Best Nylon Printing Temperature & Speed Settings

by Mike Brooks | Last Updated: April 29, 2022

In order to produce high-quality prints, it is important to use the correct printing temperature and speed settings. However, finding the right settings can be a bit of a challenge.

This blog post will provide you with the best nylon filament printing temperature and speed settings for producing high-quality prints.

So, whether you are a beginner or an experienced printer, be sure to read on!

Optimal Nylon Printing Temperature to 3D Print

When it comes to 3D printing with Nylon, there is no “one size fits all” answer to the optimal printing temperature.

Depending on the brand and type of filaments you are using and your specific 3D printer model, the ideal all-metal hot end printing temperature can range anywhere from 220°C to 250°C.

It’s always best to start with the manufacturer’s recommended printing temperature for your specific filament.

If your prints are not coming out as expected, you can then experiment with slightly higher or lower temperatures until you find the sweet spot for your particular setup.

Remember that changing the printing temperature can also affect other aspects of your print, such as the print bed temperature, printing speed, and cooling fan settings.

It is important to make sure that you adjust these other settings accordingly when experimenting with different printing temperatures for your filaments.

Overall, finding the optimal temperature for nylon-based filaments is a matter of trial and error, ensuring you do not surpass the hot-end temperature.

What Is the Best Bed Temperature to 3D Print the Nylon Filament?

The ideal bed temperature for 3D printing nylon filament will depend on the specific type of nylon you’re using.

For example, PA6 and PA12 nylons have different melting points and require different temperatures to print properly. However, a temperature between 60-and 70°C is ideal for most filaments with a crosshatch pattern of glue layers.

If the heated bed temperature is too low, the filament will not adhere properly to the build surface and may cause the 3D print to delaminate or warp.

If the heated bed is at a high temperature, the filament may start to degrade and produce harmful fumes. Therefore, it is important to find the ideal bed temperature for your specific type of filament to produce the best possible results.

Does Nylon Filament Need a Cooling Fan During 3D Printing?

One of the benefits of nylon is that it does not have a high melting point, which means one can easily extrude it through a 3D printer nozzle.

However, this low melting point also means it is susceptible to warping and curling if not cooled properly during printing.

Many 3D printers come equipped with a fan that helps to cool the filament as it is extruded. However, whether or not you need to use the fan when printing with nylon-based filament depends on a few factors.

If your 3D printer does not have a fan, or if the fan is not strong enough to properly cool the filament, then you may need to add an external fan.

The infill percentage is another factor determining whether you need to use a fan when printing with the nylon spool.

If you are printing with a high infill percentage, it is important to use a fan to prevent the filament from warping and curling. However, if you are printing with a low infill percentage, you may not need to use a fan.

Finally, the type of filament you are using also determines whether or not you need to use layer cooling fans.

Some filament types are more prone to warping and curling than others, so it is important to consult your 3D printer manufacturer’s recommendations.

At What Temperature Does Nylon Dry During 3D Printing?

Nylon is a versatile material that you can use for various applications, including 3D printing. When printing, it is important to ensure that you properly dry the material before beginning the print process.

Otherwise, the nylon may not adhere properly to the build surface or other printer parts, and the print quality may suffer.

So, what temperature should you dry nylon at before printing? The answer may vary depending on the specific type of nylon you are using, but generally speaking, most nylons can be dried at temperatures between 100-110 degrees Celsius.

It is important to note that drying times will also vary depending on the type of nylon and the layer height of the material. For example, thinner nylons may only require a few minutes to dry, while thicker nylons may need drying for a few hours.

If you are unsure about the drying time or exact temperature requirements for your specific nylon type, it is always best to consult the manufacturer’s instructions. The important thing is to ensure you begin printing with a dry nylon filament.

One of the main challenges with nylon is water absorption. Nylon is hygroscopic, meaning it will easily absorb water. To overcome this challenge,  always store it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing moisture.

Another way of ensuring you have dry filaments is drying them in a food dehydrator before placing them in storage containers.

Is Nylon Hard to Print?

Nylon material is very smooth and slippery, making it hard for ink to adhere. Additionally, the high temperatures required for printing can cause the nylon to warp and deform.

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However, it is possible to produce high-quality prints such as living hinges on nylon with careful planning and execution. In addition, it would help by using carbon fiber and high-temperature nylons.

