PA / Nylon

Nylon (Polyamide / PA) is one of the strongest and most wear-resistant 3D printing materials. It is ideal for mechanical parts, gears, bearings, and other high-load components.

Settings

Parameter	PA6	PA12	PA-CF
Nozzle temperature	260–280 °C	250–270 °C	270–290 °C
Bed temperature	70–90 °C	60–80 °C	80–100 °C
Part cooling	0–30%	0–30%	0–20%
Drying (required)	80 °C / 8–12 h	80 °C / 8 h	80 °C / 12 h

Drying — critical for nylon

Nylon is extremely hygroscopic. It absorbs moisture from the air within hours.

Always dry nylon

Wet nylon gives poor results — weak print, bubbles, bubbly surface, and poor layer fusion. Dry nylon immediately before printing, and use it within a few hours afterward.

• Temperature: 75–85 °C
• Time: 8–12 hours
• Method: Filament dryer or oven with fan

Bambu AMS is not recommended for nylon without a sealed and dry configuration. Use an external filament feeder directly to the printer if possible.

Build plates

Plate	Suitability	Glue stick?
Engineering Plate (Textured PEI)	Excellent	Yes (required)
High Temp Plate	Good	Yes (required)
Cool Plate	Poor	—

Glue stick is required

Nylon adheres poorly without glue stick. Apply a thin, even layer (Bambu Lab or Pritt stick). Without glue stick, nylon lifts from the plate.

Warping

Nylon warps significantly:

• Use brim (8–15 mm)
• Close the chamber (X1C/P1S gives best results)
• Avoid large flat parts without brim
• Keep ventilation minimal

Variants

PA6 (Nylon 6)

Most common, good strength and flexibility. Absorbs a lot of moisture.

PA12 (Nylon 12)

More dimensionally stable and absorbs somewhat less moisture than PA6. Easier to print.

PA-CF (carbon fiber)

Very stiff and light. Requires hardened steel nozzle. Prints drier than standard nylon.

PA-GF (glass fiber filled)

Good stiffness at lower cost than CF. Requires hardened steel nozzle.

Storage

Store nylon in a sealed box with aggressive silica gel. The Bambu Lab drying box is ideal. Never leave nylon open overnight.