You probably have heard of Nylon being used in 3D printing, it has become quite popular. Nylon is pretty flexible and durable, along with having a low coefficient of friction; a property that comes very handy at times.
The nylon 3D-printed product experiences great quality and has even more resistance than ABS but the printing challenges are tough enough too. A big challenge is the moisture absorbing property of Nylon, called Hygroscopy.
Storing polyamide otherwise called Nylon in a well-dry and packed place is important or it readily absorbs moisture from the air. If not taken care of, you will have to invest some nice time drying it which will also need more tools. Or if you don’t keep it dry you end up having a product of distorted structure, vague finish, and of course of very little strength. Also,
The next challenge which comes along is warping. The 3D printing polyamide(Nylon) printers will minimize the chance themselves, still, you may have to lower the speed of printing for better output. Also, unlike the Core XY printer, these printers for Nylon listed here can print 3D parts on different axis quickly.
Now let’s jump to those printers.
The Best Nylon 3D Printers List
Reviews Of Best Nylon 3D Printer
1. WEEDO F152S – Best Nylon 3D Printer For Beginners
This is an industrial-grade 3D printer developed by Weedo. It has the dimensions 15.75 x 16.14 x 18.9 inches. It is an enclosed type and has opening doors on all four sides. I will say that this nylon 3D printing process is made easy for beginners by this printer. Let’s see it in detail.
This F152S comes fully assembled and you get to see a wizard interface after the boot, which cooperates with a beginner. Being operated through a 4.3-inch color touchscreen interface, the device has the Wiibuilder Slicing Software. This helps in faster loading and accurate prediction of print time and nylon filament usage.
It also has the WIFI module, helping you to control the printer through APP(PoloPrint Pro) and you can send the sliced files directly with a single click for printing. Added up with the new seam concealment technology, you experience the printed surface much smoother.
It offers you various other functions such as automatic leveling, power resumption, filament runout signal, or broken-wire detection and resumes printing along with automatic shutdown when detected issues.
The process of printing nylon is completely silent, thanks to the appropriate TMC2208 driver controllers, and the 0.08mm air filter module that clears the harmful particles from reaching the normal house atmosphere, to keep you safe. The nozzle also is designed as a quick-release of nylon 3D prints, making it easy for maintenance and replacement.
Overall, the printer works well with PLA, ABS, TPU, PC, and Nylon. You get options about help and errors in the interface, moreover, you can reach out to customer service which typically replies within 24 hours, and also offer in-person tech support. This 3D printing polyamide is worth giving a shot, so grab it now!
Highlighted Features of WEEDO F152S
- Auto Shutdown after printing
- Filament Broken Detection
- High-resolution printing
- Stable printing temperature
2. R QIDI TECHNOLOGY X-Plus – Best Large 3D Printer For Nylon
This X-Plus model of the printer by R Qidi Tech provides a printing area of 10.6 x 7.9 x 7.9 inches. The X-series has been quite popular now. Let’s see what the X-Plus has to offer us.
You get two setups for keeping the nylon filament, one is a ventilated printing keeping the filament outside (ideal for PLA, PETG, PTU), and the second is the enclosed type at constant temperature(ideal for Nylon, Carbon fiber, PC). You can choose the setup as per the filament and printing needs. The printer is upgraded with a Double Z-axis structure which facilitates stability and is better for large prints.
The build plate is curved and removable, the front side is used for the normal filaments (PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU) and the backside is used for the advanced ones (PC, Carbon Fiber, Nylon).
Moreover, the extruders are of two types too. Extruder A comes fitted and works on a maximum temperature of 250℃, good for the normal filaments which are also ideal nylon printing temperature whereas Extruder B can also be used which offers a maximum temperature of 300℃, designed for the advanced filaments.
You get a 4.3-inch touch screen for interface here too, installed with the Qidi Slicing Software 5.6.4. The print quality and speed got pumped up by 30% and 20% respectively. All the Qidi Printers allow an upgrade to new versions, just keep checking and upgrading.
Also, this 3D printer for nylon is backed by a 1-year warranty. You can contact the Qidi Tech Team for one on one support, you get a reply within 24 hours. If you are looking forward to printing quality nylon prints, then check out this best Nylon 3D printer.
Highlighted Features of R QIDI TECHNOLOGY X-Plus
- Stable double Z-axis
- Aluminum frame
- Double filament holder
- Full-color touchscreen
3. Dremel – 3D45-01 – Best Professional 3D Printer For Nylon
This excellent printer by Dremel has won the Editors’ choice award for PCMag 2018 and has also been Google for education partner. The printer serves everyone from a beginner to a professional and also goes for very high continuous usage.
