Nylon is a semi-crystalline polyamide with good chemical resistance and is used to make strong products. Nylon filament is a popular 3D printing material for creating functional and long-lasting components. It has a high strength-to-weight ratio, is abrasion resistant, and is chemically resistant.
Nylon is a versatile material that can be used with other materials. NylonX is an example of Nylon enhanced with carbon fibers producing a strong filament with excellent abrasion resistance. Nylon has long been utilized in traditional manufacturing, and it is now employed in Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), and Multi Jet Fusion (MJF).
Why is Nylon a good choice for 3D Printing? Nylon
The superior mechanical qualities of nylon filament make it perfect for creating functional components and end-use parts. It has a low friction coefficient, making it ideal for interlocking gears. Its strong abrasion resistance also protects it from wear and tear, allowing it to be used in sliding systems.
If you print it correctly, you can achieve a smooth surface finish and a mechanically durable product. You may use Nylon 3D printing to readily construct sturdy components for practical application, thanks to 3D printing benefits like design freedom, ease of manufacture, and low-volume part production.
Now, we will discuss some of the unique Nylon 3D printers you should be familiar with. Let’s go!
5 Best Nylon 3D Printers Nylon
1. DREMEL DigiLab 3D45
With a nearly 90-year history to uphold, Dremel 3D printers are meant to be dependable and long-lasting machines. The Digilab brand of Dremel products is intended to assist consumers in getting started with 3D printing and furthering their understanding of the technology.
One of the most economical Nylon 3D printers on the market is the Dremel 3D45. It features an all-metal hot-end direct drive extruder and a build volume of 254 x 152 x 170 mm.
2. LulzBot Mini 2
LulzBot Mini 2 Nylon 3D Printers: Image Source: itechplaza.com
Newcomers to 3D printing may think it’s a complicated process. This model was created with these novices in mind. This printer has several functions that work right away. It is the preferred option for homeowners, designers, engineers, manufacturers, and architects.
In a nutshell, this machine is perfect for anyone looking for a low-cost desktop 3D printer that is simple to operate. LulzBot Mini 2 features many benefits that make it an excellent choice.
3. QIDI Tech X-Pro
QIDI Tech X-Pro Nylon 3D Printers: Image Source: amazon. in
Due to its enclosed printing chamber, this lightweight printer could be a beginner’s best friend. It’s easy to use at home to make your own custom models. Everything needed to keep the printer’s parts together is included in the box.
The printer prints at an impressive rate. All the implements you need to get started 3D printing nylon are included. This 3D printer also comes with tools and instructions.
4. Ultimaker 3 Extended
Ultimaker 3 Extended Nylon 3D Printers: Image Source: 3ding.in
Ultimaker 3 Extended is a major update to Ultimaker 3 as well as a brand-new member of the Ultimaker family. Even if you are new to 3D printing, the Ultimaker 3 Extended Nylon 3D printer will allow you to achieve excellent results.
It is straightforward to use due to its user-friendly features. If you already own a 3D printer, you’re ready to start unleashing your creative imagination with 3D printing.
5. Ultimaker S3
Ultimaker S3 Nylon 3D Printers: Image Source: ldlc.com
Unlike its predecessor, this computer has gone out of its way to meet and surpass customer expectations. After the success of its prior machines in the 3D printing world, Ultimaker released the Ultimaker S3.
This is a next-generation machine with a twin extruder and a slew of other features that allow users to push their creativity to new heights. The device can tackle a wide range of issues and can easily carry out even the most complex designs.
Best practices with Nylon/tips and tricks
Nylon is more durable and stronger than PLA or ABS. It offers a good impact, abrasion resistance as well as a low coefficient of friction. When printed thin, it’s flexible and bendy, but when printed thick, it’s sturdy and substantial. Perhaps its most notable feature is its dimensional stability: it retains its shape even when subjected to the high temperatures required for 3D printing (over 240°C). However, care must still be taken for the best results.
Nylon can be used to make parts such as live hinges, bearings, gears, and almost any other mechanical component. In fact, given the material’s strain resilience, most details printed with nylon are for industrial use – and no other thermoplastic on the market can match its longevity.
