Quick answer
PETG is generally the easier filament to print and a good default for brackets, enclosures, covers and containers. Nylon is generally the tougher, more wear-resistant option and is often chosen for gears, bushings and parts that flex or rub repeatedly, but it is more demanding: it tends to warp and it absorbs moisture readily. If you are new to engineering filaments, PETG is usually the lower-risk starting point. If a part has to survive friction or repeated loading, nylon is worth the extra effort.
Exact numbers vary by brand, grade and printer, so treat the figures below as starting points and check the manufacturer’s datasheet for the spool you buy.
Side-by-side comparison
| Property | PETG | Nylon (PA6, PA12 and blends) |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | Easier | Harder |
| Warping | Low | Moderate to high |
| Enclosure | Usually not required | Often helpful |
| Moisture absorption | Moderate | High |
| Toughness and wear | Good, but can crack under sharp impact | Typically better, low friction |
| Stiffness | Fairly stiff | More flexible unless filled with carbon or glass fiber |
| Typical nozzle range | Roughly 230-250 C | Roughly 240-280 C |
| Typical bed range | Roughly 70-85 C | Roughly 50-90 C, often with an adhesive |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
Strength, toughness and wear
“Strong” can mean several things, and PETG and nylon win in different ways.
- PETG prints with good layer adhesion and is reasonably stiff. Some users report that PETG parts can shatter or split under sharp impacts, so it suits parts that are loaded gently rather than hammered. For a wider view of how plastics handle shock, see impact strength of plastics compared.
- Nylon is generally regarded as tougher: it tends to bend and absorb energy before failing, and it has a low-friction surface. That is why it shows up in gears, hinges, bushings and sliding parts.
- Filled nylons (carbon fiber or glass fiber) are stiffer and hold shape better, at the cost of being more abrasive. Filled materials usually call for a hardened nozzle, and several users report better results with a nozzle larger than 0.4 mm.
If you are comparing against other materials, PETG is often considered a step up from PLA in toughness and heat tolerance, though PLA can be stiffer and the comparison depends on the specific products.
Ease of printing
PETG usually sticks well to a bed, shrinks little and does not need an enclosure in most setups. Its common quirks are stringing and a tendency to bond strongly to some build surfaces, so a release agent or a suitable sheet is often recommended. Our direct drive retraction settings guide covers how to tune retraction against stringing.
Nylon is more demanding. It has high thermal shrinkage, so warping and corner lift are common. People typically print it on a surface prepared with a nylon-friendly adhesive, with a warm bed and often an enclosure. Many nylon blends are formulated to be easier than pure nylon, so the specific product matters a lot.
Moisture and drying
Both materials can absorb moisture from the air, but nylon is far more sensitive. Wet filament can cause popping sounds, bubbles, rough surfaces, stringing and weaker parts.
- Dry nylon before printing, using a filament dryer or an oven-style dryer at the temperature the manufacturer recommends.
- Print it from a sealed or dry box if you can. A dry box mainly keeps already-dry filament dry; it does not remove moisture from a wet spool.
- PETG benefits from drying too, especially if it is stringing badly, but it is less urgent.
- Store both with desiccant in a sealed container.
Temperature and chemical resistance
PETG softens at a moderate temperature, so it is not ideal for parts left in a hot car or near heat sources. Nylon generally tolerates more heat and mechanical stress, and many nylons resist oils and fuels reasonably well. Neither is a replacement for a high-temperature material when you need real heat resistance; see our comparison of PETG vs polycarbonate if heat is the main concern.
Cost and availability
PETG is typically cheaper and is stocked by nearly every filament brand. Nylon is usually more expensive, and filled or specialty grades cost more still. Factor in a dryer and a suitable build surface if you do not already have them.
Which one to pick
- Choose PETG for enclosures, brackets, covers, tool holders, water-exposed parts and anything where reliable printing matters more than maximum toughness.
- Choose nylon for gears, bushings, snap-fits, hinges, wear parts and tools that see repeated stress, if you are comfortable drying filament and managing warping.
- Consider neither if you need high heat tolerance, in which case polycarbonate or other engineering materials may fit better.
Related comparisons
- PETG vs polycarbonate for heat and impact needs.
- PVC vs PETG for how PETG compares with a common non-printing plastic.
FAQ
Does PETG have better strength than PLA?
It depends on what you mean by strength. PETG is generally tougher and tolerates heat better than PLA, while PLA is often stiffer and prints more easily. Results vary by brand, so compare datasheets for the specific filaments.
Why are some filaments, like TPU, difficult to print?
Flexible filaments can buckle in the extruder path, which makes feeding tricky, and they usually need slower speeds. Nylon is difficult for different reasons: moisture sensitivity and warping.
What are the key differences between ABS and polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate is generally stronger and more heat resistant but harder to print. ABS is easier and cheaper, and it is also prone to warping and needs ventilation. Always print in a ventilated space.
Is nylon or PETG better for outdoor use?
PETG is often chosen for outdoor parts because it tolerates moisture better. Nylon absorbs water, which can change its dimensions and stiffness, so it needs more care outdoors.