PA (Nylon) filament — specifications and use cases
PA (Polyamide, or Nylon) offers excellent mechanical strength, abrasion resistance, and impact absorption. Print temperature: 240–270 °C, bed at 70–90 °C, enclosure recommended. For gears, friction parts, industrial jigs, and heavy-stress components. Available as PA6, PA12, PA-CF (carbon-reinforced), and PA-GF (glass-reinforced). Advantages: high mechanical strength, lightweight, good impact absorption. Disadvantages: highly hygroscopic (must be dried 8–12h at 80 °C before printing), high shrinkage, difficult bed adhesion. When PLA or PETG parts fail under repeated mechanical stress, PA delivers long-term reliability that plastics in this price range cannot match. Typical price on Amazon: $18–35/kg.
