Nylon vs PETG In 3D Printing. What To Choose & Why?

by Mike Brooks | Last Updated: May 1, 2022

3D printing filaments are made of plastic. The two most popular plastics used in 3D printing are Nylon and PETG. They have different properties that make them suitable for various applications.

When choosing a 3D printing filament, it is essential to consider the properties of the plastic and the application for its use.

Nylon is a robust and durable plastic that can withstand high temperatures. It is also flexible, making it ideal for applications where flexibility is required.

PETG is a less brittle plastic that is easier to print and use in a broader printer range. It is also clear, making it ideal for applications where transparency is required.

Both nylon and PETG are suitable for a wide range of applications. However, each type of plastic has its advantages and disadvantages.

Choosing the right kind of plastic for the specific application is essential. Please keep reading to learn more about each of their properties for a more informed selection.

Nylon vs PETG – Strength, Differences, Basics, Good & Bad

a) Nylon

Nylon is an excellent material synthetic polymer that was created in the 1930s. It is composed of long-chain polymers that are linked together by amide groups.

It is a robust and durable plastic that can withstand high temperatures. It’s also flexible, making it ideal for applications requiring that feature.

However, every professional printer knows that the nylon in the market today isn’t pure, and most of them will vary in their chemical makeup.

Some of the most common types of nylon used in 3D printing are PA12, PA11, and PA6:

• PA12 is the strongest and stiffest type of nylon used in applications requiring high strength.
• PA11 is a slightly less solid and stiff type of nylon used for applications where flexibility is key.
• PA6 is the weakest and most flexible type of nylon used where transparency is required.
• Each comes with its own set of properties. The most popular type of nylon for 3D printing is copolymer nylon, which combines two different types of nylon.

Check at Amazon

Nylon Filaments Properties

The main properties of Nylon are:

Strength

Nylon is not as strong as some other plastics when it comes to strength. However, it does have a high strength-to-weight ratio.

It is still a good choice for applications where weight is a concern, and it also has high heat resistance.

Flexibility

Nylon is a flexible material and its ideal for applications where flexibility is required because of its high melting point and good heat resistance.

Bed Adhesion

One of the biggest problems with nylon is its poor heated print bed adhesion.

Most printers overcome this challenge using a heated bed, a build platform with a rougher surface, or a slightly curved build platform.

Cost

Nylon filaments have carbon fiber available in various colors, including natural, black, and white. The cost of nylon filament varies depending on the color and brand.

Other Properties

• Dimensional stability
• High strength and stiffness
• Low friction surface
• Abrasion-resistant
• It is chemically resistant
• Stability under tough printing conditions
• Printing bed temperature: 70-90 °C
• It is UV resistant and Extruder temperature range of 220-270 °C
• Print Speed is between 30-60 mm/s

When To Choose Nylon Filament

There are a few situations in which nylon might be the better choice:

• If flexibility is important
• If you need a material that is easy to post-process
• If you are looking for a less expensive option

Nylon Applications

Most printers use nylon, where high strength, stiffness, and resistance to chemicals and solvents are required. It is also often used in applications where flexibility is needed.

Some typical applications for nylon include:

• 3D printed spinning gears
• 3D printed living hinges
• 3D printed snap-fit joints
• 3D printed flexible connectors

How To Print With Nylon

When printing with nylon, it is essential to use a heated bed and an extrusion temperature as high as possible. It is also vital to use a build platform with a rougher surface.

A glass plate covered with painter’s tape or Kapton tape works well. The third is to use a slightly curved build platform. It will help the filament adhere to the platform better.

It is also essential to use a fan when printing with nylon to cool the filament and prevent warping.

Nylon filaments are available in various colors, including natural, black, and white, to offer variety to printers and their work.

Nylon: Pros & Cons

Advantages of Nylon

The main advantages of nylon are:

1. It has a high strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for applications where weight is a concern.
2. It is dimensionally stable, maintaining its shape and size under stress.
3. It has a low friction surface that makes it ideal for applications where sliding is required.
4. It is resistant to chemicals and solvents, making it ideal for applications where these substances are present.
5. It is stable even under harsh printing conditions.

Disadvantages of Nylon

The main disadvantages of nylon are:

1. It has poor bed adhesion, but one can overcome it using a heated bed, a build platform with a rougher surface, or a slightly curved build platform.
2. It is not as strong as some other plastics. It should be taken into consideration when choosing a material for an application.

b) PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-Modified)

What is PETG?

