Nylon PA6 vs TPU
Compare Nylon PA6 and TPU 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
TPU
SThermoplastic Polyurethane
Perfect layer adhesion; extremely impact resistant; nearly indestructible
Detailed Comparison
Property
Nylon PA6
TPU
Tier Rating
Tier B
Tier S
Family
Nylon (PA)
Flexible
Nozzle Temp
240-290°C
200-240°C
Bed Temp
70-110°C
30-60°C
Enclosure
required
not needed
Cooling
Low to moderate
Moderate cooling
Moisture Sensitivity
very high
high
Strengths Comparison
Nylon PA6 Strengths
- Exceptional strength, very strong layer bonding, flexible and durable
- High heat tolerance; low friction for mechanisms
TPU Strengths
- Perfect layer adhesion; extremely impact resistant; nearly indestructible
- Great for combat robots, tactical/rough-use parts
- Rubber-like parts (gaskets, grips, bumpers, wheels)
Considerations
Nylon PA6 Caveats
- Extremely hygroscopic; can waterlog during a print
- Warps strongly; can pull plates off beds
- Over-drying can make it brittle
TPU Caveats
- Slow printing; retraction can cause jams (especially in Bowden setups)
- Stringing is common
- Very moisture sensitive; wet TPU prints poorly
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nylon PA6 or TPU better for 3D printing?
TPU is generally rated higher (Tier S) 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 TPU is best for Perfect layer adhesion; extremely impact resistant; nearly indestructible.
What are the temperature differences between Nylon PA6 and TPU?
Nylon PA6 prints at 240-290°C nozzle / 70-110°C bed. TPU prints at 200-240°C nozzle / 30-60°C bed.
Do Nylon PA6 and TPU need an enclosure?
Nylon PA6: required. TPU: not needed.
Which is more beginner-friendly: Nylon PA6 or TPU?
TPU is more beginner-friendly as it doesn't require an enclosure.