PLA vs PA6
How PLA and PA6 compare, from typical settings across every filament we list.
- PLA is easier to print and stiffer; PA6 is tougher, more heat resistant, better outdoors and more flexible.
- PA6 typically prints about 60 °C hotter at the nozzle.
- PA6 typically prints about 30 °C hotter on the bed.
- PA6 is less dense, so a 1 kg spool holds about 30 m more 1.75 mm filament.
- There are 880 PLA filaments in 8,714 colours, and 69 PA6 filaments in 119 colours.
At a glance
Our rating, out of 5| PLA | PA6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | Easier to print | |
| Toughness | Tougher | |
| Stiffness | Stiffer | |
| Heat resistance | More heat resistant | |
| Outdoor and UV | Better outdoors | |
| Flexibility | More flexible | |
| Setup | No enclosure or special setup needed | Needs an enclosure, Dry before printing |
| PLA | PA6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Polylactic acid | Nylon 6 (polyamide 6) |
| Filaments listed | 880 | 69 |
| Brands | 145 | 28 |
| Colours | 8,714 | 119 |
| Nozzle temperature | 190–230 °C | 250–290 °C |
| Bed temperature | 50–70 °C | 80–100 °C |
| Density | 1.24 g/cm³ | 1.14 g/cm³ |
| Length of 1 kg (1.75 mm) | about 335 m | about 365 m |
| Max drying temperature | 55 °C | 80 °C |
Temperatures are medians across each material's filaments, rounded to 5 °C. Always check the maker's settings for a specific filament.
Brands that make both
26 brands make both PLA and PA6; these have the most of each.