PETG is a 3D printable plastic that is strong, has high durability, and is easy to print. It’s made from a copolymer of polyethylene terephthalate and glycol.

It gives it the strength and durability of PET (see at Amazon), with the flexibility and ease of printing of PLA (see at Amazon).

Check at Amazon

PETG Properties

The main properties of PETG are:

Bed Adhesion

PETG has good bed adhesion, and it will adhere well to the build platform and is less likely to warp.

Cost

PETG filaments are available in various colors, including clear, black, and white. The cost of PETG filament varies depending on the color and brand.

Durable and chemically resistant

PETG is durable and robust plastic. It is impact-resistant and usable in a variety of applications.

Flexibility

PETG is easy to print, has a low melting temperature, and does not require a heated bed. It is also easy to post-process.

Other Properties

• Dimensional stability
• It has enhanced mechanical properties
• High strength and stiffness
• Low friction surface
• Has high solvents and chemical resistance
• Printing temperature ranges between 60-80 °C
• Can withstand extruder operating temperature of 220-250 °C

PETG Applications

PETG is often used in applications where high strength, stiffness, and resistance to chemicals and solvents are required to produce quality models.

It is also often used in applications where flexibility and slightly flexible finishes are needed. Most PETG applications are similar to those of nylon.

How to Print With PETG

When printing with PETG, it is vital to use a heated bed and an extrusion temperature as high as possible. It is also essential to use a build platform with a rougher surface.

A glass plate covered with painter’s tape or Kapton tape (see at Amazon) works well. The third is to use a slightly curved build platform to help better the filament’s adherence to the platform.

It is also essential to use a fan when printing with PETG to help to cool the filament and prevent warping and help it cool down fast.

PETG filaments are also available in various colors, including clear, black, and white.

PETG: Pros & Cons

Advantages of PETG

The main advantages of PETG are:

1. It has a high strength-to-weight ratio making it ideal for applications where weight is a concern.
2. It is dimensionally stable to maintain its shape and size under stress.
3. It has a low friction surface making it ideal for applications where sliding is required.
4. It is resistant to chemicals and solvents to ensure its ideal for applications where these substances are present.
5. It is flexible, making it ideal for applications where flexibility is required.
6. It is not as strong as some other printing materials. Printers should consider this when choosing a material for an application.

Disadvantages of PETG

The main disadvantages of PETG are:

1. It has poor bed adhesion, but printers can overcome it using a heated bed, a build platform with a rougher surface, or a slightly curved build platform.
2. It is challenging to print with. You overcome by using a heated bed and an extrusion temperature as high as possible. It is also essential to use a build platform with a rougher surface. A glass plate covered with painter’s tape or Kapton tape (see at Amazon) works well. The third is to use a slightly curved build platform to help better the filament adhere to the platform.

When to Choose PETG Filament

When deciding whether or not to use PETG filament, consider the intended use rather than the material’s advantages. Overall, PETG is a stiff plastic that is easy to print on, long-lasting, and has average strength.

While it falls short of nylon in terms of flexibility and durability, the two materials are nearly equal in other aspects. The superior resistances of PETG set it apart.

When looking for a material that is resistant to heat, moisture, or chemicals, PETG is an ideal candidate. Below are conditions you should consider when making a choice?

• If the final product will come into contact with food
• If the end-product will be used outdoors
• If the product will be used with chemicals
• When you need a durable and a long-lasting material
• When looking for a material that is resistant to high temperatures
• If you want smooth and fine details

When NOT to Choose PETG Filament

If the print does not need any of the unique features that PETG offers, then another material may be a better choice. Most notably, ABS (see at Amazon) is less expensive and easier to print than PETG.

If the project is not placed in extreme conditions or comes into contact with harsh chemicals, another material like PLA may suffice.

Related: ABS vs Nylon in 3D Printing

PETG vs Nylon: Which One Should I Use?

The answer to this question depends on what you need the filament for. If you need a tensile strength, stiffness, and dimensionally stable filament, then PETG is a good choice.

If you need a flexible filament and are resistant to chemicals and solvents, then Nylon is better. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what properties are most important for your application.

