Nylon PA12 vs PETG
Compare Nylon PA12 and PETG 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
PETG
APolyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified
Tougher than PLA, higher temp tolerance, more durable in real-world use
Detailed Comparison
Property
Nylon PA12
PETG
Tier Rating
Tier B
Tier A
Family
Nylon (PA)
PETG
Nozzle Temp
260-300°C
215-270°C
Bed Temp
80-110°C
70-90°C
Enclosure
required
optional
Cooling
Low cooling
Moderate cooling; too much cooling can hurt layer adhesion
Moisture Sensitivity
very high
moderate
Strengths Comparison
Nylon PA12 Strengths
- Hotter printing, stiffer than PA6 for precision heavy-duty parts
PETG Strengths
- Tougher than PLA, higher temp tolerance, more durable in real-world use
- Good clarity and low friction among easy-to-print materials
Considerations
Nylon PA12 Caveats
- Warps even more than PA6
- More brittle than PA6; more expensive/harder
PETG Caveats
- Overhangs/bridges sag; supports can be hard to remove
- Absorbs water fairly quickly
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nylon PA12 or PETG better for 3D printing?
PETG 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 PETG is best for Tougher than PLA, higher temp tolerance, more durable in real-world use.
What are the temperature differences between Nylon PA12 and PETG?
Nylon PA12 prints at 260-300°C nozzle / 80-110°C bed. PETG prints at 215-270°C nozzle / 70-90°C bed.
Do Nylon PA12 and PETG need an enclosure?
Nylon PA12: required. PETG: optional.
Which is more beginner-friendly: Nylon PA12 or PETG?
PETG is more beginner-friendly as it doesn't require an enclosure.