Key advantages
- Low-temperature nylon designed for extrusion around 230°C and fast cooling.
- Pre-"lubricated" material with Lubricity technology for smoother feeding.
- Semi-flexible nature of the material – suitable for parts that need to absorb impact/bending.
- Odorless during operation
- Available in Ø 1.75 mm.
Who is Nylon Blend for and what problem does it solve
3D Filkemp Nylon Blend is a technical nylon filament aimed at functional prototypes and parts with increased requirements for wear and impact resistance. Compared to mass materials, nylon is preferred when the part functions as a mechanical element (guides, bushings, snap-fit assemblies) or when a more "engineering" behavior under load is sought.
The key here is that this nylon is described as low-temperature and fast cooling – a combination aimed at more predictable 3D printing and lower risk of deformation compared to typical nylons. In practice, this can facilitate the transition to nylon in machines that are not designed for very high extruder temperatures.
Material in practice: strength, wear resistance, and surface
Nylon Blend is a good choice when the goal is for the part not to be "brittle," but to have high impact resistance and some elasticity. This is useful for snap-fit assemblies and components that need to absorb vibrations. Manufacturer descriptions indicate that the results can resemble parts from injection molding, which is an indicator of a focus on functional surface and load behavior.
It is important to consider the typical compromise of nylon: the material is more tolerant to impact, but the settings and conditions (humidity, adhesion, cooling) have a greater influence on the final result.
Workflow in 3D printing: setup, adhesion, cooling
The approach with Nylon Blend is to seek stability of the first layer and controlled cooling. Manufacturer recommendations for this type of Filkemp nylon are usually around 230°C on the extruder and minimal/no cooling. If you are coming from PLA/PETG, you will notice a difference: overly aggressive cooling and unsuitable surface can increase the risk of corner lifting.
Practical sequence (without assumptions for a specific machine):
- 1) Check the spool and storage. Moisture affects nylons. If cracking, dullness, strings, or unstable flow are observed – treat the material as moist and apply controlled drying.
- 2) Starting setting. Start with a temperature around 230°C and adjust according to adhesion between layers and surface.
- 3) First layer. Use a wider line/lower speed for the first layer and ensure a clean, degreased surface.
- 4) Adhesion. In case of issues, use a specialized adhesive for PA/nylon or a suitable surface.
- 5) Deformation control. If the geometry is "aggressive" (large contact area, thin angles), use brim/raft and limit air currents around the machine.
Compatibility and ecosystem
As a standard filament for extrusion, Nylon Blend works with standard FFF/FDM platforms, as long as the system supports the necessary temperatures and has reliable first layer adhesion. Available data for Filkemp nylon indicates availability of Ø 1.75 mm, which facilitates selection according to the extruder.
Key to the workflow are the profiles in the slicer and good habits: stable retraction, clean nozzle, and consistent platform preparation.
Professional use scenarios
- Functional prototypes – when the part needs to be tested in reality (clicking, pressure, impact), not just as a shape.
- Mechanical components – guides, bushings, spacers, and friction elements, where nylon is often more suitable than hard, "glass-like" materials.
- Fixators and mounting devices – quick auxiliary tools for a production environment that are used repeatedly and should not crack under load.
- Small series – for repeatable parts, where a balance between production time and functionality is sought.
- Housings and protective elements – when impact and wear resistance are important during use.
Limitations and best practices
Moisture and storage. Nylon is generally sensitive to moisture. Even with materials that have a lower tendency to absorb moisture, the safest approach is: dry storage, closed container, and desiccant. If symptoms of moisture appear (unstable extrusion, strings, noise when exiting the nozzle), first respond with drying and only then with changes to the profile.
Deformations (warping). Reduce drafts, use brim, and ensure proper adhesion. If the machine allows – an enclosed volume or screen against drafts can improve repeatability for larger parts.
Adhesion to the platform. With nylon, there is often a need for specialized solutions (surface/adhesive). This is more effective than "forcing" the settings.
Post-processing. Parts are usually well processed mechanically (sanding/drilling), but work with appropriate speeds and tools to avoid local overheating.
Calibration. If switching material from PLA/PETG to nylon, take time to calibrate flow and first layer.
| Technical specifications | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | Nylon (Nylon Blend) |
| Typical extruder temperature | Around 230°C |
| Available data: recommendation in technical sheet | 225–235°C (not confirmed by a second independent source as a range) |
| Filament Diameter | 1.75 mm. |
| Available data: diameter tolerance | ±0.10 mm (Available data: not confirmed by sources) |
| Cooling (fan) | Available data: 0% (Available data: not confirmed by sources) |
| Platform temperature | Available data: values vary across different sources; adjusted according to adhesion |
| Material characteristics | Semi-flexible; focused on functional details |
| Features | Pre-lubricated (Lubricity technology); rapid cooling; odorless (according to manufacturer descriptions) |