Nylon PA6 vs Nylon PA12
Compare Nylon PA6 and Nylon PA12 filaments side-by-side. See which one is best for your 3D printing project.
Nylon PA6
BPolyamide 6
Exceptional strength, very strong layer bonding, flexible and durable
Nylon PA12
BPolyamide 12
Hotter printing, stiffer than PA6 for precision heavy-duty parts
Detailed Comparison
Property
Nylon PA6
Nylon PA12
Tier Rating
Tier B
Tier B
Family
Nylon (PA)
Nylon (PA)
Nozzle Temp
240-290°C
260-300°C
Bed Temp
70-110°C
80-110°C
Enclosure
required
required
Cooling
Low to moderate
Low cooling
Moisture Sensitivity
very high
very high
Strengths Comparison
Nylon PA6 Strengths
- Exceptional strength, very strong layer bonding, flexible and durable
- High heat tolerance; low friction for mechanisms
Nylon PA12 Strengths
- Hotter printing, stiffer than PA6 for precision heavy-duty parts
Considerations
Nylon PA6 Caveats
- Extremely hygroscopic; can waterlog during a print
- Warps strongly; can pull plates off beds
- Over-drying can make it brittle
Nylon PA12 Caveats
- Warps even more than PA6
- More brittle than PA6; more expensive/harder
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nylon PA6 or Nylon PA12 better for 3D printing?
Nylon PA6 is generally rated higher (Tier B) compared to Nylon PA12 (Tier B). However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: Nylon PA6 is best for Exceptional strength, very strong layer bonding, flexible and durable, while Nylon PA12 is best for Hotter printing, stiffer than PA6 for precision heavy-duty parts.
What are the temperature differences between Nylon PA6 and Nylon PA12?
Nylon PA6 prints at 240-290°C nozzle / 70-110°C bed. Nylon PA12 prints at 260-300°C nozzle / 80-110°C bed.
Do Nylon PA6 and Nylon PA12 need an enclosure?
Nylon PA6: required. Nylon PA12: required.
Which is more beginner-friendly: Nylon PA6 or Nylon PA12?
Neither is particularly beginner-friendly - both typically require an enclosure.