PA

🧪 Material Properties

• High strength and toughness: Stronger than PLA and ABS for demanding mechanical parts.

• Flexible yet durable: Slightly bendable without breaking.

• Low friction: Excellent for moving parts and wear-resistant components.

• Self-lubricating: Good for gears and sliding surfaces.

🔧 Printing Characteristics

• Print temperature: 240–270°C (varies by blend).

• Heated bed: 60–90°C.

• Enclosure recommended: Reduces warping and helps with layer adhesion.

• Prone to warping: Needs good bed adhesion (use glue, Magigoo, or Garolite).

• Very hygroscopic: Absorbs moisture rapidly—must be dried before use.

🧱 Mechanical Properties

• High impact resistance: Ideal for functional and load-bearing parts.

• Excellent tensile strength: Can withstand stress without snapping.

• Good fatigue resistance: Suitable for parts under repeated movement or stress.

• Flexible grades available: Some blends are stiffer, others more bendable.

🌡️ Environmental Resistance

• Moisture-sensitive: Must be stored in dry containers or filament dryers.

• Moderate heat resistance: Glass transition ~50°C, but functional range higher.

• Resistant to chemicals and abrasion: Works well in harsh environments.

• Not UV stable: Degrades with prolonged sunlight exposure unless treated or filled.

✅ Common Applications

• Mechanical parts (gears, hinges)

• Functional prototypes

• Automotive and aerospace components

• Tooling jigs and fixtures

• Structural brackets

There are many Nylon subtypes, including:

• PA6 and PA66: Stronger, more heat-resistant.

• PA12: Less warping, better dimensional stability.

• PA-CF (carbon fiber reinforced): Stiffer, stronger, less flexible.