We're excited to share the best practices for achieving optimal results when printing with our Carbon Fiber-Infused NylonX filament on the Bambu Lab X1-Carbon Combo 3D printer. Let's get started!

The Key to Success: DRY YOUR NYLONX

This is probably the most critical step before you start printing with NylonX (and regular Nylon filament, too). 

Before you even start your printing journey with NylonX, it's crucial to ensure your filament is in the best condition possible. NylonX, like other nylon filaments, is hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the environment. This can lead to a poor-quality print with bubbles, inconsistencies, and reduced strength.

To avoid these issues, it's essential to dry your filament before use. We recommend using a filament drying system such as the PrintDry Pro. This device provides a controlled, heated environment that effectively removes moisture from your filament.

It is recommended to dry your NylonX for at least 48 hours to get the best results. 

Critical Step - always dry your NylonX filament thoroughly before use.
Critical Step - always dry your NylonX filament thoroughly before use.

Using NylonX on Your Bambu Lab X1-Carbon Combo 3D Printer

Once your NylonX filament has been properly dried, it's time to start printing - hooray!

Loading Your NylonX into Your Bambu Lab X1-Carbon 

We recommend (and so does Bambu Lab's) to always feed NylonX and Nylon through the rear of the printer - do not use the AMS. If you have the AMS setup, remove it and use the feeder in the back. 

We recommend loading NylonX into the back of the printer - do not use the AMS.
We recommend loading NylonX into the back of the printer - do not use the AMS.

Select Your Material

We recommend using the "Generic PA-CF" option (pictured below) when selecting the material on your printer - we've had some great success using this, but sometimes, given your printing environment, you may need to manually adjust the temperatures and settings. Here is what we've found works best for NylonX: 

Extruder Temperature: 260°C to 300°C. Nozzle Temp suggestion is 290°C for the Bambu Lab X1 machines.

Bed Temperature: 100C for Engineering Plate, Smooth PEI/ High Temp Plate, and Textured PEI Plate.

Print Speed: Standard printing speeds are acceptable. Slower speeds can enhance print quality and adhesion.

Layer Height: For the Bambu Lab X1 machines a layer height of 0.12mm - 0.2mm works well with NylonX. 

The "Generic PA-CF" settings work really well for NylonX
The "Generic PA-CF" settings work really well for NylonX

Prepping the Build Surface

Use the "Engineer Plate" that came with your 3D printer - it will be properly labeled, and you'll want the Engineering side up (where your print will lay down). 

We recommend using Vision Miner Nano Polymer Adhesive - this 3D printer bed adhesive is great for high temperature or advanced materials like NylonX. With a coating of this adhesive, you should be able to get five beds worth of NylonX prints before you need to reapply. 

Use the Engineering Plate and a layer of Vision Miner Nano Polymer Adhesive for a great first layer.
Use the Engineering Plate and a layer of Vision Miner Nano Polymer Adhesive for a great first layer.

Once you've dried and prepped your NylonX and Bambu Lab X1-Carbon Combo, it's time to start printing! 

If you're still not convinced that you want to print with NylonX, here are some reason why you should give it a try: 

Why You'd Want to Print with NylonX

NylonX is a unique filament that combines the strength and durability of nylon with the rigidity of carbon fiber. This combination makes it an excellent choice for a variety of applications. Here are some reasons why someone might want to print with NylonX:

1. Superior Strength and Durability: The carbon fiber infusion in NylonX significantly increases its strength and durability compared to standard nylon. This makes it an ideal choice for parts that need to withstand high mechanical stress or prolonged wear and tear.

2. High Dimensional Stability: NylonX exhibits excellent dimensional stability, which means it maintains its shape and size even under stress or high temperatures. This is crucial for printing precise, high-quality parts where dimensional accuracy is paramount.

3. Excellent Surface Finish: The carbon fiber in NylonX gives the printed parts a unique, matte finish that not only looks great but also effectively hides layer lines. This makes NylonX an attractive option for aesthetic applications.

4. Easy to Print: Despite its advanced properties, NylonX is relatively easy to print, much like standard nylon. This makes it a good choice for both beginners looking to experiment with advanced materials and professionals seeking high-performance parts.

5. Lightweight: The carbon fiber infusion makes NylonX lighter than pure nylon, which can be advantageous for applications where weight is a concern, such as drone components or RC car parts.

6. Chemical Resistance: Like nylon, NylonX is resistant to many chemicals, including oils, alcohols, and detergents. This makes it suitable for industrial applications or parts that may be exposed to various chemicals.

7. Versatility: Given its unique properties, NylonX is a versatile material that can be used in a wide range of applications, from engineering parts, tools, and fixtures to custom hobbyist projects.

Ready to explore NylonX? Find it here!