1. Hot end Temperature
The temperature of 240°C to 260°C is used to print nylon. A lower hot-end temperature will not melt the material to the required viscosity. Higher temperatures may cause the material to burn and almost certainly cause deformation.
Top tip: You may have heard that printing nylon requires simply an all-metal hot-end. Yes, you are correct. Plastic elements near the melt zone are not found in all-metal hot-ends. Standard hot-ends do, and these elements melt at temperatures above 240°C.
2. The temperature of the printing bed
A heated print bed is required for 3D printing with nylon. On the glass, a temperature of 75°C is ideal, but high-quality nylon filament generally works at 55°C to 65°C. Nylon will distort and lose stability if printed on a cool print bed since it cools quickly.
We also recommend applying PVA glue on the print bed, especially if your print bed temperature is between 55°C to 65°C. The adhesive aids in the adhesion of the nylon to the build plate and also aids in the removal of the printed item.
3. Printing speed and settings
Nylon prints at a speed of 30-60 mm/s and can only support layer heights of 0.2 to 0.4mm. If you print the infill too quickly, the extruder may be unable to keep up, resulting in under-extrusion.
Because nylon is prone to warping, keep the cooling fan on at a low since consistent speed is a good idea. You can also disable it. The temperature in the chamber must always be kept warm and steady.
4. Finishing and 3D printers
The Markforged Mark Two, X3, X5, and X7, as well as the Ultimaker S5, are 3D printers with an appropriate hot-end.
Nylon, unlike PLA or ABS, cannot be polished. It has a rougher texture that persists even after sanding. Using a very fine grit wet and dry sandpaper, however, you can smooth out layer lines and prepare the surface for painting.
Robust acids can harm nylon, which is strong, lightweight, and weight-bearing. Moisture serves as a plasticizer, reducing the strength and stiffness of the material while increasing the toughness and elongation.
Advantages and Disadvantages Nylon
Advantages of Nylon:
Solid and long-lasting – Nylon has high tensile strength and is exceptionally durable even when stressed.
Impact-resistant – It can withstand high forces for long periods without fading or breaking.
Abrasion-resistant – This quality makes it ideal for applications like functioning gears and live hinges.
Flexible – Nylon is significantly more flexible than ABS and PLA, although not as flexible as filaments such as TPU. It’s also great for thin prints that need to be strong while also being flexible.
Disadvantages of Nylon:
Extremely hygroscopic – Nylon is highly hygroscopic, which means it collects water if left exposed. This isn’t an issue with printed pieces, but it is with spooled filament. When wet, it can cause a slew of printing problems since it flows through the hot end, where the water practically boils, deteriorating the filament and clogging the nozzle.
Prone to warping – This is due to its high heat sensitivity, making it one of the more difficult materials to 3D print.
Proper storage is essential – Nylon must be stored appropriately to avoid moisture difficulties, which can add to the cost.
FAQs
1. What 3D Printers can print Nylon?
Using an FDM printer and particular nylon filament, it is feasible to 3D print nylon. Filaments are melted and extruded through a nozzle onto the build platform in layers in FDM 3D printers until the part is complete.
2. How to Dye 3D printed Nylon?
The step-by-step procedure to dye 3D printed Nylon:
- Gather all your materials
- Put your pieces in water to soak
- Add color
- Rinse
- Dry
3. How strong is 3D printed Nylon?
Nylon is a durable 3D printing material with a tensile strength of 7,000 PSI. Although a nylon hook can only hold 485 pounds, it is more easily printed than polycarbonate. Make sure your filament is dry before printing, and print at a temperature of 220°C to 270°C for the best results.
4. Which is the Software for Creating 3D Models?
There are various software that you can use to create 3D models but we recommend using SelfCAD. SelfCAD is an online 3D modeling software that is the best alternative to Vectary. It’s easy to use and you don’t need to have previous experience in 3D modeling to be able to use it.
Conclusion:
Nylon filament is known for its strength, durability, and flexibility. Despite its durability, Nylon outperforms ABS in terms of abrasion resistance, impact resistance, and flexibility.
Nylon is one of the best industrial 3D printer filaments because it is incredibly durable, has large shocks, is resistant to heat and impacts, and doesn’t scratch or wear out fast. A nylon filament can be used in FDM and as a powder in SLS and MJF, making it one of the most flexible 3D printing materials.
