{"id":19543,"date":"2026-06-12T00:05:36","date_gmt":"2026-06-11T22:05:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.3dnatives.com\/en\/?p=19543"},"modified":"2026-08-17T15:19:24","modified_gmt":"2026-08-17T13:19:24","slug":"nylon-3d-printing-guide-120320204","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.3dnatives.com\/en\/nylon-3d-printing-guide-120320204\/","title":{"rendered":"All You Need to Know About Nylon for 3D Printing"},"content":{"rendered":"

3D printing nylon<\/b> (polyamide) is a strong, stretchy artificial material made from synthetic polymers. Often fashioned into bristles, fabric, or sheets, and used especially in textiles and plastics, it is one of the most widely used polymers in the additive manufacturing sector, with popularity growing. The global market valuation for nylon 3D printing filament is projected to reach $7.82 billion by the end of 2034<\/strong>, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 18.8%, according to DiReports. This thermoplastic<\/a> is available in powder or filament form for technologies such as SLS<\/a>, Multi Jet Fusion<\/a> or FDM<\/a>. These plastics are classified according to their chemical composition, according to the number of carbon atoms they contain.<\/p>\n

The most well-known on the 3D printing market are undoubtedly PA12 and PA11, as well as PA6 for FDM. What are the characteristics of nylon when used for 3D printing? What are the applications? And who are the manufacturers? Find out more in our complete guide below!<\/p>\n

How is Nylon Produced, and What Are Its Characteristics?<\/h2>\n

Nylon first appeared in 1935 in the form of nylon 6.6. It was developed by Wallace Carothers who then worked for the chemist DuPont. This first material was patented in 1937, commercialized in 1938 and remains the most widely used today. Nylon is mainly found in the textile industry thanks to its flexibility and resistance. It was used in 1940 for the first time in the production of women’s stockings. Even in 3D printing, one of the most interesting characteristics of this material is its flexibility. Nylon 6, on the other hand, was first produced by Paul Schlack in the laboratories of IG Farben and patented in 1941. All other forms of nylon came later.<\/p>\n

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Nylon 6.6 (Photo Credits: BASF)<\/p><\/div>\n

In addition to those already mentioned, two other types of nylon are widely used in the industry: PA11 and PA12<\/a>. They are distinguishable only by a single carbon atom, but have very different origins. PA11 is made from castor oil, a natural and renewable resource, while PA12 is made from petroleum. PA11 is considered a more sustainable alternative due to its biosourced origin, however, it’s not biodegradable. Like other polyamides, it must be sorted in a specialized collection system before being processed for recycling.<\/p>\n

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Nylon powder is widely used in additive manufacturing (Photo Credits: Materialise)<\/p><\/div>\n

Nylon in 3D Printing<\/h2>\n

If we look at filaments<\/strong>, nylon is most often available with 6 carbon atoms, more commonly called PA6. It is a filament that has many interesting characteristics, including great flexibility, resistance to impact or abrasion. Additionally, its mechanical properties are quite close to ABS<\/span><\/a>. However, note that nylon will require the presence of a heated plate inside the 3D printer<\/span><\/a> (that can reach around 80\u00b0C) due to adhesion issues. It will also be necessary to take care of storage because it quickly absorbs the surrounding humidity (hygroscopic material) which could impact printing later.<\/p>\n

In terms of extrusion temperature, the 3D printer will have to rise to 250\u00b0C, or even 220\u00b0C for certain types of nylon. Nylon filaments are a good alternative to polycarbonate, as they are easier to print, more durable and ideal for printing parts requiring strength.<\/span><\/p>\n

When it comes to powder<\/strong>, the most commonly used Nylon is PA12. It is favored for its offers very high mechanical and thermal properties: it is extremely rigid, strong even at very low temperatures, stress resistant and has low moisture. In addition, it is easy to post-process (paint, dye, etc.). PA11 is also available in powder form and shares many of the same characteristics as PA12, but with some important differences. It has better thermal stability, light and UV resistance, and good elasticity.<\/p>\n

Parts printed with PA11 also have greater durability, making it an ideal material for producing functional prototypes or final parts with important mechanical properties. It is important to note, however, that PA11 absorbs more moisture than PA12.<\/p>\n

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Parts printed with Prusament PA11 Carbon Fiber Black 800g. (Photo Credits: Prusa Research)<\/p><\/div>\n

When it comes to 3D printing, it is important to note that nylon in powder form can be reused for multiple prints. In particular, the HP Multi Jet Fusion process is known to use polyamides such as PA12 and PA11, and to have a higher refresh rate compared to SLS technology. About 70% of the powder is not used during 3D printing, but is mixed with new powder to minimize waste.<\/p>\n

Applications for Nylon 3D Printing<\/h2>\n

Nylon is a very versatile material. Its flexibility and strength make it ideal for automotive applications, such as the manufacture of friction and deformation resistant parts. It is also used in the manufacture of gears, hinges, and as a replacement for certain plastics used in injection molding. Additionally, it is biocompatible, which means that it can be used to manufacture prostheses and other parts that will be in contact with the skin. Finally, it is a non-abrasive material, which makes it ideal for high use items and interior parts that tend to wear. It can also be easily painted to give it a more attractive appearance.<\/p>\n

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A part that has been 3D printed with PA12 (Photo Credits: Sculpteo)<\/p><\/div>\n

