Glass-filled Nylon vs PLA
Compare Glass-filled Nylon and PLA filaments side-by-side so you can pick the right one for your 3D printing project.
Glass-filled Nylon vs PLA: Glass-filled Nylon is known for massively stiffer/tougher/more heat & abrasion resistant than nylon, while PLA is known for easiest to print. PLA is easier to print; Glass-filled Nylon prints at higher nozzle temperatures (260-290°C vs 190-220°C). Choose Glass-filled Nylon for massively stiffer/tougher/more heat & abrasion resistant than nylon, or PLA for easiest to print.
Key differences at a glance
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
Green marks the generally easier or more forgiving option in that row, based on tier, enclosure needs, and moisture sensitivity. It is not always the better choice for a specific job, so weigh it against what your project actually needs.
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