Nylon (polyamide, or PA) is an engineering plastic used in gears, zip ties, and machine parts. It's very tough, slightly flexible, and naturally slippery, so it handles wear and friction better than most 3D printing materials.
What Nylon is good at
- Extremely tough: Bends before it breaks and survives repeated stress.
- Wear resistant and low friction: Ideal for gears, bearings, and sliding parts.
- Chemical resistant: Handles oils, greases, and fuels well.
- Heat resistant: Better than PLA and PETG; exact limits depend on the type of nylon.
Where it falls short
- Absorbs moisture: Nylon soaks up water from the air, which can change its size and stiffness slightly.
- Harder to print: Needs dry storage, high temperatures, and experience.
- Plain finish: Usually a natural or plain colour with a slightly rough surface.
Is Nylon right for my project?
It's usually a good fit if your item:
- moves, slides, or rubs against other parts
- must be very tough
- will be around oil or fuel
For extra stiffness, ask about carbon fibre-filled nylon. For batches of strong nylon parts, SLS/MJF nylon is often the best option.
Common questions
Is nylon stronger than PLA? Nylon is much tougher and more durable. PLA is stiffer but brittle.
Why is nylon a paid-only material on Nozzlet? Printing nylon well takes specialized equipment and experience, so it's listed by established shops.
Find Nylon near you
Ready to get something made? Find shops that offer Nylon near you, or upload your file for a quote. Not sure which material to choose? Choose by what you're making or ask a local shop.