Nylon (polyamide, PA) is the material for parts that move. It's strong, slightly self-lubricating, and extraordinarily wear-resistant — nylon parts survive tens of thousands of cycles where other plastics grind themselves down.
Why print in nylon
Nylon's combination of toughness and low friction makes it the standard for gears, bushings, hinges, latches, and snap-fits. It flexes without fatigue — a properly designed nylon living hinge can outlast the product it's attached to. It also absorbs impact that would crack rigid filaments outright.
Nylon material properties
| Property | Rating |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | Excellent — among the strongest we print |
| Stiffness | Moderate — tough rather than rigid |
| Heat resistance | Very good — stable to roughly 210°F (100°C) |
| UV / outdoor use | Fair — absorbs moisture; best indoors |
| Flexibility | Moderate — excellent fatigue resistance |
| Detail & finish | Good — slightly satin surface |
Best uses for nylon
- Gears, bushings, rollers, and sliding parts
- Living hinges, latches, clips, and snap-fits
- High-impact tool parts and protective components
- Repeated-use mechanical prototypes
Colors and pricing
We print Bambu PA6-GF — glass-fiber-reinforced nylon — at $0.30 per gram, stocked in five colors. For maximum stiffness, see carbon-fiber nylon (PA-CF). $15 minimum order.
Design tips for nylon
- Design gears with module 1 or larger for printed tooth strength.
- Snap-fits: 0.5–0.8 mm interference works beautifully in PA.
- Keep tolerances at ±0.1 mm or looser — nylon moves slightly with humidity.
Upload your file for an instant nylon quote, or browse the materials guide.