Recommended for:
- Impact-resistant prototyping
- Snaps, clips, and hinges
- Thin-walled ducts and enclosures
- Orthotics and prosthetics
WHITE PAPER
Using Nylon 11
Using Nylon 11
Nylon 11 is suitable for applications that require high impact resistance and flexibility. Formlabs recommends a 30% refresh rate for Nylon 11, allowing for maximum reuse of materials and optimal print success. Formlabs recommends printing in an inert atmosphere on Fuse 1+ 30W. Printing in an inert, low oxygen atmosphere allows lower refresh rates.
Note:
To learn more about the performance or specific material properties of Nylon 11, please refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Technical Data Sheet (TDS). Always consult the SDS as the primary source of information to understand safety and handling of Formlabs materials.
Comparison with other materials
See the table below for a comparison of relevant material properties:
| Nylon 11 | Nylon 12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Ultimate tensile strength (MPa) | 49 | 50 |
| Tensile modulus (MPa) | 1600 | 1850 |
| Elongation at break X/Y (%) | 40 | 11 |
| Flexural modulus (MPa) | 1400 | 1600 |
| Izod impact strength (J/m) | 70 | 32 |
| Heat deflection temperature (HDT) @ 1.8 MPa | 46 | 87 |
| Heat deflection temperature (HDT) HDT @ 0.45 MPa (°C) | 182 | 171 |
To learn more about the properties of Formlabs materials, refer to the library of material properties data sheets.
Printing with Nylon 11
For the best results, follow Formlabs design specifications for SLS printing. Refer to the support article Starting a print (SLS) to open the model in PreForm, orient it, and send it to the printer.
Fuse 1 only: Remove the debris catcher from the hopper before printing with Nylon 11, as the material will clump if the debris catcher is left in place.
Printing with Nylon 11 on the Fuse 1+ 30W with inert atmosphere
Formlabs strongly recommends printing Nylon 11 in an inert atmosphere on Fuse 1+ 30W. Printing in an inert, low oxygen atmosphere reduces powder degradation, enabling lower refresh rates. See the support article Using inert atmospheric control for more information.
When printing with Nylon 11, use a refresh rate of 30% to maximize efficiency and printing reliability. Optimal refresh rate depends upon printed geometry. See our article on selecting the correct powder and refresh rate for more information.
Printing with Nylon 11 on the Fuse 1 or Fuse 1+ 30W with air
Printing in an air atmosphere may lead to decreased and less consistent mechanical properties of printed parts. Formlabs strongly recommends printing with Nylon 11 using a Fuse 1+ 30W with an inert gas atmosphere if possible.
If you must print Nylon 11 on a Fuse 1 or Fuse 1+ 30W in an air atmosphere, use a refresh rate of 50% to maximize efficiency and printing reliability. Printing with 100% fresh powder maximizes the mechanical properties of printed parts but is less cost-effective.
Powder purging
From time to time, Nylon 11 Powder may require a full purging of used powder in order to maintain optimal material properties. The frequency of purging is dependent upon print geometry and job setup, as well as individual part quality requirements.
Between prints
Accumulated powder and condensed airborne particulates can cause print failures in future print jobs if not properly cleaned out after each print. Clean the following areas between prints:
- Inspect and clean the optical cassette
- Inspect and clean the IR sensor
- Clean the IR sensor housing
- Clean any powder that fell below or around the build chamber
- Clean both powder troughs and the area around the recoater’s path using a compliant vacuum with static dissipative components
- Inspect and clean the recoater if necessary
Cleaning the top of the print enclosure
Powder can accumulate at the top of the print enclosure, particularly on the runways, the areas between the powder troughs and the top of the build chamber. This excess powder may fuse and be dragged into the build chamber during subsequent prints. Vacuum this area thoroughly to help prevent print failures.
Vacuuming the troughs
Between prints, clean both troughs and the area around the recoater’s path using a compliant vacuum with static dissipative components. Use the vacuum, fitted with a small brush attachment or the flexible hose attachment, to clean all powder out of the troughs. If needed, use compressed air or a gas duster to remove powder from hard-to-reach areas. Check in particular for powder buildup along the inner walls and corners of the troughs.
Close the print enclosure door and move the flipper motors to dislodge powder for cleaning.
To move the flipper motors:
- Close the print enclosure door.
- On the touchscreen, tap the wrench icon. The Maintenance menu appears.
- Tap Motor Moves. The Motor Moves screen appears, which allows you to manually activate various motors in the print enclosure.
Caution:
Unless specifically advised, do not select any of the options in the Motor Moves menu while the print enclosure door is open or any objects are in the path of the powder handling mechanisms at the top of the print enclosure. Moving parts present a crushing or tangling hazard. If necessary, tap the Stop button on the touchscreen to stop a motor movement.
- Tap the CW, CCW, and Home arrows under the Flipper (Left) and Flipper (Right) headers to rotate the left and right flippers clockwise, counterclockwise, or back to their home positions. Repeatedly move the flippers and vacuum the powder troughs until they are clean. In particular, ensure that the inner edge of both powder troughs as well as any adjacent components are free of powder.
Cleaning the recoater
Move and inspect the recoater. If it appears coated with semi-sintered powder, clean the recoater before running another print.
To clean the recoater:
- On the touchscreen, tap the wrench icon. The Maintenance screen appears.
- Tap Motor Moves. The Motor Moves screen appears.
- Tap the < (Left) or > (Right) button under Recoater until you can view the recoater assembly.
- If the recoater is covered with semi-sintered powder, clean it with a PEC*PAD or other lint-free microfiber cloth wetted with ethanol.
Changing materials
The Fuse 1 generation printer, Fuse Sift, and related accessories are designed to be used with only one powder type at a time. Make sure to clean each device thoroughly, following Formlabs instructions, before switching powder types. Mixing powders can lead to print failures or permanent damage to the machine.
If you plan to regularly print in multiple different materials, Formlabs recommends dedicating a separate Fuse 1 generation printer and Fuse Sift for each material type.
Consult the following support articles for additional information: