NylonX vs CarbonX. Which One You Should Use and Why?

by Mike Brooks | Last Updated: April 29, 2022

3D printing technology has been around for quite some time now, but it’s only recently become more accessible to the average consumer.

In the past 3D printers were large machines with very high prices attached to them. Nowadays, you can get your hands on one of these devices at an affordable price.

This article will compare two popular models: NylonX vs CarbonX. Both are great options if you want to start experimenting with this exciting technology. Let’s take a look!

What Is NylonX? How Strong Is It?

NylonX is a reinforced version of the nylon fiber for 3D printing. The nylon filament is modified with carbon fiber that makes it more potent than regular nylons.

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The filament has been designed with improved mechanical strength, making it suitable for high-strength applications. Chipped carbon fibers in NylonX filaments provide better tensile properties compared to pure nylon.

Why Should I Buy It?

If you want to buy a strong yet affordable filament, then look no further. NylonX offers excellent performance at a reasonable price. It provides excellent results even though it costs much less than some other alternatives.

Pros of NylonX

• Faster printing speed
• Higher resolution
• More durable prints
• More affordable
• Lower overall cost
• Needs assembly
• Has a limited color selection
• High strength
• No post-processing

Cons of NylonX

• Highly hygroscopic – sensitive to moisture from air and water
• It is not as durable as other materials such as ABS plastic
• The material tends to be brittle when exposed to heat and sunlight
• NylonX does not have good adhesion properties. It may peel off parts during printing
• Tends to stretch out over time
• It has poor dimensional stability due to shrinkage caused by the high-temperature curing process
• It is not suitable for 3D printing because it shrinks too much after being heated up

Micro-carbon fibers are tiny pieces of graphite that you can add to the NylonX filament. They provide additional reinforcement to the nylon base material.

When combined, the resulting composite becomes much stiffer and stronger. The material also offers excellent dimensional stability at elevated temperatures.

How Does It Work?

It works by using a particular type of nylon that can be extruded into filaments. This process involves heating the plastic until it becomes liquid form. Then, it gets forced through tiny holes on top of the nozzle head.

After leaving the nozzles, the molten polymer cools down and solidifies. As soon as the print starts, the printer heats the part that you print to melt again. Once melted, the new layer adheres to the previous one. Repeat these steps until you reach the desired thickness.

What Are Some Of The Benefits Of Using NylonX Over Regular Nylon?

There are several benefits associated with using NylonX over standard nylon. Here are some examples:

• Increased Strength & Durability

When you use the right type of material, it can be stronger and more durable than regular nylon. This is because when you make a product out of NylonX, you’re able to create a solid yet flexible fabric that will last for years without breaking down or wearing away.

It also has excellent UV protection properties, which means your products won’t fade in sunlight as quickly.

• Better Print Quality

Unlike regular nylon, which tends to warp under pressure, the NylonX does not exhibit this behavior. It creates smooth surfaces and sharp edges.

• Lower Cost

Making NylonX is significantly lower than other materials like ABS plastic, PLA, etc. Since it doesn’t require any post-processing steps, it saves time and money. Furthermore, since it has fewer components, it requires less energy to manufacture.

• More Flexible Fabric

Another benefit of making something from NylonX is that it allows you to have a very flexible fabric. You don’t need to worry about having a rigid piece of plastic since this kind of fabric is much softer and easier.

If you want to keep things smooth and friction-free, then you should consider using NylonX.

• Higher Resolution

With higher resolution printing, you’ll be able to print objects in smaller sizes. For example, you could 3D print small parts that would otherwise take hours to produce manually.

• Easier to Clean Up

Because the filaments have no additives, they tend to dry faster compared to others. This means that cleaning up after printing should be easy. NylonX is one of those few filaments that repels water and dirt.

• Less Toxic And Environment Friendly

NylonX filament emits minimal fumes during combustion, unlike traditional plastics.

What Is CarbonX?

CarbonX is another kind of carbon composite filament made by instilling carbon fiber that combines the advantages of nylon and carbon fiber that are highly durable yet produce lightweight parts.

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The CarbonX filament doesn’t require any post-processing after printing.

The added carbon fiber makes the material more durable than PLA and with lower moisture absorption.

However, PLA is denser than the carbon fiber-filled material. If your part needs high density, then this might not work out well for you.

How Does This Work?

If you want to print CarbonX filament, no particular printer is required. The nozzle temperature should range between 190–220 °C; otherwise, it may warp when cooling.

The only requirement for the printer to work with this material that contains chopped powder-form carbon fibers is an extruder capable of handling PLA or ABS plastic filaments (check at Amazon).

Every chopped carbon fiber has a matte finish on both sides which means it won’t stick to itself or other materials when printed.

Then they are extruded through an oven at high temperatures so that the mixture can fuse. After cooling down, the resulting product looks very similar to what we see in our regular PLA/TPU filaments.

