Composite Filament Comparison for 3D Printing: PA6-CF vs PA12-CF vs PA6-GF25

In high-performance 3D printing, material selection directly influences part durability, dimensional accuracy, and mechanical properties. Inslogic's range of engineering-grade composite filaments - PA6-CF, PA12-CF, and PA6-GF25 - is tailored for professional applications requiring high strength, thermal resistance, and functional performance.

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Jul 31, 2025

Material Overview

Material	Composition	Key Characteristics	Typical Applications
PA6-CF	Nylon 6 + 20% High-modulus Carbon Fiber	High stiffness, heat resistance, superior mechanical strength	Structural brackets, mechanical assemblies, under-hood parts
PA12-CF	Nylon 12 + 20% Carbon Fiber	Dimensional stability, humidity & chemical resistance, lightweight	Precision tooling, snap-fit housings, field-use enclosures
PA6-GF25	Nylon 6 + 25% Glass Fiber	Maximum rigidity, high impact strength, thermal stability	Functional housings, fixtures, high-load mechanical parts

Performance Comparison

Property	PA6-CF	PA12-CF	PA6-GF25
Tensile Strength	★★★★☆	★★★★	★★★★
Flexural Modulus	★★★★☆	★★★	★★★★★ (highest)
Heat Deflection Temperature	~209 °C (HDT)	~176 °C (HDT)	~210 °C (HDT)
Impact Resistance	★★★	★★★	★★★★
Moisture Absorption	Moderate (requires drying)	Low (good humidity resistance)	High (requires drying)
Chemical Resistance	Moderate	High (resists oils & fuels)	Moderate
Printability	Medium (enclosed chamber preferred)	Good for composite nylon	Moderate (abrasive; brittle in thin-walled prints)

Application Breakdown

PA6-CF

Designed for: High-strength, high-heat structural applications

● Automotive: Engine bay components, brackets, functional prototypes

● Manufacturing: Jigs and fixtures, robotic arms, structural frames

● Aerospace & Drones: Lightweight support elements, gimbal mounts

● Benefits: Excellent mechanical strength and rigidity with thermal endurance up to 209 °C

● Considerations: Sensitive to moisture—requires drying; prone to warping without chamber

PA12-CF

Designed for: Precision parts exposed to chemicals or outdoor environments

● Tooling & Fixtures: Dimensional stable jigs, high-tolerance tools

● Consumer Electronics: Casings, holders, mounts

● Outdoor & Industrial Use: Enclosures exposed to oils, solvents, or humidity

● Benefits: Stable in humid or chemically aggressive environments; high surface finish

● Considerations: Lower stiffness than PA6-GF25, but better overall resilience to environmental exposure

3D Printed with Inslogic PA12-CF Engineering Filament

PA6-GF25

Designed for: Maximum rigidity and structural performance under load

● Industrial Equipment: Enclosures, load-distributing frames

● Power Tools: Structural housings, high-impact handles

● Automotive Interiors: Support frames, vent brackets

● Benefits: Excellent stiffness and thermal performance (HDT ~210 °C), good dimensional stability

● Considerations: Brittle in thin-wall geometries; highly abrasive—use hardened nozzle

3D Printed with Inslogic PA6-GF25 Engineering Filament

Summary: Which Filament Should You Use?

Use Case	Best Material
High-load mechanical components	PA6-CF
Outdoor or chemical-resistant parts	PA12-CF
Rigid, structural housings	PA6-GF25
Lightweight functional prototypes	PA12-CF
Heat-resistant, impact-prone parts	PA6-GF25

Final Thoughts

When precision, durability, and environmental resilience are critical, material selection becomes strategic. From automotive fixtures to industrial tooling and field-grade housings, Inslogic’s composite filaments - PA6-CF, PA12-CF, and PA6-GF25 - deliver optimized mechanical performance for demanding applications.

🔗 Explore Inslogic engineering materials at: www.inslogic3d.com

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I ordered the water-washable ABS resin

I ordered the water-washable ABS resin, and it's fantastic stuff. So far, no printing errors. It has minimal odor and washes off very well with water. When it runs out, I'll definitely order more.

looks

looks awesome

looks great

This is the only resin I’ll use now

This is the only resin I’ll use now. All other water washable resins are so brittle that I can’t get off the build plate but this stuff is 100 reliable every time.

Good resin but has washing and paint concerns

Not super water washable like regular water resin. Best washed in alcohol. Also, it's eating away at the paint on my Mars 3. Not a huge deal, but kinda weird to have happen.

PETG Pro je OK.

PETG Pro je skvělá volba.

PA6-CF Amazing filament

Had no spool to put my 250g PA6-CF so I had to print one first. After that I put the spool inside a airtight "drybox" and start printing a wall spoolholder that I designed. My Snapmaker Artisan has a PEI print plate and I thought it would be hard to get a good first layer adhesion. Tried first with a brim. It was hard to remove the part from the build plate. Printed the 2nd piece without brim, waited for the build plate to cool down and it came out easily. I didn't change any of the filament settings.

Great

Great product

Great filament and brand

I’ve got to say I was kind of skeptical about changing filament brands and trying something new. But I am very pleased with their engineering filament. Also got an extra 250g part of their deal. Highly recommend

Although it seems a very nice resin

Although it seems a very nice resin, I cannot really give a fair review because of the slight problems I am having getting my settings correct.