Nylon CoPA Filament for 3D Printing: Printing Guide with "Nylon"

In the world of high-quality 3D printing, there is an increasingly common material that skillfully combines strength, heat resistance, and relatively easy printing: Nylon CoPA filament (also known as "copolyamide"). This special formulation of nylon aims to overcome the main drawbacks of classic PA6 or PA66 – primarily the high tendency to warp and strong moisture absorption. At the same time, CoPA retains the characteristic durability and impact resistance of nylon, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their 3D printing knowledge.

In the following lines, we will examine in detail:

• What exactly is Nylon CoPA filament?

• In which areas and how is it best applied?

• What are the key settings and tricks for successful 3D printing?

• What experiences do Reddit users share (both amateurs and professionals)?

• What are the optimal drying and storage conditions?

• The main technical characteristics you need to know.

Whether you are an absolute beginner in 3D printing or already have experience with more challenging materials, this article will give you a clear and practical understanding of why Nylon CoPA is worth your time and attention.

What is Nylon CoPA filament?

Nylon CoPA is a specific type of nylon filament, often formulated as a combination of PA6 and PA66 (or similar polyamide variants). The goal of manufacturers is to reduce the usual challenges when printing with traditional nylon (such as strong warping and extremely fast moisture absorption) while maintaining the remarkable mechanical and thermal-resistant properties of the material.

Key advantages of Nylon CoPA:

1. Lower warping: Unlike standard nylon, CoPA has significantly less tendency to 'curl' at the edges and detach from the platform.

2. High impact resistance: Parts printed from CoPA are strong and can absorb sudden impacts without breaking.

3. Thermal resistance: Suitable for details exposed to moderate to higher temperatures (70–120°C, depending on the specific brand).

4. Strength and rigidity: Provides durable mechanical properties important for functional prototypes and end details.

5. Reduced moisture tendency: Although still hygroscopic, CoPA typically retains less moisture than standard PA6, which facilitates printing.

This combination of qualities makes Nylon CoPA a great solution for a wide range of applications – from engineering prototypes to durable and functional end products.

Where and how is Nylon CoPA applied?

1. Automotive industry and mechanical prototypes
   The thermal resistance and mechanical strength of CoPA are extremely useful in details in engine compartments, cooling systems, and various fasteners. Whether it’s about brackets, plates, or adapters – CoPA can withstand moderate thermal loads while remaining stable.

2. Robotics and drones
   The lightweight nature combined with high impact resistance and relatively flexible character makes CoPA a preferred choice for drone frames, robotic arms, and gearbox housings. Vibrations and mechanical impacts are not as destructive as with more brittle materials (like PLA).

3. Manufacturing tools and fixtures
   In many factories and small workshops, 3D printed tools are used – for example, templates, assembly aids, or fixtures. Nylon CoPA provides a great combination of strength and durability, and at the same time, when broken or worn, the corresponding part can be produced again quickly and easily.

4. Recreational equipment
   Various sports prototypes or components for outdoor equipment (such as fasteners, buckles, etc.) benefit from the elasticity and strength of CoPA. It is not as flexible as TPU, but it has enough plasticity to not break easily upon impact.

What do users share on Reddit?

The Reddit community in subforums like r/3Dprinting and r/FixMyPrint often discusses the advantages and disadvantages of different filaments. A few key points about CoPA:

• Low warping: Users report significantly better results with large details compared to PA6.

• Strong interlayer adhesion: While some manage to print even in an open environment, most recommend a semi-enclosed or enclosed chamber, especially for larger prints.

• Moisture absorption: The prevailing opinion is that CoPA also needs to be dried regularly, especially in high humidity areas.

• Temperature settings: Some users recommend printing at 260°C, others at 270°C. A difference of a few degrees can sometimes be crucial for minimal stringing and good layer adhesion.

Best practices for successful 3D printing with Nylon CoPA

1. Proper printer and hotend (hotend)

   • Nozzle temperature: 250–270°C (according to the manufacturer's recommendation).

   • All-metal hotend: At temperatures above 240°C, PTFE tubes degrade quickly, so a metal hotend is almost mandatory.

2. Preheating the bed and enclosure

   • Bed temperature: 60–80°C; some CoPA variants can also handle 40–50°C, but the risk of warping is higher.

   • Enclosure: Although not always mandatory, an enclosed chamber with a constant temperature is very beneficial for larger projects.

3. Drying the filament before printing

   • Why it matters: Nylon remains highly hygroscopic, even in CoPA version. Even slight moisture leads to cracking, stringing, bubbles, and poor adhesion between layers.

   • Recommended parameters: 70–80°C for 6–12 hours; with highly humid filament, it may be necessary for up to 24 hours.

4. Bed preparation

   • Suitable surfaces: Garolite (FR4), PEI sheets, or glass treated with PVA glue (regular glue stick type).

   • Additional measures: Brim or Raft can help with larger details, especially if the working environment has drafts or the room temperature is low.

5. Printing and cooling speed

   • Speed: 30–60 mm/s is the optimal range for most printers and ensures even melting and extrusion of CoPA.

   • Cooling fan: Minimal or no cooling often yields better results, as sharp temperature drops can lead to layer delamination.

6. Post-processing

   • Annealing: Some advanced users heat the printed parts in an oven at 70–80°C for 1–2 hours to relieve internal stress and improve mechanical properties. Slight shrinkage or deformation may occur, so test beforehand.

   • Dyeing: Ordinary paints may not adhere well, but there are specialized dyes for nylon.

Recommended time and temperature for drying

• Temperature: Between 70 and 80°C. Excessively high temperatures can damage the filament or melt it unevenly, so do not exceed 80–85°C.

• Time: 6–12 hours is often sufficient, but if you have left the filament open in a highly humid room for weeks, you may need up to 24 hours.

• Signs of moisture: Loud popping during extrusion, visible smoke or steam coming from the nozzle, improperly formed layers, and small holes in the detail.

Regular drying significantly improves the final result and reduces defects, especially in more demanding projects.

Storage of Nylon CoPA filament

Even when not in use, CoPA should be stored well:

• In a hermetically sealed container: With a packet or several sachets of silica gel to absorb excess moisture.

• Away from excessive heat and direct sunlight: Ultraviolet rays can damage the polymer in the long term.

• If possible, print directly from the dryer: There are specialized drying devices for filaments that maintain a constant temperature and humidity, which is an ideal solution for long prints.

Key technical data (general guidelines)

• Density: ~1.1–1.2 g/cm³

• Tensile strength (XY): 60–70 MPa (some premium blends reach over 75 MPa)

• Modulus of elasticity (Young’s Modulus): 1.8–2.3 GPa

• Elongation at break (XY): ~10–15%

• Heat deformation (HDT): ~65–80°C at 1.8 MPa (some specialized brands can go even higher)

• Printing temperature: 250–270°C (varies by manufacturer)

• Bed temperature: 40–80°C

• Drying: 70–80°C for 6–12 hours

These values may vary depending on the specific brand, so always check the official technical sheet.

6 best tricks for excellent results with Nylon CoPA

1. Dry thoroughly and print immediately
   Moisture is a major enemy for any nylon. Therefore, dry the filament for at least 6 hours at 70–80°C and place it on the printer without wasting time.

2. Insulate or enclose the printer
   If you do not have a dedicated enclosure, try at least to reduce air drafts by covering the printer or placing it in a corner. A stable ambient temperature prevents sudden layer shrinkage.

3. Use reliable glue for 3D printing
   A layer of PVA glue or 3D LAC NYLON designed for nylon provides a secure base. A thin layer of glue improves initial adhesion and helps avoid spontaneous detachment.

4. Experiment with retraction
   Nylon CoPA tends to "string". Start with moderate retraction values (3–4 mm for direct drive and 5–6 mm for Bowden), then adjust step by step until you find the optimal balance.

5. Reduce the speed of the first layer
   The first layer is the key to a successful print. It is recommended to print at 15–20 mm/s to ensure stable adhesion and eliminate potential issues right from the start.

6. Slightly higher flow for the first layer
   Sometimes increasing the flow by 2–5% for the first layer helps with better adhesion. This way, the filament slightly "spreads" and fills the bed's imperfections.

Conclusion

Nylon CoPA filament is an impressive combination of strength, impact resistance, and lower levels of warping, which sets it apart from more difficult-to-work-with standard polyamide filaments. For beginners in 3D printing, CoPA requires extra attention to moisture and temperature settings, but rewards efforts with durable, functional parts. For professionals, the material opens doors to creating more serious engineering and manufacturing projects that can withstand moderate to higher loads and temperatures.

If you need printed components capable of withstanding mechanical loads and thermal stress, it is definitely worth exploring and testing Nylon CoPA. Follow best practices – proper drying, suitable temperatures, stable adhesion, and experimentation with retraction – and you will achieve excellent results. The Reddit community and experienced 3D printers will confirm that when well-prepared, this filament can be the key to the next level in your 3D printing.