Glass-filled Nylon vs PLA
Compare Glass-filled Nylon and PLA filaments side-by-side. See which one is best for your 3D printing project.
Glass-filled Nylon
SPA-GF / GFPA
Massively stiffer/tougher/more heat & abrasion resistant than nylon
PLA
APolylactic Acid
Easiest to print, cheap, widely available, fast, good bridges/overhangs, easy support removal
Detailed Comparison
Property
Glass-filled Nylon
PLA
Tier Rating
Tier S
Tier A
Family
Nylon (PA)
PLA
Nozzle Temp
260-290°C
185-235°C
Bed Temp
80-100°C
50-60°C
Enclosure
required
not needed
Cooling
Low cooling
High part cooling usually beneficial
Moisture Sensitivity
very high
moderate
Strengths Comparison
Glass-filled Nylon Strengths
- Massively stiffer/tougher/more heat & abrasion resistant than nylon
- Warping reduced enough to be fairly easy to print (with correct setup)
- Viable alternative to machined aluminum for some parts
PLA Strengths
- Easiest to print, cheap, widely available, fast, good bridges/overhangs, easy support removal
- Stiff non-composite thermoplastic, good tensile strength
Considerations
Glass-filled Nylon Caveats
- Higher print temps; hardware wear if not equipped
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 Glass-filled Nylon or PLA better for 3D printing?
Glass-filled Nylon is generally rated higher (Tier S) compared to PLA (Tier A). However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: Glass-filled Nylon is best for Massively stiffer/tougher/more heat & abrasion resistant than nylon, while PLA is best for Easiest to print, cheap, widely available, fast, good bridges/overhangs, easy support removal.
What are the temperature differences between Glass-filled Nylon and PLA?
Glass-filled Nylon prints at 260-290°C nozzle / 80-100°C bed. PLA prints at 185-235°C nozzle / 50-60°C bed.
Do Glass-filled Nylon and PLA need an enclosure?
Glass-filled Nylon: required. PLA: not needed.
Which is more beginner-friendly: Glass-filled Nylon or PLA?
PLA is more beginner-friendly as it doesn't require an enclosure.