The device is a robust fully enclosed design made of high-grade plastic. The build volume is 6.7 x 10 x 6 inches, to ensure safety, good prints and to minimize the possibility of warping. Inside there, you get a removable glass build plate that heats up to 100℃ and the 0.04mm nozzle which acquires a max temperature of 280℃.
The carbon filter cleans up the air going out and does not launch harmful fine particles in your surroundings. There is even Wifi-Connectivity and an HD Camera facilitating the remote printing. You can monitor, send commands, and print from anywhere using your laptop, phone, or LAN too.
At Unboxing, the kit will come up with the 3D45, 2 rolls of filament, a scraper & glue sticks. The printer has a 4.5-inch full-color touch-screen with all the interfaces for setup. You just follow along and it will not take you more than 15 minutes to begin your first print.
Additionally, you get sensors that facilitate 9-point leveling and the resume print function on power issues or nylon filament dry out. The printer supports four filaments, namely PLA, Nylon, PETG, ECO-ABS, and has sensors that detect the filament and automatically set the printer to the required settings. And yes, it does silent printing.
It was quite expensive but has the features too. You also get a lifetime support warranty for the product. Must consider if it goes with the budget.
Highlighted Features of Dremel – 3D45-01
- Supports a wide range of printable materials(especially printing nylon)
- Built-in air filters
- Built-in HD camera
4. TENLOG TL-D3 Pro – Best Cheap 3D Printer For Nylon
This is the latest one and cheapest nylon 3d printer, released in 2021 by Tenlog. This goes up to the maximum temperature of 300°C and can print using PTG, PA, PLA, ABS, TPE, Nylon, Polystyrene, Metal fill, and Wood. Since it can support nylon 3D printer filament, let’s review the 3D printer in detail.
I will start by talking about the new and best feature you get with this printer. It has a dual extruder with two independent nozzles which function together simultaneously. You can try the options of dual material, duplication, or mirroring while printing, by using different combinations of filaments (type and color).
Dual material makes you mix two different filaments to print soluble supports like PVA. Duplication mode is the making of two identical models at the same time, this makes your work efficient. Mirroring is the printing of exactly symmetric figures of the same or different color, the nozzles are aligned and perfectly mirrored here.
The printing bed is made up of borosilicate glass, you don’t see warping, there is extra-finish on the first layer and the model can be picked even by hands when cooled. The motherboard installed is the TMC2209 helping you with quick and undisturbed performance and keeping it all silent. Also, you get the filament runout detection and resume printing functions.
Honestly, I liked the dual extruder feature very much, you don’t get that easily. Moreover, you get local service, a warehouse in California, and good after-sales assistance. You shall look forward to this wonderful printer.
Highlighted Features of TENLOG TL-D3 Pro
- Self-developed Silent Motherboard
- Multi Printing Material Available
- Mirror Mode Printing
5. Dremel DigiLab 3D45-EDU
This printer might remind you of our 3rd choice. You may also say both these are the same. Well, they are actually the same with some minute differences and add-ons. The printer I am going to talk about here is the 3D45-EDU, designed purposely for educational settings.
You get the 3D45 printer with all the earlier discussed features, that is, the heated glass build plate, the all-metal hot end, inside camera monitoring along with the Wifi connectivity, automatic 9-point leveling, 4.5-inch touch screen for operation, air filter, and much more.
Additionally, you take the printer out of the box, it includes the 30 lesson plans ready to be put into effect. 10 of which don’t need any 3D designing software skills and the rest 20 emphasis on design thinking.
You can also check up on the 4-hour course of professional development and get the appropriate credits after completing the same. This shall be done by the teachers for a better and clear understanding. Also, you get 4 rolls of filament ( 2 PLA, 1-PETG, 1 ECO-ABS ) to have a good initial supply for the students to show their creativity.
This printer suits any classroom or lab. If you are really looking for it for school or teaching purposes and need to work with Nylon, then this is it. Engaging students will help them realize their potential to create by printing the stuff on their own and exploring with prototypes and much much more.
Highlighted Features of Dremel DigiLab 3D45-EDU
- Wifi-Enabled for Cloud Printing
- Built-in HD Camera
- Semi-Automated Leveling
Why Do Use Nylon For 3D Printing?