The Optimal Speed to 3D Print the Nylon Filaments

Nylon is a synthetic polymer, first created in the lab by Wallace Carothers in 1935. It’s known for its strength and durability, making it a popular choice for 3D prints.

The nylon spools are available in various colors and can be used to create both strong, flexible, and semi-flexible parts.

When 3D printing with nylon, it’s important to use the right speed. If the speed is too slow, the filaments can droop, sag, or have foggy rough surfaces, and if the speed is too fast, the filament can break.

The optimal speed for printing is 50-100 mm/s.

It’s necessary to use a quality filament to get the best results when 3D printing with nylon. A good quality filament will have a consistent diameter and be free of knots or other imperfections.

It’s also important to use the right settings for your 3D printer and help improve issues such as abrasion resistance. The wrong settings can cause the filament to break or cause the nylon 3D print to be of poor quality.

How to Safely Print the Nylon Indoors

Nylon is a versatile 3D printing material that you can use for various applications. However, it is also notoriously difficult to print due to its tendency to warp and curl during the printing process.

If you’re looking to print with nylon indoors, you can do a few things to minimize the risk of problems. First, ensure that your printer is set up in a well-ventilated area.

Nylon emits harmful fumes when heated due to its chemical composition, so it’s important to have good ventilation to avoid exposure.

Second, use a build plate adhesive such as Kapton tape (check at Amazon) or ABS slurry to help keep the nylon from warping. That will help to keep the print from curling up at the edges.

Finally, use a slow speed when printing with nylon. That will help reduce the amount of warping and curling that can occur. If you’re using heated beds, you may want to turn the temperature down to avoid overheating the nylon.

Do You Need an Enclosure to Print Nylon?

No, you don’t need an enclosure. It is tough and versatile; hence you can print without an enclosure.

However, if you’re printing with ABS or another material that requires an enclosed build area, you’ll need to use an enclosure for your nylon prints as well.

The Best Bed Surface for 3D Printing Nylon

3D printing nylon can be achieved on various bed surfaces such as glass plates or a Garolite surface. However, it is important to choose the right surface to produce high-quality prints and minimize failed prints.

Some of the most popular bed surfaces for printing include a heated bed, Garolite sheet (check at Amazon), PEI glass beds, and adhesive sheets.

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Nylon filaments have a low friction coefficient hence the need to have a surface that will match their low coefficient of friction.

Additionally, some filaments may require a specific type of bed surface, such as a textured surface, to produce optimal results. Therefore, it is always best to consult the manufacturer’s specifications before choosing a bed surface.

Does Nylon Stick to PEI During 3D Printing?

Yes, nylon does stick to PEI during printing, but with cold pulling, you can clean up the mess. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to get the best results.

First, it’s important to use the correct type of adhesive to have effective first-layer adhesion.

There are many different adhesives on the market, such as epoxy resin, PVA glue stick (check at Amazon), etc. but not all will work well with Nylon. We recommend using an acrylic-based adhesive.

Second, be sure to apply the adhesive evenly, considering the layer height and, in this case, a thin layer.

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Too much adhesive can cause problems with the print quality, and it can also make it more difficult to remove the printed object from the build plate.

Third, ensure that the adhesive is fully cured before beginning the print. That will ensure that it bonds properly with the nylon and doesn’t cause any problems during the printing process.

You should have no trouble getting good results when printing on a PEI build plate (check at Amazon) if you follow these tips.

Can You Print the Nylon Filament on an Ender 3?

Yes, you can print on an Ender 3. Nylon is a strong and durable material that is perfect for 3D printing. It is also available in a variety of colors.

However, the filaments can be difficult to print with because they tend to be very sticky. That can cause the filaments to clog the nozzle or cause the print to fail.

It is important to use a good quality filament and follow the printing instructions carefully to prevent these issues.

With the right filaments and careful printing, you can produce high-quality 3D printed nylon and functional prototypes on your Ender 3 (check at Amazon).

Conclusion

So, what have we learned about nylon printing temperature and speed settings? We’ve looked at some best practices to help you get the most out of your prints.

Depending on your printer and filament type, you may need to adjust the temperature and speed settings to get optimal results.

With a little experimentation, you can find the perfect settings for your needs.

Michael Brooks is the founder of M3DZone.com. He sees a very bright future for 3D printing that's why his mission is to try and make this easy for everyone. Discover your hidden talent and creativity. You can follow here: Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest.