Housings, ducts and protective covers
Define the required fit, finish and working environment. Include the intended test or acceptance criteria with your model.
AIHFABS MATERIAL GUIDE
Nylon 3D Printing Materials
Review nylon grades for handled prototypes, housings and practical assembly trials.
Powder-based nylon processes are useful for complex polymer parts and assembly evaluation. Material grade, printing route and conditioning all affect the result. Compare the need for stiffness, flex, dimensional interfaces and surface treatment before choosing a nylon.
START WITH THE APPLICATION
Where this material family fits
Use the application to shortlist a grade, then confirm the exact requirements against the part design and operating conditions.
Clips and assembly-fit prototypes
Define the required fit, finish and working environment. Include the intended test or acceptance criteria with your model.
Fixtures and low-volume functional components
Define the required fit, finish and working environment. Include the intended test or acceptance criteria with your model.
DESIGN & MANUFACTURING
What to review before selecting a grade
- Compare the exact PA grade and any filler rather than treating all nylon as interchangeable. Stiffer filled materials may behave differently in clips and thin features.
- Account for moisture and the intended service environment when evaluating dimensions and mechanical performance.
- Include powder-removal access for internal passages. Specify dye, smoothing and critical contact surfaces in the brief.
COMPARE THE AVAILABLE GRADES
Explore individual materials
MJF
Nylon PA 12 Gray
MJF 3D printed PA 12 Gray has high mechanical strength, excellent flexibility, and heat resistance, and is ideal for functional prototypes, automotive components, medical devices, industrial tools, gears, hinges, and snap-fit enclosures.
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SLS
Nylon PA 12 White
SLS 3D printed Nylon PA 12 White has high mechanical strength and excellent thermal resistance, and is ideal for gears, hinges, snap-fits, seals, gaskets, connectors, housings, and functional prototypes.
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SLS
Nylon PA 12 Black
The printed part of Nylon PA 12 Black has high mechanical strength, thermal stability and precision and is ideal for functional prototypes and end-use components such as camera housings, drone parts, industrial jigs, and electronic enclosures.
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SLS
Nylon PA 12 Glass-filled White
The printed part of PA 12 Glass-filled White has enhanced stiffness, high thermal resistance, and superior dimensional stability, making it ideal for industrial tooling, automotive components, high-load mechanical parts, and precision jigs/fixtures.
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SLS
Nylon PA 11 White
The printed part of Nylon PA 11 White has high ductility, eco-friendly composition and balanced mechanical strength and is ideal for automotive components, prosthetics, sports equipment, and mechanical parts like hinges and snap-fits.
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SLS
Nylon PA 11 Black
The printed part of Nylon PA 11 Black has exceptional elongation at break, high impact resistance, and eco-friendly composition, making it ideal for automotive fuel lines, prosthetics, sports equipment, snap-fit assemblies, and dynamic mechanical components.
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SLS
Nylon PA 6 Glass-filled Black
The printed part of Nylon PA 6 Glass-filled Black has exceptional rigidity, high thermal resistance and superior mechanical strength and is ideal for functional prototypes and industrial applications such as electronic housings, fluid handling systems, intake manifolds, and surgical tools.
View material details →MATERIAL QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose between SLS and MJF nylon?
Compare the offered grades, geometry, surface requirements and quantity. Use a sample in the intended test environment when fit or repeated flex is critical.
Can nylon parts be used for snap-fit trials?
They can be candidates, but clip geometry, grade, orientation and repeated loading need review. Test the actual engagement cycle and mating components.
Do nylon prints need surface finishing?
The as-built texture may be acceptable for internal fixtures. Specify cosmetic expectations, contact surfaces and any sealing requirement so finishing can be reviewed.
FROM THE AIHFABS BLOG
Recommended reading for material selection
Nylon 3D Printing Service: SLS vs MJF for Production-Grade Functional Parts
Technical comparison of SLS and MJF nylon 3D printing for end-use parts. Learn differences in surface finish, dimensional accuracy, material options, cost, and ideal production vol
Read article →When Nylon Parts Have to Survive Assembly — A Conversation with AIH Technical Director
Explore SLS nylon 3D printing for functional parts, including snap-fit design, PA11 vs PA12, tolerances, powder removal, and finishing for reliable assembly.
Read article →SLA vs Other Manufacturing Processes: How to Choose
Compare SLA with DLP, LCD, FDM, SLS, MJF, SLM, and CNC machining. Shortlist processes by material, geometry, finish, cost, and your part's intended use.
Read article →Compare other material families
Choose a material around your part
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