PA6 NYLON

PA6, also known as Nylon 6, is an engineering-grade thermoplastic designed for high-strength, high-wear, and demanding mechanical applications. It’s the go-to material when parts need to withstand continuous load, friction, and real-world stress.

In this guide, we’ll explain what PA6 is, its advantages and limitations, when it’s the right choice, and how PA6 is priced at Precision Print Co.

What Is PA6?

PA6 (Polyamide 6 / Nylon 6) is a high-performance engineering plastic widely used in industrial manufacturing. It offers exceptional strength, toughness, and wear resistance, making it suitable for demanding mechanical components.

At Precision Print Co, PA6 is commonly used for gears, bushings, mechanical brackets, load-bearing components, and parts exposed to friction or repeated stress.

Advantages of PA6 3D Printing

PA6 offers performance levels beyond standard and mid-range materials.

High Mechanical Strength

PA6 is significantly stronger than PLA, PETG, ABS, or ASA, making it ideal for load-bearing parts.

Excellent Wear and Abrasion Resistance

PA6 performs exceptionally well in applications involving friction, movement, or repeated contact.

Good Heat Resistance

PA6 maintains mechanical performance at higher temperatures than most standard 3D printing materials.

Tough and Impact Resistant

Unlike brittle materials, PA6 absorbs impact and stress without cracking.

Limitations of PA6

PA6 is a specialist material and comes with important considerations.

Requires Controlled Printing Conditions

PA6 is sensitive to moisture and must be printed in carefully controlled environments for consistent results.

Higher Cost

PA6 costs more than standard materials due to its performance characteristics and printing requirements.

Not Required for Simple Parts

For non-load-bearing or cosmetic parts, PA6 may be unnecessary and over-engineered.

When Is PA6 the Right Choice?

PA6 is an excellent option when your project involves:

  • Load-bearing mechanical components

  • Gears, bushings, and moving parts

  • High-wear applications

  • Parts exposed to heat and friction

  • Industrial or engineering-grade requirements

PA6 is often chosen when standard plastics are no longer sufficient.

PA6 Pricing at Precision Print Co

Due to its engineering-grade performance and specialised handling, PA6 is priced accordingly.

PA6 printing at Precision Print Co is priced at:

  • £0.50 per gram of material

  • £4.00 per hour of print time

Final pricing depends on:

  • Part size and weight

  • Print duration

  • Infill and structural requirements

  • Quantity ordered

If PA6 isn’t necessary for your application, we’ll always recommend a more cost-effective alternative.

PA6 vs Other Materials

PA6 sits at the top of our material lineup:

  • PLA / PLA-CF – prototypes and rigid parts

  • PETG – durable functional parts

  • ABS / ASA – heat-resistant components

  • TPU – flexible parts

  • PA6 (Nylon 6) – high-strength engineering parts

PA6 is the right choice when performance matters more than cost.

PA6 at Precision Print Co

We recommend PA6 for customers who need serious mechanical performance, not just printed parts.

Our approach is always to select the right material for the job, ensuring parts perform reliably in real-world conditions — not just on a spec sheet.

Need Help Choosing a Material?

If you’re unsure whether PA6 is right for your project, we’re happy to help. We’ll review how your part will be used and recommend the most suitable material based on performance, environment, and cost.

👉 Learn more about our custom 3D printing services:
https://precisionprint.uk/pages/custom-3d-printing-services

Back to blog