Nylon vs PETG Filament: Which One Should You Choose
If you're looking for a durable and sturdy 3D printing filament, then Nylon and PETG are two of the most popular choices available in the market. Deciding which one to use can be challenging, as both filaments have their unique features and advantages. In this post, we'll take a closer look at Nylon and PETG filament, compare them based on their properties, strengths, weaknesses, and help you choose the right one for your next project.
What is Nylon Filament?
Nylon is a synthetic polymer known for its toughness, abrasion resistance, and durability. Nylon filament is widely used in 3D printing due to its excellent mechanical properties and ability to withstand high temperatures. Nylon filaments are available in both non-filled and filled versions, with different additives like carbon fiber, glass fiber, or metal powder to enhance their strength and stiffness.
Some of the advantages of Nylon filament include:
- High strength and durability
- Excellent toughness and wear resistance
- High-temperature resistance
- Chemical resistance
- Good surface finishing
On the flip side, Nylon filament also has some drawbacks, such as:
- High printing temperature
- High moisture absorption
- Poor dimensional stability
- Can be difficult to print due to warping and adhesion issues
What is PETG Filament?
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) is a thermoplastic copolyester known for its strength, clarity, and ease of printing. PETG filament is widely used in 3D printing due to its excellent printability, flexibility, and transparency. PETG filament is also available in several colors and can be printed using a wide range of temperature settings.
Some of the advantages of PETG filament include:
- Good strength and durability
- Excellent printability
- Low moisture absorption
- FDA approved for food contact
- Can be recycled
On the flip side, PETG filament also has some drawbacks, such as:
- Low-temperature resistance
- Not suitable for high-temperature applications
- Prone to stringing and oozing
- Poor bridging performance
- Poor layer adhesion
Comparison of Nylon and PETG Filament
| Properties | Nylon Filament | PETG Filament |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | High | Good |
| Temperature Resistance | High | Low |
| Flexibility | Low | High |
| Moisture Absorption | High | Low |
| Chemical Resistance | Good | Fair |
| Printability | Moderate | Excellent |
| Transparency | Poor | Good |
| Recyclability | Low | High |
As you can see from the table above, Nylon and PETG filaments have their unique features and advantages. While Nylon filament excels in strength, temperature resistance, and chemical resistance, PETG filament is better known for its excellent printability, recyclability, and transparency.
So, which filament to choose?
Choosing the right filament depends on the requirements of your project. Here are some guidelines to help you make the decision:
- If you need a 3D printing filament for high-temperature applications and require high strength and abrasion resistance, Nylon filament is an excellent choice.
- If you want a 3D printing filament for prototyping or small components that require excellent printability and transparency, PETG filament is the way to go.
Ultimately, Nylon and PETG filaments are both fantastic options for 3D printing and offer unique benefits that suit different applications. It is essential to consider the properties and requirements of your project carefully before choosing a filament.
References
- K. L. Mittal, R. J. Estrada, and R. L. Wengeler, "Nylon resins, their chemistry, and technology," Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry, vol. 44, no. S1, pp. S108–S133, 2006.
- A. Mathur, "Introduction to PETG Filament for 3D Printing," All3DP, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://all3dp.com/2/petg-filament-3d-printing-introduction/. [Accessed: 11-Nov-2021].
- M. Zhang, Y. Zhu, and X. Mao, "Overview of surface modification strategies for fabricating nylon 6-based composites," Advanced Manufacturing: Polymer & Composites Science, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 11–20, 2017.