The Main Manufacturers and Material Price<\/h2>\n

Nylon filaments (FDM\/FFF)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Major manufacturers of nylon filaments now include Volumic, Polymaker, 3DXTech, and Fiberlogy, as well as machine manufacturers such as Prusa and Stratasys. Nylon can be reinforced with carbon fiber or fiberglass for a higher-performance composite material. For a classic spool (500 grams, 1.75 mm diameter) you should count between $20 and $40 depending on the brand; composite variants climb to $60-150 or more depending on the reinforcement and performance grade.<\/p>\n

Nylon powders (SLS\/MJF)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

As far as nylon powder is concerned, PA11 and PA12 are the two dominant grades. The French chemical group Arkema remains the largest producer of PA11 powder, marketed as Rilsan PA11, a polymer it has produced since the 1950s. For PA12, Arkema and Evonik are the main powder producers, while machine makers EOS, 3D Systems and Farsoon offer their own PA12 powders. Forward AM, formerly BASF’s additive manufacturing division before its spin-out as an independent company, produces PA6 powder (alongside its own PA11 filament line). Formlabs also produces nylon powder for its own SLS systems.<\/p>\n

There are also polyamide powders filled with carbon fiber, Kevlar or glass beads for higher-performance applications. The price of one kg of PA11 or PA12, standard or reinforced, generally falls in the $50-100 range depending on the composition.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credits: HP<\/p><\/div>\n

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Frequently Asked Questions about 3D Printing Nylon<\/h2>\n

Can nylon be 3D printed?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yes. Nylon (polyamide) is one of the most widely used materials in additive manufacturing, available in both filament and powder form. As a filament, it is most commonly used as PA6 for FDM\/FFF printing. As a powder, PA12 and PA11 are the dominant grades for SLS and Multi Jet Fusion. Its combination of flexibility, strength and impact resistance makes it a popular alternative to materials like ABS and polycarbonate.<\/p>\n

How do you 3D print with nylon?<\/strong><\/p>\n

For FDM printing, nylon filament requires a heated bed (around 80\u00b0C) to prevent adhesion issues, along with an extrusion temperature of around 220-250\u00b0C depending on the specific grade. Because nylon is hygroscopic, it absorbs moisture from the air quickly, so proper dry storage before and during printing is essential to avoid print quality problems. For powder-based processes like SLS and Multi Jet Fusion, PA12 and PA11 powders are used; MJF in particular allows a high proportion of unused powder (around 70%) to be mixed with fresh material and reused in later prints.<\/p>\n

How strong is 3D printed nylon?<\/strong><\/p>\n

3D printed nylon is known for excellent mechanical strength, particularly its flexibility, impact resistance and abrasion resistance. PA12 powder offers high mechanical and thermal properties, remaining rigid and strong even at low temperatures with low moisture absorption. PA11 offers greater durability along with better thermal stability, light and UV resistance, and good elasticity, though it absorbs more moisture than PA12. These properties make nylon suitable for functional prototypes and end-use parts subject to mechanical stress.<\/p>\n

What is the difference between PA11 and PA12 nylon?<\/strong><\/p>\n

PA11 and PA12<\/a> differ by a single carbon atom but come from very different sources. PA11 is made from castor oil, a natural and renewable resource, making it a more sustainable, bio-sourced option, though it is not biodegradable. PA12 is petroleum-based. In terms of performance, PA11 offers greater durability, better thermal stability and UV resistance, while PA12 is more rigid, has lower moisture absorption and is easier to post-process.<\/p>\n

What are the main applications of 3D printed nylon?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nylon’s flexibility and strength make it well suited to automotive parts that must resist friction and deformation, as well as gears, hinges and injection-molding replacement parts. It is also biocompatible, allowing use in prostheses and other skin-contact applications, and its non-abrasive, paintable surface makes it a good choice for high-use items and interior parts subject to wear.<\/p>\n

How much does 3D printing nylon cost?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nylon filament typically costs between $20 and $40 for a classic 500 gram, 1.75 mm spool, depending on the brand, with reinforced composite variants (carbon fiber or fiberglass filled) climbing to $60-150 or more depending on the grade. Nylon powder for SLS and Multi Jet Fusion generally costs $50-100 per kilogram, whether standard PA11\/PA12 or reinforced with fillers like carbon fiber, Kevlar or glass beads.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Have you used nylon for 3D printing?\u00a0Let us know in a comment below or on our Facebook<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0LinkedIn<\/a>\u00a0pages!\u00a0Don\u2019t forget to sign up for our free weekly\u00a0Newsletter<\/a>, with all the latest news in 3D printing delivered straight to your inbox!<\/p>\n

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3D printing nylon (polyamide) is a strong, stretchy artificial material made from synthetic polymers. Often fashioned into bristles, fabric, or sheets, and used especially in textiles and plastics, it is one of the most widely used polymers in the additive…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6064,"featured_media":19554,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19543","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-materials","category-news"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.3dnatives.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19543","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.3dnatives.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.3dnatives.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.3dnatives.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6064"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.3dnatives.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19543"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.3dnatives.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19543\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":71602,"href":"https:\/\/www.3dnatives.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19543\/revisions\/71602"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.3dnatives.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19554"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.3dnatives.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19543"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.3dnatives.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19543"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.3dnatives.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19543"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}