Nylon PA6 vs Carbon Fiber Nylon
Compare Nylon PA6 and Carbon Fiber Nylon 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
Carbon Fiber Nylon
BPA-CF / Nylon-CF
Stiffer than nylon and reduced warping (but still warps a lot)
Detailed Comparison
Property
Nylon PA6
Carbon Fiber Nylon
Tier Rating
Tier B
Tier B
Family
Nylon (PA)
Nylon (PA)
Nozzle Temp
240-290°C
250-290°C
Bed Temp
70-110°C
80-100°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
Carbon Fiber Nylon Strengths
- Stiffer than nylon and reduced warping (but still warps a lot)
Considerations
Nylon PA6 Caveats
- Extremely hygroscopic; can waterlog during a print
- Warps strongly; can pull plates off beds
- Over-drying can make it brittle
Carbon Fiber Nylon Caveats
- Needs high-end printer to realize benefits
- Reduces nylon's low-friction advantage
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nylon PA6 or Carbon Fiber Nylon better for 3D printing?
Nylon PA6 is generally rated higher (Tier B) compared to Carbon Fiber Nylon (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 Carbon Fiber Nylon is best for Stiffer than nylon and reduced warping (but still warps a lot).
What are the temperature differences between Nylon PA6 and Carbon Fiber Nylon?
Nylon PA6 prints at 240-290°C nozzle / 70-110°C bed. Carbon Fiber Nylon prints at 250-290°C nozzle / 80-100°C bed.
Do Nylon PA6 and Carbon Fiber Nylon need an enclosure?
Nylon PA6: required. Carbon Fiber Nylon: required.
Which is more beginner-friendly: Nylon PA6 or Carbon Fiber Nylon?
Neither is particularly beginner-friendly - both typically require an enclosure.