Material comparison
PLA vs Nylon
How PLA and Nylon compare on strength, heat, ease of printing and price, and the cheapest reels of each in stock on Amazon UK and Eryone UK.
- typical PLA
- £13.99/kg
- typical Nylon
- £41.24/kg
- cheaper right now
- PLA
PLA vs Nylon at a glance
| Property | PLA | Nylon |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle | 190-230°C | 240-270°C |
| Bed | 35-60°C | 40-90°C |
| Enclosure | Not needed | Required |
| Heat resistance | 57°C | 111°C |
| Strength | 3 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 |
| Flexibility | 1 out of 5 | 3 out of 5 |
| UV resistance | 2 out of 5 | 2 out of 5 |
| Ease of printing | 5 out of 5 | 1 out of 5 |
| Absorbs moisture | Low | High |
| Drying | 50°C, 6h | 80°C, 10h |
| Typical price | £13.99/kg | £41.24/kg |
| Cheapest in stock | £7.12/kg | £17.99/kg |
Ratings are out of 5. Temperatures and ratings are typical values from manufacturers' data sheets; prices are live from Amazon UK and Eryone UK.
Cheapest PLA per kg
Prices checked 6 Oct, 03:00–09:20 (UK time) and may change.We earn a small commission if you buy. Your price stays the same.
Cheapest Nylon per kg
Prices checked 5 Oct, 03:00 – 6 Oct, 11:15 (UK time) and may change.We earn a small commission if you buy. Your price stays the same.
PLA vs Nylon: which should you buy?
Choose PLA if you want the easiest printing, with the fewest failed prints; your printer is open-frame: PLA doesn't need an enclosure; or you don't want to dry filament before printing.
Choose Nylon if the part has to survive heat: Nylon holds its shape to about 111°C, against 57°C for PLA; the part has to take load or knocks; or the part needs to bend or flex without snapping.
On price, a typical PLA reel costs £13.99 per kilogram on Amazon UK and Eryone UK right now, against £41.24 for Nylon.
The figures are typical values from manufacturers' data sheets (Polymaker, Prusament, Bambu Lab); individual brands vary, so the range on the reel always wins.
Common questions
Is Nylon stronger than PLA?
Generally, yes: Nylon is tougher and less brittle than PLA, and holds its shape to about 111°C.
Which is easier to print, PLA or Nylon?
PLA. It prints at 190-230°C with a 35-60°C bed and needs no enclosure; Nylon needs 240-270°C and an enclosure.
Is PLA or Nylon cheaper in the UK?
PLA: a typical reel costs £13.99 per kg on Amazon UK and Eryone UK right now, against £41.24 for Nylon. The cheapest of each are listed on this page.
Can I print Nylon without an enclosure?
Small parts, sometimes; anything bigger tends to warp and split in a draught, so Nylon really needs an enclosed printer. Check which printers can print it in our printer guides.
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