Nylon PA6 vs PETG
Compare Nylon PA6 and PETG 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
PETG
APolyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified
Tougher than PLA, higher temp tolerance, more durable in real-world use
Detailed Comparison
Property
Nylon PA6
PETG
Tier Rating
Tier B
Tier A
Family
Nylon (PA)
PETG
Nozzle Temp
240-290°C
215-270°C
Bed Temp
70-110°C
70-90°C
Enclosure
required
optional
Cooling
Low to moderate
Moderate cooling; too much cooling can hurt layer adhesion
Moisture Sensitivity
very high
moderate
Strengths Comparison
Nylon PA6 Strengths
- Exceptional strength, very strong layer bonding, flexible and durable
- High heat tolerance; low friction for mechanisms
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 PA6 Caveats
- Extremely hygroscopic; can waterlog during a print
- Warps strongly; can pull plates off beds
- Over-drying can make it brittle
PETG Caveats
- Overhangs/bridges sag; supports can be hard to remove
- Absorbs water fairly quickly
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nylon PA6 or PETG better for 3D printing?
PETG is generally rated higher (Tier A) compared to Nylon PA6 (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 PETG is best for Tougher than PLA, higher temp tolerance, more durable in real-world use.
What are the temperature differences between Nylon PA6 and PETG?
Nylon PA6 prints at 240-290°C nozzle / 70-110°C bed. PETG prints at 215-270°C nozzle / 70-90°C bed.
Do Nylon PA6 and PETG need an enclosure?
Nylon PA6: required. PETG: optional.
Which is more beginner-friendly: Nylon PA6 or PETG?
PETG is more beginner-friendly as it doesn't require an enclosure.