Nylon in 3D Printing: A Comprehensive Guide

Nylon in 3D Printing: A Comprehensive Guide



Nylon, also known as Polyamide (PA), is a versatile polymer widely used in the additive manufacturing sector. Whether in powder or filament form, nylon plays a crucial role in technologies like Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Multi Jet Fusion, and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)1. Let’s delve into the world of nylon for 3D printing, exploring its characteristics, applications, and environmental impact.Get more news about pa powder printing,you can vist our website!

Production and Characteristics of Nylon
Nylon made its debut in 1935 as nylon 6.6, developed by chemist Wallace Carothers while working at DuPont. This material, patented in 1937 and commercialized in 1938, remains one of the most widely used polymers today. Its flexibility and resistance make it a staple in the textile industry, even finding its way into women’s stockings in the 190s1.

Two commonly used nylons are PA11 and PA. Interestingly, they differ not only by a single carbon atom but also in their origins. PA11 derives from castor oil, a natural and renewable resource, while PA is petroleum-based. The environmental impact of nylon remains a topic of debate, with users often preferring PA11 due to its skin-friendly properties. However, recycling challenges persist, leading to disposal similar to other plastics1.

In 3D printing, nylon powder can be reused for multiple prints, especially in the HP Multi Jet Fusion process. Approximately 70% of the powder remains unused during printing but gets mixed with new powder to minimize waste1.

Nylon in 3D Printing
When it comes to filaments, nylon (often labeled as PA6) boasts several appealing characteristics. These include flexibility, impact resistance, and abrasion resistance. Its mechanical properties closely resemble those of ABS. However, note that successful 3D printing with nylon requires a heated build plate (around 80°C) to ensure proper adhesion1.

In SLS 3D printing, nylon exists in powder form, selectively sintered by a laser beam. The most commonly used material is polyamide PA powder, which produces functional elements. PA11, characterized by higher tensile strength, is also utilized2. Additionally, HP 3D High Reusability PA 11 (Nylon 11) is engineered for Multi Jet Fusion, creating strong and ductile parts for various industries3.