PA6 vs PA12
How PA6 and PA12 compare, from typical settings across every filament we list.
Short answer
Choose PA6 when you need the most strength, wear resistance and heat resistance from a nylon. Choose PA12 when parts must keep their size and properties in damp conditions, or when you want a nylon that is easier to print; it absorbs far less moisture.
- PA6 is tougher and more heat resistant; PA12 is easier to print and better outdoors.
- PA6 typically prints about 15 °C hotter at the nozzle.
- PA6 and PA12 print at about the same temperature on the bed.
- PA12 is less dense, so a 1 kg spool holds about 47 m more 1.75 mm filament.
- There are 69 PA6 filaments in 119 colours, and 50 PA12 filaments in 90 colours.
At a glance
Our rating, out of 5| PA6 | PA12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | Easier to print | |
| Toughness | Tougher | |
| Stiffness | ||
| Heat resistance | More heat resistant | |
| Outdoor and UV | Better outdoors | |
| Flexibility | ||
| Setup | Needs an enclosure, Dry before printing | Dry before printing |
| PA6 | PA12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Nylon 6 (polyamide 6) | Nylon 12 (polyamide 12) |
| Filaments listed | 69 | 50 |
| Brands | 28 | 26 |
| Colours | 119 | 90 |
| Nozzle temperature | 250–290 °C | 240–270 °C |
| Bed temperature | 80–100 °C | 80–100 °C |
| Density | 1.14 g/cm³ | 1.01 g/cm³ |
| Length of 1 kg (1.75 mm) | about 365 m | about 412 m |
| Max drying temperature | 80 °C | 70 °C |
Temperatures are medians across each material's filaments, rounded to 5 °C. Always check the maker's settings for a specific filament.
Brands that make both
17 brands make both PA6 and PA12; these have the most of each.
PA6 vs PA12 questions
Is PA6 stronger than PA12?
Generally, yes. PA6 is stronger and more heat resistant, but it absorbs much more water, which makes it more flexible and slightly changes its size in humid air.
Which nylon is easier to print?
PA12. It absorbs less moisture and warps less, so it prints more predictably. Both still print best from a dry box.
Which is better for gears?
PA6 for the toughest, hardest-wearing gears; PA12 when the gears must stay dimensionally stable in damp environments.
Do both need drying?
Yes, but PA6 is much more sensitive. Dry either before printing; PA6 especially should be printed straight from a dry box.
Do I need a hardened nozzle for nylon?
Not for plain PA6 or PA12. You do for carbon or glass fibre filled grades, which wear out brass nozzles quickly.