Nylon Post Processing

[skyrow33 0]

I printed a part out of Ultimaker NFC Nylon and overall it turned out really nice. However, there are a couple areas where the surface finish is a little rough. What is the best method for smoothing out the finish? Sanding, glue, paint? Any help would be great! Thanks

[gr5 1,605]

Usually Nylon, because it is more flexible and tougher yet much harder to print, is used for practical things like brackets.

 

If you are doing artwork I strongly recommend PLA.  What are you printing?

 

I don't make my prints look nicer (they are practical things) so I'm not an expert but I've heard people mention bondo.  I know for sure that many paints don't stick well to PLA but I think everything sticks to Nylon as it absorbs both water and oil (it loves both).  Automotove primer is fantastic on PLA.

 

What are you printing?

[skyrow33 0]

Thanks for your help. Do you know what specific bondo they recommend.

[gr5 1,605]

It will say so on the can of Bondo.  It will say if it's good for plastics/metal/etc.

 

I think the biggest issue is that Nylon is very flexible.  So you need a filler that is just as flexible.  With PLA it's not a problem.  PLA is not very flexible.

 

Again - I don't know if Bondo will work with Nylon - most people who want nice looking prints print PLA.

 

One really nice thing about Nylon is it takes up Dye incredibly well. So if you get "natural" (uncolored) Nylon it is so very easy to dye.  I've done this and am always amazed at the results.  There are instructions on "instructables".

[skyrow33 0]

Thanks. I'll dye it and see how it turns out.