If the print does not need any of the unique features that PETG offers, then another material may be a better choice. Most notably, ABS is less expensive and easier to print than PETG.

If the project is not placed in extreme conditions or comes into contact with harsh chemicals, another material like PLA may suffice.

When deciding whether or not to use PETG filament, consider the intended use rather than the material’s advantages. Overall, PETG is a stiff plastic that is easy to print on, long-lasting, and has average strength.

While it falls short of nylon in terms of flexibility and durability, the two materials are nearly equal in other aspects.

The superior resistances of PETG set it apart. When looking for a material that is resistant to heat, moisture, or chemicals, PETG is an ideal candidate.

Significant Similarities Between The Two Materials

Nylon and PETG share a lot of similarities. Both printing materials are easy to print on and have a long shelf life. They are also of average strength and have superior resistance to heat, moisture, and chemicals.

The main difference between the two materials is that Nylon is more flexible than PETG.

It makes nylon a better choice for applications where flexibility is essential, such as in the manufacture of 3D printed parts for drones.

Price

In terms of price, both materials are on the expensive side. However, nylon filament is generally more costly than PETG filament due to the higher cost of raw materials and production processes.

Printing

Both materials require a heated printing bed adhesion and an extrusion temperature higher than most other filaments when printing.

In terms of difficulty, nylon is generally easier to print than PETG because nylon has a lower melting point and is less likely to warp during the printing process.

Post-Processing

Both materials can be post-processed using various methods, such as painting, sanding, and polishing. However, nylon is more manageable to post-process than PETG.

Nylon is more flexible and less likely to crack when sanded or polished.

Applications

Nylon and PETG are versatile materials with a wide range of applications. 3D printed parts for drones, cars (internal car components), and robots are some typical applications for these materials.

FAQs

What Temperature Can PETG Withstand?

PETG has a glass transition temperature of 90-110 degrees C), which means it will become soft and pliable above this temperature.

However, it is essential to note that the long-term strength of the material will be affected by temperatures above this point.

Can PETG Be Used For Food?

Yes, PETG is safe for food. It is a food-safe material that is FDA approved for contact with food.

Is Nylon Stronger Than PETG?

Nylon is stronger than PETG in terms of flexibility and durability. However, the two materials are nearly equal in other aspects. The superior resistances of PETG set it apart.

What Is the Difference Between PLA and PETG?

PLA is a biodegradable plastic made from renewable resources like corn starch. PETG is a stiff plastic that is easy to print on, long-lasting, and has average strength.

While it falls short of nylon in terms of flexibility and durability, the two materials are nearly equal in other aspects. The superior resistances of PETG set it apart.

When looking for a material that is resistant to heat, moisture, or chemicals, PETG is an ideal candidate.

What Is the Difference Between ABS and PETG?

ABS is less expensive and easier to print than PETG. If the project is not placed in extreme conditions or comes into contact with harsh chemicals, another material like PLA may suffice.

However, if the print needs to be durable or resistant to high temperatures, then PETG is a better choice.

What Is the Difference Between Nylon and PETG?

Nylon is stronger and has abrasion resistance than PETG in flexibility and durability. However, the two materials are nearly equal in other aspects.

The superior resistances of PETG set it apart. When looking for a material that is resistant to heat, moisture, or chemicals, PETG is an ideal candidate.

Is PETG the Same as Nylon?

No, PETG is not the same as nylon. Nylon is a stronger material in terms of flexibility and durability. However, the two materials are nearly equal in other aspects.

The superior resistances of PETG set it apart. When looking for a material that is heat resistant, moisture, or chemicals, PETG is an ideal candidate.

Does Nylon Need an Enclosure?

Nylon does not need an enclosure. However, experts recommend using one of the prints placed in extreme conditions or coming into contact with harsh chemicals.

What Is Stronger Than PETG?

Nylon is stronger than PETG. However, the two materials are nearly equal in other aspects. The superior resistances of PETG set it apart.

When looking for a material that is resistant to heat, moisture, or chemicals, PETG is an ideal candidate.

Final Thought

In general, Nylon is a more versatile filament than PETG. It is more flexible and easier to print on, making it a better choice for applications that require those properties.

However, PETG offers superior resistance to heat, moisture, and chemicals.

If your application requires those properties, then PETG material is the better choice. Ultimately, the decision of which material to use depends on the specific needs of your application.

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.