $60 per kilogram.
Speed and Accuracy of Nylon Printing with MJF (Multi Jet Fusion)
Hewlett Packard developed the MJF technology, a unique powder sintering process, in 2016. MJF is similar to SLS and binder jetting. SLS and MJF machines can both produce some impressive details, but MJF machines can do so more quickly and with greater detail.
What Makes Printing Nylon with Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) so Difficult?
- You may need to include support structures.
- You can reduce warping by preheating your platform, turning off your printer’s cooling fans, or using an enclosure or a heated chamber on your printer.
- A metal hot end and a bed that can reach up to 65°C are essential to your printer.
FAQ
Can 3D printers print nylon
Yes. 3D printers can print nylon. Nylon is a popular material for 3D printing as it is strong, durable, and resistant to abrasion, making it ideal for prototypes and end-use parts.
Can the Ender 3 max print nylon
Not right out of the box. But it is possible to successfully print Nylon on Ender 3 – you’ll want the hotend to withstand at least 250°C. You must upgrade your Ender 3 with an all-metal hot end if you want to print at temperatures above 240°C (extrusion temperature).
Can the Ender 6 print nylon
Ender 6 is not rated for advanced materials, only PLA, according to customer service. Also, the extruder is rated for only 260 degrees Celsius, and the bed for only 100 degrees Celsius. So the answer is no.
What does it take to print nylon
To extrude nylon filament, extruder temperatures need to be near 250°C. If printing nylon, enclosures are highly recommended. The high melting point of nylon makes it susceptible to warping. The enclosure reduces the chance of warping while providing Nylon with the constant, ambient temperature that it needs.
Is 3D printed nylon flexible?
Yes. Nylon is an impact- and abrasion-resistant material that is tough and semi-flexible. For durable parts, Nylon is an excellent choice.
Can you print nylon with Prusa i3
Yes, you can. First, you must dry the nylon filament, regardless of whether it’s fresh from a vacuum bag. Be sure to pre-heat the nozzle and bed for 5-10 minutes before printing
Is nylon stronger than PETG?
No. PETG is stronger than nylon, but nylon is better at abrasion resistance and has a lower coefficient of friction.
Which is stronger nylon or ABS
Despite its greater chemical resistance, nylon has a lower strength and stiffness than ABS. It also doesn’t have the same mechanical properties as ABS.
Can an Ender 3 V2 print nylon?
Not right out of the box. Although it is possible to successfully print nylon on Ender 3 – you will need a hotend that can withstand temperatures of at least 250°C. If you intend to print at temperatures exceeding 240°C (extrusion temperature), you will need to upgrade your Ender 3 to an all-metal hot end.
Is 3D printing nylon toxic?
Yes. 3D printing nylon produces a toxic gas. The result of printing ABS and nylon is a toxic gas known as styrene, that can cause nausea, headaches, fatigue, etc.
Is 3D printed nylon waterproof?
3D printed nylon is water-resistant but not waterproof. The 3D printed object should not be exposed to water for prolonged periods of time
Can all 3D printers print nylon?
No. Not all 3D printers can print nylon. The reason for that is that nylon requires higher temperatures to melt. Most consumer 3D printers cannot achieve those temperatures.
Is nylon easy to print?
Nylon is easy to print with the right equipment. You need a hotend that can withstand temperatures of at least 250°C. However, it may require some practice to get good results.
Conclusion
Nylon is a strong and durable material that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as creating prototypes or even final products. So what 3D printers can print nylon? While not all 3D printers can print nylon, those that can are able to produce objects made from this versatile material. To get the best results when printing with nylon, use a printer specifically made for this purpose, make sure your filament is dry, and use an enclosure to keep the temperature consistent. With a little practice, you’ll be able to produce high-quality 3D prints.
