Nylon vs Polycarbonate Filament: Which One is More Resilient?
As a 3D printing enthusiast, you're probably aware that the material you choose to print your object matters. Many factors come into play, such as the object's size, desired strength, flexibility, and resilience, to name a few.
In this blog post, we'll be comparing two popular filaments used in 3D printing: nylon and polycarbonate. In particular, we'll dive into which filament is more resilient so that you can make an informed decision based on facts.
What is Resilience?
Before diving into the comparison, let's define what we mean by resilience. Resilience is the ability of a material to return to its original form after being bent, stretched, or compressed. It is an essential characteristic for many 3D printed objects, especially those that need to withstand wear and tear or perform under stress.
Nylon Filament
Nylon is a thermoplastic material that has been in use for 3D printing for quite some time. It is known for its strength, flexibility, and durability. Nylon is resistant to impact, abrasion, and chemicals compared to other 3D printing filaments. It is relatively easy to print with and has an excellent layer adhesion, making it an excellent choice for printing complex geometries.
Nylon is a very resilient material when compared to other filaments. According to tests, it can survive 500-700% elongation before breaking, which demonstrates its elasticity and ability to return to its original shape. It is also an excellent choice for printing parts that require vibration dampening, such as drone parts, or flexible hinges.
Polycarbonate Filament
Polycarbonate is another popular filament used for 3D printing. Polycarbonate is the strongest thermoplastic filament available on the market, making it an excellent choice for printing industrial parts. It also has very high-temperature resistance, making it an excellent choice for parts that will experience high heat, such as automotive and aerospace parts.
Polycarbonate is known for its toughness, which refers to its resistance to cracks or breaks. It is twice as strong as ABS, another commonly used 3D printing filament. However, when it comes to resilience, it may not be the best choice. According to tests, Polycarbonate can only handle 100-150% elongation before breaking, which means it can't return to its original shape once bent or stretched.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the answer to which filament is more resilient ultimately depends on the application. Nylon is an excellent choice for parts that require high flexibility, impact resistance, and vibration dampening. On the other hand, Polycarbonate is perfect for parts that require high strength, toughness, and temperature resistance.
We hope this comparison helped you make an informed decision on which filament to choose for your next 3D printing project. Don't forget to share the results of your filament choice with us in the comments section!