Nylon vs PETG: Maximum Toughness or Easy Durability
Pick PETG for everyday functional parts: it is tough, easy to print and forgiving. Pick nylon when a part needs more: gears, hinges, sliding parts and anything that wears or flexes repeatedly. Nylon is tougher and more wear resistant, but it must be kept dry and is harder to print.
Nylon vs PETG Prices Right Now
Nylon
PETG
Nylon and PETG Side by Side
| Property | Nylon | PETG |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle temperature | 240-270°C | 230-250°C |
| Bed temperature | 70-90°C | 70-90°C |
| Enclosure | Strongly rec. | Optional |
| Drying | 70-80°C, 8-12h | 60-65°C, 4-8h |
| Heat resistance | ~80-180°C (varies by type and fiber fill) | ~70°C |
| Difficulty | Advanced | Easy |
| Best for | tough, wear-resistant mechanical parts like gears, hinges, and high-heat brackets | functional parts that need toughness and the light outdoor or higher-heat use PLA can't handle |
Settings are starting points. The full settings cheat sheet covers every material.
When to Choose Nylon
Nylon is one of the toughest common filaments. It resists wear and fatigue, flexes without breaking and handles heat well, which suits gears, living hinges, bushings and mechanical parts that move.
When to Choose PETG
PETG covers most functional parts with far less effort. It is tough, handles moderate heat, resists water and prints on an open machine.
Printing Differences
Nylon absorbs moisture very quickly and prints badly when wet, so it needs drying before use and ideally printing from a dry box. It runs hot, often 240 to 270°C, benefits from an enclosure and can warp. PETG is far more forgiving on all of these.
Cost Differences
Nylon usually costs considerably more per kilogram than PETG. The live prices on this page show where the two stand right now.
Cheapest Nylon and PETG Spools
Nylon vs PETG FAQ
Is nylon stronger than PETG?
Nylon is tougher and much more wear and fatigue resistant, which is why it is used for gears and hinges. For most static parts, PETG is strong enough.
Why does nylon need to be dried?
It absorbs water from the air within hours. Wet nylon bubbles, strings and prints weak parts, so dry it and store it sealed.
Do I need an enclosure for nylon?
It is strongly recommended. An enclosure reduces warping and keeps the print warm for better layer bonding.