Filament guideWhen a printed part has to work like a machined one, nylon composites are often the answer. Jigs, clamps, fixtures and replacement parts all ask a lot of a plastic. Bambu Lab makes three of these filaments, and they behave differently. Here's how to tell them apart.
Quick answer
The short answer
Nylon composites are nylon filaments filled with short carbon fibers or glass fibers. The fibers make parts stiffer, stronger and more heat resistant than plain plastics.
Bambu's lineup is PA6-CF (carbon fiber nylon 6), PA6-GF (glass fiber nylon 6) and PAHT-CF (a carbon fiber, high-temperature nylon based on PA12). All three are rated above 180°C (356°F) for heat deflection.
01
What is a nylon composite?
Nylon ("PA" stands for polyamide) is a tough engineering plastic used in gears, zip ties and machine parts. On its own it can flex and warp. Adding chopped fiber stiffens it and keeps it more dimensionally stable.
The fibers are abrasive, so these filaments need a hardened-steel nozzle. Bambu also calls for an enclosed printer and drying before use.
02
PA6-CF vs PA6-GF vs PAHT-CF
| Bambu's data (dry, XY) | PA6-CF | PA6-GF | PAHT-CF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat deflection temperature | 186°C | 182°C | 194°C |
| Tensile strength | 102 MPa | 75 MPa | 92 MPa |
| Bending strength | 151 MPa | 120 MPa | 125 MPa |
| Bending modulus (stiffness) | 5,460 MPa | 3,670 MPa | 4,230 MPa |
| Impact strength | 40.3 kJ/m² | 27.2 kJ/m² | 57.5 kJ/m² |
| Water absorption (saturated) | 2.35% | 2.56% | 0.88% |
In short: PA6-CF is the stiffest and strongest when dry. PAHT-CF is the toughest and absorbs the least water. PA6-GF is the cost-effective option, and Bambu notes its smooth finish blurs layer lines.
03
What they're good for
- Jigs, fixtures and clamps for workshops and production lines
- Mechanical and automotive components
- Functional prototypes and low-volume production parts (PAHT-CF)
- Parts exposed to oils and many solvents, which Bambu highlights for PA6-GF
- Replacement parts for tools and equipment
04
Limits to know about
- Nylon drinks water. After absorbing moisture, parts lose strength and stiffness but gain toughness. Bambu's PA6-CF bending strength drops from 151 MPa dry to about 95 MPa wet. Bambu recommends PA6-CF for dry environments.
- Layers are the weak direction. Strength between layers is much lower. PA6-CF's layer bending strength is 80 MPa, against 151 MPa along the layers.
- Function first. These are engineering materials. For colorful display pieces, PLA is the better fit.
- Humid spaces. For damp or humid settings, PET-CF absorbs far less water.
05
Designing for nylon composites
Tell us which way the load runs. We'll orient the part so the force travels along the layers, not across them.
Tell us if the part will live somewhere wet or humid. That often decides between PAHT-CF, PA6-CF and PET-CF.
Overhangs on these materials are usually supported with Bambu's Support for PA/PET, which peels off by hand. For lighter-duty parts, compare PLA-CF and PETG-CF.
06
Nylon composites at IMPRESO
We print PA6-CF, PA6-GF and PAHT-CF in-house at our studio in Ridgewood, Queens. Tell us how the part will be used, and we'll recommend the right one, or a simpler material if that will do. Every job is quoted individually.
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