Nylon is a synthetic polymer used for 3D printing components for long usage. Unlike weak filaments such as ABS and PLA, Nylon is made for absorbing shocks and resisting many factors. Nylon also has lower friction than the other filaments, so you won’t need lubrication while using those parts.
Even while being this strong, nylon is flexible and can be used to print thin and thick items. Having nylon 3D printer filament properties such as strength, durability, and high melting point, using nylon as a filament for your 3D printer would be the best.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Nylon as a Filament
Advantages of Nylon as a Filament
Tough and durable- the foremost advantage of nylon as a filament is that it’s very tough and won’t break or even deform if you try for a long time. Thanks to its semi-crystalline property, which makes sure its molecules stay together.
Easy to use- using nylon filaments is way cheaper than other filaments. Moreover, nylon prints are easy to remove after cooling down as they don’t stick to the printing bed.
Chemical resistance: You can use nylon prints for industrial purposes or any other place with many chemicals, as nylon is chemical resistant and can resist many acids and alcohols. Also, nylon has a higher melting point; it’s perfect for high temperatures.
Disadvantages of Nylon as Filament
Wrapping- the most important disadvantage of using nylon as a filament is that it wraps after printing. Wrapping can cause your print to shrink or lift and distort at the ends, so you have to be good at printing if you use nylon filament.
Pre drying- unlike other printing filaments, nylon requires pre-drying as it absorbs moisture. And it takes a hell of a lot of effort and equipment to make it dry before using. Otherwise, it will affect your print.
Factors To Consider When Buying Best Nylon 3D Printer
- Size of the printer- While buying any appliance, including a printer, you should check if you have space for it at your home. Similarly, the size of the printing bed matters too. Depending on that, you can go for a mini 3D printer for domestic use or a bigger one for professional use.
- Connectivity – A nylon printer with many connectivity options will surely help you if you have a lot of devices. Furthermore, go for the wireless connectivity printers as you don’t have to search for different cables for connecting different devices.
- Bed auto-leveling – Auto bed leveling is one of the most important features to look for while buying a nylon 3D printer as it helps in leveling your print even if the printing bed is slightly slanted. Moreover, you can adjust the print accordingly.
- Material compatibility- if you are highly confident you will use nylon for printing, you can get a specialized nylon 3D printer. However, we would suggest that you go for a 3D printer with many material options so you can try prints with different filaments.
Conclusion
All the above-mentioned printers print fantastic with Nylon. These were the top picks and nylon capable 3d printer. Go for the one which suits your requirements, I tried to explain every printer in detail. Read it twice if needed, Nylon is a tough material and you don’t want to regret it afterward.
The printers are all enclosed due to the need, Nylon can’t be printed well in the open ones because of the Nylon being hygroscopic. Though it still needs to be stored nicely to keep it dry, just keep that in mind and you are good to go. All the best!
FAQ
1. Is nylon hard to 3D print?
Yes, Nylon is quite hard to 3D print accurately. This is mainly due to being hygroscopic (moisture absorbing) and prone to warping. The nylon 3d printing temperature is also up to 280-300℃.
2. Is nylon stronger than PLA?
Yes, nylon is stronger than PLA and ABS filament. Though it is more rigid and more resistant to chemicals, its low strength and stiffness make it less likely to be used in 3D printing. But due to the advancements in 3d printing materials, the nylon material is mixed with fiber making it stiff. So this nylon-fiber mixture is widely used in industrial 3D printing.
3. Is 3D printed nylon waterproof?
No, the 3D-printed nylon is not waterproof. The products made are porous. To get waterproof, the layers need to be very thin and act as airtight or put a coating of appropriate material. You can find a video for one easily on the net.
4. Can a 3D printer print nylon?
Yes, a 3D printer can print nylon. Nylon is one of the popular materials used for 3D printing because it is known for its flexibility and toughness. This material requires extruder temperatures near 250 ºC however, some brands prints nylon at temperatures as low as 220 ºC.
Nylon can be a 3D printer using three different technologies: FDM, MultiJet Fusion(MJF), and selective laser sintering(SLS).
5. How much does it cost to 3D print nylon?
3D print nylon costs over USD 250 per kilogram, which is a bit more expensive than other materials like ABS and PLA.
6. How strong is nylon 3D printing?
Nylon is a tough material than others. It is mixed with fibers to stiffer, and this material is used to make structural parts. Talking about its strength, when compared to ABS’s tensile strength of 4,700 psi, nylon’s tensile strength is 7,000 psi which is almost double that of ABS.
