Your material choice when making functional parts can mean the difference between a design that performs in the real world and one that doesn’t. Whether you’re testing prototypes for strength and reliability or presentation-ready parts, understanding the differences between nylon and PLA (polylactic acid) is vital.
In this article, we’ll compare nylon vs PLA to help you choose the right material for your next 3D printing project.
What Are Functional Parts in 3D Printing?
When we talk about functional parts, we’re referring to end-use prototype components designed to fulfil a specific role. They might be mechanical assemblies, housings, fixtures or tooling components, but the point is they’re not just for show; they serve a purpose. And in order to do so, they need to withstand elevated temperatures, stress, and repeated use.
Some common examples of functional parts in 3D printing include:
- Automotive gears and brackets
- Industrial tooling and fixtures
- Medical prototypes
- Consumer product components
- Robotics and medical enclosures
When you’re selecting the right material for a functional part, it’s essential to balance strength, durability, thermal resistance, and printability. For this reason, nylon and PLA are two of the most popular additive manufacturing materials for the creation of functional parts.
Nylon vs PLA in Additive Manufacturing
If you’re choosing between nylon and PLA for 3D printing, you’re probably wondering which performs better for your application. We’re here to help.
Both nylon and PLA (polylactic acid) are popular thermoplastic filaments used in additive manufacturing, but they serve very different purposes. PLA is well-known in the world of 3D printing for its eco-friendly composition and ease of printing, while nylon is popular for its strength and flexibility, particularly in demanding applications.
What is Nylon?
Nylon is a synthetic polyamide known and loved for its strength, flexibility and resistance to wear and tear. It’s a go-to material for making functional prototypes and delivering long-lasting end-use components that perform well under stress.
Key Characteristics:
- High durability: resistant to wear and abrasion
- High tensile strength: excellent mechanical performance under heavy loads
- Temperature Resistance: performs well under moderate heat
- Flexibility and elasticity: ideal for the creation of moving parts
- Chemical resistance: suitable for industrial applications and chemical exposure
Common Use Cases
- Automotive components
- Textile and apparel manufacturing
- Industrial machinery
- Electronics
- Outdoor, weather resistant equipment
What is PLA?
PLA stands for Polylactic Acid, a type of biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable sources like sugarcane or corn starch. Widely used for design validations and rapid prototyping, PLA offers a great surface finish and easy printability.
Key Characteristics:
- Low melting temperature: prints easily without warping
- Good thermal stability: maintains its form under moderate temperatures
- Light density: ideal for producing lightweight prints
- UV resistance: holds up well for indoor use but less reliable in prolonged sunlight
- Biodegradability: industrially compostable under the right conditions
- Smooth surface finish: excellent for presentation-ready parts
Common Use Cases
- 3D printed product models
- Packaging prototypes
- Medical devices that are non-load-bearing
- Disposable and single-use items
3D Printing Nylon vs PLA: Key Comparisons
Durability
- Nylon: High wear resistance and impact strength — ideal for tough, functional parts.
- PLA: Moderate durability; tends to be more brittle under stress.
Flexibility
- Nylon: Very flexible and resilient.
- PLA: Quite stiff with low flexibility.
Ease of Printing
- Nylon: Needs a high print temperature and must be kept dry to avoid moisture issues.
- PLA: Extremely easy to print; works well with most printers and requires little setup.
Best Uses
- Nylon: Functional prototypes, mechanical components, and working parts.
- PLA: Visual models, display pieces, and low-stress applications.
Mechanical Properties
- Nylon: Strong and resilient — absorbs stress well.
- PLA: Stiff but prone to cracking or snapping under load.
Environmental Resistance
- Nylon: Handles heat and moisture (especially with post-processing).
- PLA: Sensitive to heat and humidity; can warp or soften in warm environments.
Sustainability
- Nylon: Not biodegradable, but can be recycled.
- PLA: Biodegradable and made from renewable sources, offering a lower carbon footprint.
Cost
- Nylon: Slightly more expensive per spool.
- PLA: Cheaper and widely available.
Nylon vs PLA Sustainability and Environmental Impact
PLA definitely wins the points on sustainability as a biodegradable material derived from renewable resources. It’s ideal for projects prioritising environmental responsibility.
Nylon, on the other hand, is non-biodegradable. It does last longer than PLA, however, and can be recycled, reducing waste in industrial settings. For the creation of functional parts that must endure repeated use, you may decide that nylon’s longevity offsets the environmental cost.
3D Print Nylon vs PLA: Which to Choose for Functional Parts
Making the decision between nylon and PLA for your 3D printing project can feel like a tough one. So, to keep things simple, here’s a quick overview:
Choose Nylon for 3D Printing if You Need:
Tough, load-bearing or mechanical parts
- Functional prototypes for testing and design validation
- Resistance to wear, heat or chemical exposure
- Flexibility and endurance under stress
Choose PLA if You Need:
- Aesthetic prototypes or product demos
- Fast, easy printing for iterative design
- Eco-friendly materials for low-stress parts
- Budget-friendly production
For functional parts, nylon is typically the better all-round performer – offering the durability, flexibility and resilience required for real-world applications. However, PLA remains the ideal choice for rapid concept models and early-stage prototypes where appearance and speed are the priority.
How Truform Can Help
At Truform, we specialise in rapid additive manufacturing services using high-quality materials. Whether you need presentation-ready prototypes or fully functional end-use parts, our team helps you select, print and finish components tailored to your performance requirements.
Get in touch to find out how we can support your product development from concept to production.
FAQs
Is nylon used in 3D printing?
Yes. Nylon additive manufacturing is popular for the creation of durable, functional parts that need to be strong, flexible and resistant to wear.
How strong is 3D printed nylon?
3D printed nylon is very strong, offering high tensile strength, flexibility, and impact resistance. It’s ideal for functional parts and mechanical components.
How strong is PLA 3D printing?
PLA 3D printing is moderately strong, offering good rigidity and tensile strength. However, it has limited impact and heat resistance compared to other materials.
What does PLA stand for in 3D printing?
PLA stands for Polylactic Acid. It is a biodegradable polymer that is made from renewable sources, making it a great choice for projects with an environmental steer.
Can you paint PLA 3D prints?
Yes, once your PLA 3D print has been sanded and primed, it can be painted to enhance aesthetics.
Can you recycle PLA 3D prints?
Yes, PLA is compostable in industrial settings and recyclable where the facilities exist to process it.
What 3D printers can print nylon?
Nylon 3D printing requires a printer with a heated bed and enclosed build chamber to maintain temperature consistency and prevent warping.
Nylon vs PLA Strength
Nylon is significantly stronger and more durable than PLA, offering superior tensile strength, flexibility, and impact resistance, while PLA is more rigid and brittle, making it less suitable for parts that need to withstand mechanical stress.