Nylon PA12 vs PLA
Compare Nylon PA12 and PLA filaments side-by-side. See which one is best for your 3D printing project.
Nylon PA12
BPolyamide 12
Hotter printing, stiffer than PA6 for precision heavy-duty parts
PLA
APolylactic Acid
Easiest to print, cheap, widely available, fast, good bridges/overhangs, easy support removal
Detailed Comparison
Property
Nylon PA12
PLA
Tier Rating
Tier B
Tier A
Family
Nylon (PA)
PLA
Nozzle Temp
260-300°C
185-235°C
Bed Temp
80-110°C
50-60°C
Enclosure
required
not needed
Cooling
Low cooling
High part cooling usually beneficial
Moisture Sensitivity
very high
moderate
Strengths Comparison
Nylon PA12 Strengths
- Hotter printing, stiffer than PA6 for precision heavy-duty parts
PLA Strengths
- Easiest to print, cheap, widely available, fast, good bridges/overhangs, easy support removal
- Stiff non-composite thermoplastic, good tensile strength
Considerations
Nylon PA12 Caveats
- Warps even more than PA6
- More brittle than PA6; more expensive/harder
PLA Caveats
- Creeps under sustained load
- Poor heat resistance, UV degradation, can shatter on drops
- Not great for sanding/gluing/painting/touch-ups
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nylon PA12 or PLA better for 3D printing?
PLA is generally rated higher (Tier A) compared to Nylon PA12 (Tier B). However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: Nylon PA12 is best for Hotter printing, stiffer than PA6 for precision heavy-duty parts, while PLA is best for Easiest to print, cheap, widely available, fast, good bridges/overhangs, easy support removal.
What are the temperature differences between Nylon PA12 and PLA?
Nylon PA12 prints at 260-300°C nozzle / 80-110°C bed. PLA prints at 185-235°C nozzle / 50-60°C bed.
Do Nylon PA12 and PLA need an enclosure?
Nylon PA12: required. PLA: not needed.
Which is more beginner-friendly: Nylon PA12 or PLA?
PLA is more beginner-friendly as it doesn't require an enclosure.