Here are some pros and cons of CarbonX Version:

Pros of CarbonX

• It is free from cracking and warping
• Less complicated design – recommended for beginners
• More Efficient Printing Speed
• Better Build Quality
• Fewer Parts Required
• Cheaper Price Point

Cons of CarbonX

• Nozzle Replacement – Requires replacing brass nozzles every few prints due to abrasive carbon fiber filaments. Instead of brass nozzles, one should use stainless steel ones (check at Amazon).
• Not suitable for beginners who aren’t familiar with 3D printing
• Limited color options
• Layers are not sturdy because of the extruded filaments
• Requires post-processing

Is Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate Filament Strong?

Carbon fiber polycarbonate is an extremely strong composite that combines carbon fibers with polymer resins.

It has excellent strength and durability and is lightweight while maintaining high tensile strength.

You can paint the material or powder coat it to match any color scheme you choose. It also resists corrosion and UV damage. It also resists corrosion and UV damage.

NylonX vs CarbonX. Which Model Do I Recommend?

NylonX and CarbonX are the commonly demanded carbon fiber filaments. To find better before making a purchase, there are factors to consider, such as ease of use, build quality, durability, speed, accuracy, number of parts required, and overall cost.

In terms of technical requirements, NylonX (check at Amazon) requires a heated bed, while CarbonX can do its job without one. A CarbonX version is significantly less expensive than NylonX. The CarbonX printer requires fewer parts compared to the NylonX version.

The NylonX version uses ABS plastic filament, which comes in various colors like red, blue, green, etc. These filaments come in different diameters, so you have plenty of choices when choosing what color or size you prefer. CarbonX comes in black only.

The NylonX version also offers better performance due to its higher resolution than the CarbonX version. On top of all those things, the NylonX is also faster than the CarbonX (check at Amazon) version. So let’s see why each option is worth considering.

Ease of Use: What Are Some Pros and Cons of Each Option?

Both versions offer similar features and functionality. They both require no assembly and feature automatic bed leveling. If you want high widths and heights, then CarbonX is for you.

If you plan on doing any serious 3D modeling projects, then the NylonX may not be ideal for you. Although it does provide good value for money, it doesn’t allow users to create complex designs.

Also, the NylonX isn’t designed to handle high heights and widths. As mentioned earlier, NylonX needs assembling after installation. Therefore, it won’t be easy for someone without experience to assemble their device.

Build Quality: What Are Some Pros & Cons to Each Option?

If you choose NylonX over the CarbonX version, then you should expect lower build quality. This is because the carbon fiber used in the CarbonX model has a higher tensile strength than nylon.

This means that your printed object will likely look slightly rougher than if you were to use the carbon X version.

It’s important to note that even though the NylonX version produces inferior results, it can still produce high-quality objects.

Post-processing

One of the drawbacks of Carbon X is that it requires post-processing to remove the carbon from the surface, which can be painful if you want to use this material in applications where there’s no access to water or solvent.

Nylon X does not need any post-processing because it contains no carbon. It works just as well on its own without needing anything else added to it.

Durability: How Do Both Models Compare When It Comes to Their Ability to Handle Heavy Loads?

The NylonX printer is capable of handling heavier loads than the CarbonX model. If you’re planning on using your 3D printer frequently or regularly, then you’ll want something that can support heavier loads.

Cost: Does Either Model Offer Value For Money Or Are They Overpriced?

As previously stated, NylonX is considerably more affordable than the CarbonX version. However, it would be best if you considered some other factors when comparing these two models. First off, both require assembly before you can put them to work.

Secondly, NylonX requires replacement nozzles (check at Amazon) at regular intervals. Lastly, NylonX comes with fewer features compared to its counterpart.

Why Choose CarbonX Carbon Fiber Nylon Filament?

Carbon fiber filament (nylon) is a composite material that combines the strength of carbon fibers with the flexibility and durability of high-strength.

If you want to produce lightweight parts, then carbon fiber nylon is for you. Carbon content in the CarbonX filament provides high modulus and distortion temperature.

Carbon fiber filament is moisture-sensitive, so you should keep it away from any water. If your printer has an internal fan or airflow system, make sure it’s running and that there are no obstructions in its path.

You can also use a dehumidifier (check at Amazon) if necessary. Check out our guidelines to help make sure you get the best carbon fiber filaments size for your application:

What are the benefits of using carbon fiber nylon over other materials for your next project?

• It’s extremely strong – as a result of increased layer bonding
• Produce lightweight parts that are highly durable and will not rust like metal
• Easy to work with – no special tools required
• You can shape it easily by hand or machine
• Doesn’t require painting or powder coating (check at Amazon)
• Is resistant to most chemicals
• Has excellent heat resistance
• Lightweight

Conclusion

Both versions of the CarbonX and NylonX filaments have their advantages and disadvantages. The main difference between the two is how they perform under different conditions.

While one may suit better for certain projects, another might be preferable depending on what you plan to do with your finished product. We hope we’ve helped clarify things for you!

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.