PETG vs Nylon (PA): cost compared
Nylon costs about 2–3× more and needs drying. Choose it for wear and fatigue resistance that PETG can't match.
| PETG | Nylon (PA) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per 100 cm³ of solid part | $2.79 | $6.21 |
| Example print (preset) | $7.27 | $12.22 |
| Typical spool price | $18–28 per kg | $40–70 per kg |
| Density | about 1.27 g/cm³ | about 1.1–1.15 g/cm³ |
| Nozzle / bed | 220–250 °C / 70–85 °C | 240–280 °C / 70–90 °C |
| Enclosure | Optional | Recommended; dry filament |
Typical published ranges and mid-range prices. Example prints use each page's calculator preset. Cost per volume accounts for density: a lighter filament gives more parts per kilogram.
Choose PETG for
General functional parts
- It can bond too strongly to smooth PEI. Use a release agent.
Choose Nylon (PA) for
Gears, hinges, high-wear parts
- It absorbs moisture within hours, so store it sealed.
What changes the comparison
- Its density is slightly higher than PLA's, so the same model weighs a bit more.
- A hotter bed adds a little to the per-hour power cost.
- Running a filament dryer for 4–8 hours adds about 50–100 W during that time. Add it to the print hours if you want it counted.
- A failure rate of 8–12% is common while you dial it in.
More comparisons
Know your cost. Now check the demand.
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