Both are engineering-grade materials. One excels at wear resistance and flexibility; the other at heat resistance and post-processing. Here's how to choose.
Choose Nylon for:
Gears, bearings, wear parts, hinges, anything needing flexibility + toughness
Choose ABS for:
Enclosures, housings, parts needing acetone smoothing, heat-resistant indoor parts
| Property | Nylon (PA12) | ABS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 50–80 MPa | 30–45 MPa | Nylon |
| Impact Resistance | Excellent | Good | Nylon |
| Wear Resistance | Excellent (self-lubricating) | Moderate | Nylon |
| Flexibility | Good (bends before breaking) | Brittle in thin sections | Nylon |
| Heat Resistance | 80–110°C | 90°C | Tie |
| Moisture Sensitivity | Extreme (absorbs fast) | Moderate | ABS |
| Print Difficulty | Hard | Hard | Tie |
| Enclosure Needed | Recommended | Essential | Nylon |
| Acetone Smoothing | No | Yes | ABS |
| Color Options | Limited (mostly white/black) | Wide | ABS |
| Price | $35–55/kg | $20–30/kg | ABS |
| Odor when printing | Mild | Strong (styrene) | Nylon |
Gears & Drive Components
Self-lubricating, high wear resistance, doesn't crack under cyclical load. ABS gears wear fast.
Structural Brackets
Higher tensile strength, resists flex without failing. ABS can crack under sustained stress.
Electronic Enclosures
ABS is ESD-compatible, easier to post-process, acetone smoothing gives professional look.
High-Temp Parts (90°C+)
Both handle 90°C but ABS is cheaper for heat-critical indoor parts where moisture isn't an issue.
Outdoor Parts
Both degrade under UV. ASA is the correct choice for outdoor applications.
Thin Snap-Fits / Living Hinges
Nylon flexes thousands of times without fatiguing. ABS snap-fits break within hundreds of cycles.
| Setting | Nylon (PA12) | ABS |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle Temp | 240–260°C | 230–250°C |
| Bed Temp | 80–90°C | 100–110°C |
| Print Speed | 30–50 mm/s | 40–60 mm/s |
| Enclosure | Recommended | Required |
| Bed Surface | Garolite / PEI | PEI / Glass + ABS slurry |
| Drying Required | Yes — always (8–12h at 75°C) | If stored poorly (4–6h at 80°C) |
| Cooling Fan | 0–20% | 0–20% |