Comparison of PMMA vs. Nylon (PA-12, PA-6, PA-66, and Blends) for 3D Printing
PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate) and Nylon filaments each have unique properties that make them suitable for different applications. This comparison highlights key differences in mechanical strength, heat resistance, chemical resistance, and ease of printing.
1. Mechanical Properties
| Property | PMMA | Nylon PA-12 | Nylon PA-6 | Nylon PA-66 | Nylon Blends (PA-CF/PA-GF) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | High | Moderate | High | Very High | Very High |
| Toughness | Brittle (low impact strength) | High (impact-resistant) | Moderate | Low | Moderate to Low |
| Flexibility | Rigid | High | Moderate | Low | Low |
| Abrasion Resistance | Moderate | High | Very High | Very High | Extremely High |
2. Heat Resistance
| Property | PMMA | Nylon PA-12 | Nylon PA-6 | Nylon PA-66 | Nylon Blends |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Deflection Temp (HDT) | ~80–100°C | ~100°C | ~120°C | ~150°C | ~150°C or higher |
3. Chemical Resistance
| Property | PMMA | Nylon PA-12 | Nylon PA-6 | Nylon PA-66 | Nylon Blends (PA-CF/PA-GF) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Resistance | Poor (sensitive to solvents, acids) | Moderate | Moderate to High | High | High |
4. Water Absorption and Dimensional Stability
| Property | PMMA | Nylon PA-12 | Nylon PA-6 | Nylon PA-66 | Nylon Blends (PA-CF/PA-GF) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water Absorption | Very Low | Low | High | Very High | Low to Moderate |
| Dimensional Stability | Excellent | Good | Poor (affected by humidity) | Poor (affected by humidity) | Good |
5. Transparency and Aesthetic Properties
| Property | PMMA | Nylon PA-12 | Nylon PA-6 | Nylon PA-66 | Nylon Blends (PA-CF/PA-GF) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transparency | Fully Transparent | Opaque | Opaque | Opaque | Opaque |
| Surface Finish | Glossy and smooth | Matte or semi-matte | Matte | Matte | Matte |
6. Ease of Printing
| Property | PMMA | Nylon PA-12 | Nylon PA-6 | Nylon PA-66 | Nylon Blends (PA-CF/PA-GF) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Printing | Difficult (warping, adhesion issues) | Easier | Difficult | Very Difficult | Moderate |
| Print Temp. (°C) | ~240–260°C | ~240–260°C | ~250–270°C | ~260–280°C | ~250–280°C |
7. Applications
| Material | Typical Applications |
|---|---|
| PMMA | Optical lenses, light covers, display cases, decorative parts |
| Nylon PA-12 | Gears, hinges, medical devices, flexible functional parts |
| Nylon PA-6 | Automotive parts, industrial components, durable mechanical parts |
| Nylon PA-66 | Engine components, high-stress industrial parts, high-temperature applications |
| Nylon Blends | Lightweight structural parts, drones, high-performance gears, aerospace components |
Conclusion
PMMA is best for clarity and aesthetic applications, while Nylons are more suited for high-strength, high-temperature, and wear-resistant applications. Nylon PA-66 and PA-CF/PA-GF blends are ideal for industrial and mechanical parts, whereas PA-12 offers better flexibility and moisture resistance.