Nylon PA6 Filament
Polyamide 6
B
Good but situational
Also known as:Polyamide 6PA6PA-VI
Family:Nylon (PA)Why Use Nylon PA6?
- Exceptional strength, very strong layer bonding, flexible and durable
- High heat tolerance; low friction for mechanisms
Things to Consider
- Extremely hygroscopic; can waterlog during a print
- Warps strongly; can pull plates off beds
- Over-drying can make it brittle
Safety & Ventilation
- Print Nylon PA6 in a well ventilated area. Higher-temperature materials like this can release fumes and fine particles while printing. An enclosure improves print quality and helps contain fumes, but it is not a substitute for fresh air, so vent the enclosure or run an air filter and avoid an unventilated occupied room.
Polyamide Family Compared: PPA, PPA-CF, PA6, PA12 and PA612
These are all nylons. PPA is a semi-aromatic polyamide, meaning aromatic rings sit in the polymer backbone, while PA6, PA12 and PA612 are fully aliphatic. That difference is why PPA runs hotter and stays dimensionally stable in humid air, and why it is the hardest of the group to print.
| Property | PPAPolyphthalamide | PPA-CFCarbon-fiber PPA | PA6Nylon 6 | PA12Nylon 12 | PA612Nylon 612 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | Very high | Excellent | High | Good | High |
| Stiffness | Very high | Excellent | High | Moderate | High |
| Moisture resistance | Very good | Very good | Fair | Excellent | Very good |
| Heat resistance | Excellent | Excellent | High | Moderate | Good |
| Print difficulty | Very high | Very high | High | Moderate | Moderate to high |
| Typical nozzle temp | 280-310°C | 280-310°C | 240-290°C | 240-270°C | 250-280°C |
| Melting point | ~300°C | ~300°C | ~220°C | ~178°C | ~215°C |
| Glass transition (Tg) | ~130°C | ~130°C | ~60°C | ~40°C | ~80°C |
| Typical applications | Automotive, aerospace, high-temp parts | Structural parts, tooling, fixtures | Gears, bushings, brackets | Tubing, clips, connectors | Connectors, housings, bushings |
General characteristics only: properties vary substantially with formulation, additives, fiber reinforcement and manufacturer, so check the technical data sheet for the exact spool you buy. PA6 absorbs the most moisture of the group, which is why it needs a dry box during printing rather than just dry storage.
Technical Data
Hardware Requirements
Enclosure
Not NeededDrybox
Not NeededHardened Nozzle
Not NeededBed Surface Compatibility
Textured PEI
Satin PEI
Smooth PEI
Polypropylene
High Temp
PA/Nylon Sheet
Hover over icons for details. Always use proper release agents when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nylon PA6 filament?
Nylon PA6 (Polyamide 6) is a 3D printing filament. Exceptional strength, very strong layer bonding, flexible and durable
What temperature should I print Nylon PA6 at?
Nylon PA6 typically prints at nozzle temperatures of 240-290°C and bed temperatures of 70-110°C. Low to moderate
Do I need an enclosure to print Nylon PA6?
Yes, an enclosure is required for printing Nylon PA6. Warps strongly; can pull plates off beds
What is Nylon PA6 filament best for?
Nylon PA6 is best for: Exceptional strength, very strong layer bonding, flexible and durable; High heat tolerance; low friction for mechanisms.
What are the downsides of Nylon PA6 filament?
The main considerations when using Nylon PA6: Extremely hygroscopic; can waterlog during a print; Warps strongly; can pull plates off beds; Over-drying can make it brittle.