If you’re using 3D printing for functional parts, industrial prototypes, or high-performance components, understanding the price of 3D printed nylon per gram is critical for budgeting. Nylon (polyamide) is a popular 3D printing material due to its strength and durability, but its price varies widely—from 0.5 RMB/gram for standard bulk nylon to 8 RMB/gram for high-performance reinforced nylon. This guide breaks down the key price drivers, provides practical references, shares cost-saving tips, and answers common questions to help you make informed decisions.
1. 5 Core Factors That Affect the Price of 3D Printed Nylon Per Gram
The price of 3D printed nylon per gram is shaped by tangible factors, from material formulation to purchase volume. Below is a detailed breakdown with real numbers to illustrate their impact:
(1) Nylon Type & Performance
Nylon is categorized by grade, with specialized types (e.g., reinforced, photosensitive) costing far more than standard grades due to added properties:
| Nylon Type | Price Range (RMB/gram) | Key Characteristics | Typical Applications |
| Standard Nylon 6 (PA6) | 0.5 ~ 2 | Good impact resistance, low cost | Basic prototypes, non-critical functional parts (e.g., small brackets) |
| Standard Nylon 12 (PA12) | 2 ~ 5 | Higher chemical resistance, better dimensional stability | High-precision models, industrial components (e.g., sensor housings) |
| Carbon Fiber Reinforced Nylon | 3 ~ 8 | Ultra-high strength, lightweight | High-load parts (e.g., aerospace components, drone frames) |
| Photosensitive Nylon (for SLA/DLP) | 2 ~ 5 | Smooth surface finish, high detail | Fine prototypes, decorative industrial parts |
Example: A 100g simple part made with Nylon 6 costs 50–200 RMB (0.5–2 RMB/gram). The same part made with carbon fiber reinforced nylon costs 300–800 RMB—6–4x more.
(2) Brand Origin & Quality
Brand origin impacts both price and consistency. International premium brands offer reliable performance but higher costs, while domestic brands provide cost-effective options for most users:
| Brand Category | Price Range (RMB/gram) | Quality Traits | Popular Brands |
| Domestic Standard Brands | 0.5 ~ 2 | Good printability; suitable for general use | eSUN (Nylon Line), Creality PA6, Polymaker Polyamide |
| International Premium Brands | 2 ~ 5 | Strict quality control; minimal warping | EOS (PA12), Stratasys Nylon, BASF Ultrafuse |
| Specialty Reinforced Brands | 3 ~ 8 | Expert-formulated for strength | Carbon Fiber Nylon: Markforged Onyx, Ultimaker Nylon CF |
Key Note: International brands like EOS (a leader in industrial 3D printing materials) set the benchmark for quality, but their Nylon 12 costs 2–3x more than domestic Nylon 12.
(3) Purchase Volume
Buying nylon in bulk is one of the most effective ways to lower the price per gram. Suppliers offer discounts for larger orders, as bulk purchases reduce packaging, logistics, and handling costs:
| Purchase Volume | Price Per Gram (Standard Nylon 6) | Total Cost Example (1kg vs. 10kg) | Discount vs. Small Batches |
| Small Batch (<1kg) | 1 ~ 2 RMB/gram | 1kg: 1,000 ~ 2,000 RMB | 0% (No Discount) |
| Medium Batch (1–10kg) | 0.7 ~ 1.5 RMB/gram | 10kg: 7,000 ~ 15,000 RMB | 20 ~ 30% |
| Large Batch (>10kg) | 0.5 ~ 1 RMB/gram | 20kg: 10,000 ~ 20,000 RMB | 40 ~ 50% |
Example: A small business buying 500g of Nylon 6 pays 1.5 RMB/gram (750 RMB total). A manufacturer buying 20kg pays 0.8 RMB/gram (16,000 RMB total)—cutting the price per gram by nearly half.
(4) Market Supply & Demand
Nylon is derived from petroleum-based raw materials, so its price is linked to oil costs and industry demand:
- Raw Material Fluctuations: If crude oil prices rise by 30%, standard Nylon 6 prices may increase by 15–20% (e.g., from 1 to 1.2 RMB/gram).
- 3D Printing Industry Demand: During peak industrial production seasons (e.g., Q4 for holiday manufacturing), demand for nylon spikes, pushing prices up by 10–15% temporarily.
(5) Printing Technology Compatibility
Nylon designed for specific 3D printing technologies (e.g., SLS, SLA) costs more than general-purpose nylon. For example:
- SLS-specific nylon powder (used in industrial printers) costs 2–3 RMB/gram, while FDM nylon filament (for consumer printers) costs 0.5–1.5 RMB/gram.
- Photosensitive nylon (for SLA/DLP) costs 2–5 RMB/gram due to its specialized resin formulation.
