Nylon is renowned for its resilient, yet pliable nature, making it a favorite for many DIY ventures. Yet, nailing the ultimate printing speed and temperature for Nylon sometimes feels like cracking a tough code. Passionate about all things tech, I, Carolina, took it upon myself to guide you through achieving that impeccable print speed and temperature to deliver top-tier outcomes.
Understanding the best speed & temperature for Nylon is contingent on the specific Nylon variant and the 3D printer at your disposal. As a rule of thumb, though, it’s often ideal to adopt a speed of 50mm/s, a nozzle heat of 235°C, and a bed warmth of 75°C. Always remember, Nylon spool brands typically feature their suggested temperature specifics.
What’s the Ideal Printing Speed for Nylon?
Spot-on printing speed for Nylon typically ranges from 30-60mm/s. If you’re armed with a high-performance 3D printer showcasing excellent stability, you could potentially venture faster without compromising on the quality. Devices like the Delta 3D printers even boast capabilities exceeding 100mm/s.
The charm of Nylon lies in its tenacity, even under elevated heat, permitting impressive speeds up to 70mm/s. Remember, when pushing the speed limit, it’s wise to slightly up the print temperature since the filament is exposed to the hotend for shorter durations. If you overlook this step, under extrusion might rear its head.
For those intricately detailed models, a consistent speed of 40-50mm/s is golden. I came across a fellow techie who dialed down from 75mm/s to 45mm/s and marveled at the heightened precision and detail in their prints.
Under the umbrella of general print speed, you’ll find:
– Infill Speed
– Wall Speed (Encompassing both Outer & Inner Walls)
– Top/Bottom Speed
Your Infill Speed, which defines your 3D print’s core, often matches your primary Print Speed, clocking in at 50mm/s. But this can be adjusted based on material choice. Wall and top/bottom speeds usually hover at half your print speed. Given the pivotal nature of these sections, sticking to slower speeds compared to your primary print speed can elevate the model’s exterior quality. Dive deeper with my comprehensive Guide on 3D Printing Nylon.
What’s the Optimal Nylon Printing Temperature?
For Nylon, the sweet spot for printing temperature typically hovers between 220°C-250°C, though brand and printer specifics can influence this. Brands like OVERTURE Nylon advocate for a range of 250°C-270°C, while Taulman3D Nylon 230 favors 230°C. eSUN Carbon Fiber Nylon suggests 260°C-290°C.
Each brand has its tailor-made temperature recommendations for their nylon filament products. It’s wise to align with these guidelines. Most of the tech community swears by the 240-250°C range. However, surrounding environmental conditions, thermistor accuracy, and other variables can play their part.
Your specific 3D printer type and hot end can subtly influence the ideal printing temperature for Nylon Filament. Since brands can be diverse in their temperature preferences, a personalized approach often works wonders. A popular method is crafting a Temperature Tower – a structure that prints sections at varying temperatures, ascending the tower.
Always refer to the spool or packaging to find the manufacturer’s suggested temperature. And if you’re working with printers like Ender 3 Pro or V2, be aware that stock PTFE tubes often max out at a heat resistance of about 250°C. To ensure sustained resistance up to 260°C, consider an upgrade to a Capricorn PTFE Tube. Bonus: it’s also adept at resolving filament feeding and retraction challenges.
What’s the Ideal Print Bed Temperature for Nylon?
Nylon prefers a bed temperature between 40-80°C, with most brands singing praises for the 60-70°C range. Given Nylon’s glass transition temperature of 70°C (its softening point), it’s essential to strike a balance. Brands like eSUN Carbon Fiber Filled Nylon recommend 45°C-60°C, while OVERTURE Nylon suggests 60°C-80°C.
Bed temperature preferences can vary across brands, so experimentation is key. Enclosures, such as the Creality Fireproof & Dustproof Enclosure, can be instrumental in maintaining consistent heat for your 3D prints.
What’s the Prime Fan Speed for Nylon?
Considering Nylon’s vulnerability to warping due to its high-temperature nature, a fan speed of 0% to a maximum of 50% is advised. Avoid any direct drafts or gusts on the print. Using an enclosure can help shield your Nylon 3D prints from potential warping.
One user’s experience highlighted that turning off the cooling fan led to challenges with smaller components and overhangs, which became droopy. However, increasing the fan speed to 50% yielded stronger parts with superior surface details.
What’s the Best Layer Height for Nylon?
For Nylon paired with a 0.4mm nozzle, the layer height can fluctuate between 0.12-0.28mm, based on the desired quality. Detailed models shine at 0.12mm layer heights, while speedier and sturdier prints can be achieved at 0.2-0.28mm.
A 0.2mm layer height is often the gold standard in 3D printing due to its harmonious blend of quality and speed. Opting for a lower layer height boosts quality but also amps up the total layers, leading to extended print durations.
Depending on the project’s demands, a less detailed print might be acceptable, making layer heights of 0.28mm or above feasible. Conversely, for those intricate designs demanding top-tier surface quality, layer heights of 0.12mm or 0.16mm reign supreme.