Pla vs Nylon Filament: Which One Should You Buy?

Side by side

Specifications are manufacturer stated, as published on each listing and collected 3 November 2026.

Print settings

Settings separate the sides on figures stated by listings on both sides. The PLA examples state a nozzle temperature of 200-230 degrees Celsius, a bed temperature of 50-65 degrees Celsius, and a printing speed of 50-100mm/s. The Polymaker nylon example states a nozzle temperature of 250-300 degrees Celsius and a build plate temperature of 40-50 degrees Celsius, with speeds up to 300 mm/s possible with a tuned profile as stated. The SUNLU nylon example states a nozzle temperature of 270-280 degrees Celsius, a platform temperature of 30-50 degrees Celsius, and a speed of 100-150mm/s.

Strength and heat

Strength figures are not stated on both sides, so this section does not rank the sides on a single strength number. The Polymaker example states a dry tensile strength of 91.9 MPa and a strength of 83.1 MPa after the stated annealing and moisture-conditioning process, with a heat deflection temperature of 175 degrees Celsius at 0.45 MPa after annealing at 100 degrees Celsius for 16 hours. The SUNLU nylon example states a heat deflection temperature of 121 degrees Celsius, and states tensile strength and bending strength exceeding that of regular PLA and ABS, without a stated figure. The PLA examples state no tensile strength figure at all.

Moisture and storage

The Polymaker example states that the filament remains hygroscopic, must be kept below 20 percent relative humidity during storage and printing, and should be dried at 100 degrees Celsius for 10 hours before use if exposed to ambient humidity. The SUNLU nylon example states vacuum packaging with an aluminum foil bag, a drying temperature of 90 degrees Celsius, a drying time of 12H, and annealing at 90-130 degrees Celsius with slow cooling. The bone white PLA example states vacuum packaging that keeps the filament moisture-free as stated, with no drying temperature or time stated.

Spool and compatibility

All examples state a diameter of 1.75mm. The PLA white example states a spool diameter of 8.00 inches, a spool width of 2.50 inches, and a spool hub hole diameter of 2.20 inches. The bone white PLA example states a spool diameter of 195mm, a spool width of 59mm, and a spool hub hole diameter of 63mm. The SUNLU nylon example states a spool diameter of 203.2mm, stated as 8 inches, a spool width of 63.5mm, stated as 2.5 inches, and a spool hub hole diameter of 55.88mm, stated as 2.20 inches. The Polymaker example states no spool dimensions. For more PLA options, see best PLA filament for 3D printers, and for drying gear, see best filament dryer for nylon.

The picks: pla vs nylon filament

Choose PLA if

• You want simple settings at a nozzle temperature of 200-230 degrees Celsius.
• You want a stated diameter accuracy of plus or minus 0.02mm.
• You want a stated warranty, as in the bone white PLA example with 1 year manufacturer.
• You are printing general parts where no strength figure is stated as a requirement.

Choose nylon if

• You are printing rigid functional parts, tooling, jigs, fixtures, or engineering prototypes, as stated for the Polymaker example.
• You are printing high-stress parts such as gears and bearings, as stated for the SUNLU nylon example.
• You can meet the stated nozzle, hotend, and dry storage requirements for the nylon example you choose.
• You accept annealing and drying steps as stated for the nylon examples.

Project Match

• General prints and beginner projects: the PLA examples state easy use, neat winding, and a diameter accuracy of plus or minus 0.02mm.
• Rigid functional parts, tooling, jigs, fixtures, and engineering prototypes: the Polymaker example states that use.
• High-stress parts such as gears and bearings: the SUNLU nylon example states that use.
• Dynamic parts such as drone arms or robotic joints: the SUNLU nylon example states that use, without crediting carbon fiber to that example.
• Parts where a strength figure is required: not stated for the PLA examples or the SUNLU nylon example; only the Polymaker example states tensile strength figures.

FAQ: lasers and CNC

Which filament is easier to print?

From these listings, PLA is simpler. The PLA examples state a nozzle temperature of 200-230 degrees Celsius, with recommended settings only. The nylon examples state higher nozzle temperatures, with the Polymaker example also stating an all-metal hotend and a hardened steel or ruby nozzle.

Does nylon need drying?

Both nylon listings state drying steps. The Polymaker example states storage below 20 percent relative humidity and drying at 100 degrees Celsius for 10 hours before use if exposed to ambient humidity. The SUNLU nylon example states a drying temperature of 90 degrees Celsius and a drying time of 12H.

Can PLA and nylon both print at 1.75mm?

Yes. All examples in this comparison state a diameter of 1.75mm, so diameter alone does not separate the sides.

Is the SUNLU nylon example a carbon fiber filament?

No, from its title and other bullets. The title and model describe Nylon 6 plus 66, and only one bullet mentions carbon fiber reinforcement. This article therefore does not credit carbon fiber to that example; the Polymaker example is the carbon fiber example, with 15 percent carbon fiber stated.

What about annealing?

Annealing is stated for nylon only in these listings. The Polymaker example states annealing at 100 degrees Celsius for 16 hours, with a heat deflection temperature of 175 degrees Celsius at 0.45 MPa after annealing. The SUNLU nylon example states annealing at 90-130 degrees Celsius with slow cooling. The PLA examples state no annealing settings.

Related: pla vs PETG filament, nylon vs PETG filament, best PLA filament for 3D printers and FDM 3D printers.