2. Practical Price Reference Table for 3D Printed Nylon
To quickly check if a nylon price is reasonable, use this table of common nylon types, brands, and their per-gram costs:
| Nylon Category | Brand Type | Price Per Gram (RMB/gram) | Best For |
| Standard Nylon 6 | Domestic | 0.5 ~ 1.2 | Basic prototypes, low-cost functional parts |
| Standard Nylon 6 | International | 1.2 ~ 2 | High-consistency industrial prototypes |
| Standard Nylon 12 | Domestic | 2 ~ 3 | Precision parts needing chemical resistance |
| Standard Nylon 12 | International | 3 ~ 5 | Critical industrial components |
| Carbon Fiber Reinforced Nylon | Domestic | 3 ~ 5 | High-strength parts on a budget |
| Carbon Fiber Reinforced Nylon | International | 5 ~ 8 | Ultra-high-performance aerospace/automotive parts |
| Photosensitive Nylon | Domestic/International | 2 ~ 5 | SLA/DLP-printed high-detail parts |
3. 4 Proven Tips to Reduce the Cost of 3D Printed Nylon
You don’t have to compromise on performance to save money on 3D printed nylon. Try these strategies:
(1) Choose the Right Nylon Grade for Your Needs
Only use specialized nylon when necessary. For example:
- Use standard Nylon 6 for a simple prototype instead of Nylon 12—save 50–75% per gram.
- Reserve carbon fiber reinforced nylon for high-load parts (e.g., drone arms) and use standard nylon for non-load-bearing components (e.g., drone casings).
(2) Buy in Bulk (or Join Group Purchases)
If you don’t need large quantities alone, team up with other businesses or makers to split bulk orders. For example:
- 3 small manufacturers splitting a 30kg order of Nylon 6 pay 0.7 RMB/gram each—vs. 1.5 RMB/gram for individual 10kg orders.
(3) Opt for Domestic Brands for Non-Critical Parts
Domestic nylon brands offer performance close to international brands but at 30–50% lower prices. For example:
- Domestic Nylon 12 (2–3 RMB/gram) meets most industrial prototype needs, while international Nylon 12 (3–5 RMB/gram) is only necessary for critical components.
(4) Optimize Print Settings to Reduce Waste
- Adjust Infill: Use 20–30% infill for non-load parts (vs. 50% for high-load parts) to cut material use by 40–60%.
- Design Lightweight Structures: Add lattice or hollow patterns to reduce part weight—e.g., a 200g Nylon 12 housing becomes 100g with a hollow design, saving 100g of material.
- Reuse Unused Powder (for SLS): Collect and reprocess unused nylon powder (up to 50% of the original batch) for test prints or non-critical parts.
4. Key Precautions When Buying 3D Printed Nylon
To avoid overpaying or buying unsuitable nylon, keep these in mind:
(1) Check Printer Compatibility
Not all nylon works with all 3D printers:
- FDM printers need nylon filament (avoid powder), while SLS printers require nylon powder.
- Photosensitive nylon only works with SLA/DLP printers—confirm your printer’s resin compatibility before purchasing.
(2) Verify Storage Requirements
Nylon is highly hygroscopic (absorbs moisture easily), which causes print defects like bubbles or warping. Ensure the supplier stores nylon in sealed, moisture-proof packaging. After opening, store nylon in a dry box with desiccants.
(3) Test Small Samples First
For specialty nylon (e.g., carbon fiber reinforced), buy a small 100g sample first to test print quality and performance. This avoids wasting money on a large batch that doesn’t meet your needs.
Yigu Technology’s Perspective on 3D Printed Nylon Pricing
At Yigu Technology, we believe matching nylon grade to project needs is the key to cost-effective 3D printing. Many clients overspend by using high-cost international nylon or reinforced grades for basic prototypes—for example, using carbon fiber nylon (5–8 RMB/gram) for a simple bracket when Nylon 6 (0.5–1 RMB/gram) works. Our team helps select the right nylon: for industrial prototypes, we recommend domestic Nylon 12 (2–3 RMB/gram) to save 30–40% vs. international options; for high-load parts, we suggest targeted use of reinforced nylon (e.g., only in stress points) to cut material costs. We also assist with bulk ordering, helping clients access 40–50% discounts. Our goal is to deliver high-performance nylon parts at the lowest possible price.
FAQ
- Why is carbon fiber reinforced nylon so much more expensive than standard nylon?
Carbon fiber reinforced nylon requires adding high-cost carbon fiber filaments (10–20 RMB/gram) to the nylon base material. The reinforcement process also increases manufacturing complexity, raising production costs by 200–300%. This translates to a 3–8x higher price per gram vs. standard nylon.
- Can I mix different brands of nylon to save money?
No—mixing brands is not recommended. Different nylon brands have variations in melting point, molecular weight, and additive content, which can cause inconsistent print quality (e.g., poor layer adhesion, uneven shrinkage). Stick to one brand for a single project to ensure reliability.
- Is nylon powder (for SLS) more expensive than nylon filament (for FDM)?
Yes—SLS nylon powder typically costs 2–3 RMB/gram, while FDM nylon filament costs 0.5–1.5 RMB/gram. SLS powder requires finer particle sizes and stricter quality control to ensure uniform sintering, which increases production costs. However, SLS is better for complex geometries, making it worth the cost for specific projects.