Nylon PA6
Frequently asked questions
Can Nylon PA6 be laser cut?
With some limitations: Nylon PA6 can be laser cut. However, it releases toxic fumes — machining is not recommended.
Can Nylon PA6 be CNC machined?
Yes: Nylon PA6 can be CNC machined.
Can Nylon PA6 be 3D printed?
Yes, using FDM.
Is Nylon PA6 food safe?
Yes, Nylon PA6 is food safe even in its raw state.
Physical properties
| Density | 1130.0–1150.0 kg/m³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 80.0 MPa |
| Melting point | 215.0–220.0 °C |
| Glass transition (Tg) | 47.0 °C |
| Thermal expansion | 80.0 µm/m·K |
| Moisture absorption | High |
Laser processing
Thermal decomposition of nylon releases hydrogen cyanide (HCN), ammonia and nitrogen oxides — highly toxic gaseous compounds that are irritant to the respiratory tract. Avoid laser cutting without professional chemical filtration systems.
CO₂: Cuttable with CO2 laser but with modest quality results. Tends to melt visibly on the edges, creating thick and irregular burrs. Surface engraving possible but with low contrast.
Diode: Highly discouraged. Causes curling and uncontrolled melting of the part due to poor heat dissipation.
Fiber: Not applicable.
CNC / milling processing
Very good CNC machinability. As a tough crystalline polymer, it produces continuous, well-defined chips (ribbon type). Tends to gum up if overheated: use razor-sharp single-flute bits, fast feed rates and a constant cold air blast. Watch for post-machining dimensional changes due to moisture absorption.
3D printing
Post-processing
Sanding: Very difficult to sand dry due to high elastic toughness (the material fibrillates and slips rather than being removed). Sand exclusively wet to finish surface burrs.
Primer: mandatory. Painting is complex: requires specific filler primers or physical surface flame treatment to promote adhesion.
Gluing: Highly solvent-resistant. Bondable only with structural polyurethane or two-component acrylic adhesives specific for polyamides, or by hot thermal welding.
Seasoning: For printed or machined parts requiring maximum elastic toughness, controlled conditioning (soaking in warm water or humid environment) is recommended before use.
Over time: Exceptional resistance to mechanical aging and wear. Constantly absorbs moisture from the environment until saturation, expanding dimensionally and losing rigidity, but doubling its impact toughness.
Common defects
- Severe stringing, internal bubbles and filament breaks when 3D printing without prior deep drying at 80°C for 8 hours
- Dimensional change or geometric distortion of CNC-finished parts due to atmospheric moisture absorption after machining
Safety
Recommended PPE: mask_p3
Filament is among the most hygroscopic in 3D printing; it must be extruded directly from a sealed dry box with desiccant.
Availability and formats
Commercial formats: filament 1.75mm, sheets 2–50mm, extruded round bars
Related materials
Sources
- ISO 1874 — Plastics polyamide (PA) materials for molding and extrusion
- Datasheet tecnico Nylon PA6 estruso
Information on compatibility, processing parameters and safety is purely indicative. MakerSpecs accepts no liability for damage to persons or property arising from the use of this data. Always check the safety rules and the manufacturer's official manuals before carrying out any processing.