Nylon vs PC Blend (PC-ABS) for 3D printing

    Choose Nylon for living hinges; choose PC Blend (PC-ABS) for electronics enclosures.

    Nylon — starting price

    $10.00 / part

    Tough, flexible, fatigue-resistant. Great for living hinges and gears.

    Full Nylon guide

    PC Blend (PC-ABS) — starting price

    $10.00 / part

    Toughened PC-ABS blend — high impact & heat, prints reliably (unlike pure PC).

    Full PC Blend (PC-ABS) guide

    Side by side

    PropertyNylonPC Blend (PC-ABS)
    StrengthHigh, fatigue-resistantVery high impact strength
    FlexibilityModerate, springyLow
    Heat resistanceHighVery high
    FrictionLow (self-lubricating)
    ClarityOptically clear
    Density1.1 g/cm³1.2 g/cm³
    Starting price$10.00 / part$10.00 / part

    Choose Nylon when…

    • Living hinges
    • Gears and bushings
    • Low-friction moving parts
    • Parts that flex repeatedly

    Reach for something else for

    • High-detail cosmetic parts — PLA is crisper and cheaper

    Choose PC Blend (PC-ABS) when…

    • Electronics enclosures
    • Under-hood and high-heat parts
    • Impact-critical parts
    • Clear or light-transmitting parts

    Reach for something else for

    • Budget prototypes — PLA is far cheaper

    Still not sure?

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    Questions, answered