QIDI UltraPA Nylon Filament for Strong 3D Prints | Qidi Tech Qidi 3D Printer
QIDI UltraPA Nylon Filament (PPA) for Strong 3D Prints QIDI UltraPA is a PPA-based high-temperature nylon filament with 69.29 MPa tensile strength, 2-3x the layer bonding of ABS, 5x lower moisture...
Description
QIDI UltraPA Nylon Filament (PPA) for Strong 3D Prints
QIDI UltraPA is a PPA-based high-temperature nylon filament with 69.29 MPa tensile strength, 2-3x the layer bonding of ABS, 5x lower moisture absorption than standard PA6, and 112.64 MPa bending strength — engineered for industrial-grade functional parts that require heat resistance, abrasion resistance, and dimensional stability.
At $109.99 per 1kg spool, QIDI UltraPA targets engineers, makers, and industrial users who need nylon-level strength without the warping and moisture headaches of standard PA6. The filament comes vacuum-sealed in aluminum foil (0.014% water vapor transmission rate vs 4.76% for standard packaging), includes a high-temperature spool, and requires a hardened steel or bimetal nozzle with an enclosed printer.
Product Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Name | QIDI UltraPA Nylon Filament |
| Base Material | PPA (Polyphthalamide / High-Temperature Nylon) |
| Diameter | 1.75mm ± 0.02mm |
| Spool Weight | 1 kg (2.2 lbs) |
| Color | Natural (off-white) |
| Price | $109.99 USD |
| Density | 1.21 g/cm³ |
| Water Absorption (saturated) | 2.10% (1/5 of standard PA6) |
| Melting Temperature | 231°C |
| Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) | 72.5°C |
| Melt Index | 9.4 g/10 min |
| Tensile Strength | 69.29 ± 1.17 MPa |
| Breaking Elongation | 9.77 ± 1.68% |
| Bending Modulus | 3202.24 ± 115.78 MPa |
| Bending Strength | 112.64 ± 1.60 MPa |
| Impact Strength (Charpy) | 9.74 ± 0.84 kJ/m² |
| Layer Adhesion vs ABS | 2-3x stronger |
| Layer Adhesion vs PLA | 1.5x stronger |
| Recommended Nozzle Temp | 260-280°C (up to 300°C) |
| Recommended Bed Temp | 70-80°C (with PVP glue or 3D LAC) |
| Print Speed | 30-120 mm/s |
| Cooling Fan | Off (0%) |
| Drying Requirements | 80-100°C for 4-6 hours before use |
| Storage Humidity | Below 15% RH (sealed with desiccant) |
| Recommended Nozzle | Hardened steel or bimetal (0.4/0.6/0.8mm) |
| Not Recommended | Brass or copper-plated nozzle |
| Build Plate | QIDI PEI plate, HF plate, smooth plate (NOT PC plate) |
| Printer Requirement | Enclosed chamber with active heating recommended |
| Packaging | Vacuum aluminum foil (0.014% WVTR) |
| Spool Type | High-temperature resistant spool |
| Annealing | 80-100°C for 4-6 hours, natural cool |
Mechanical Performance Comparison
| Property | QIDI UltraPA (PPA) | Standard PA6 | ABS | PLA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 69.29 MPa | 50-60 MPa | 30-40 MPa | 50-60 MPa |
| Bending Strength | 112.64 MPa | 80-100 MPa | 50-70 MPa | 80-100 MPa |
| Heat Deflection Temp | 72.5°C | 60-70°C | 85-100°C | 55-60°C |
| Water Absorption | 2.10% | 9-10% | 0.2-0.4% | 0.1-0.3% |
| Layer Adhesion | Excellent (2-3x ABS) | Good | Moderate | Poor-Moderate |
| Abrasion Resistance | Excellent (self-lubricating) | Good | Moderate | Poor |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent | Good | Moderate | Poor |
Key Features
Low Moisture Sensitivity
QIDI UltraPA is based on modified PPA (polyphthalamide), with a saturated moisture absorption rate of only 2.10% — one-fifth that of standard PA6 (9-10%). This dramatically reduces warping, dimensional instability, and mechanical property degradation caused by moisture absorption. Standard nylon absorbs enough water in 24 hours to reduce tensile strength by 20-30%; UltraPA maintains its properties far longer.
Exceptional Layer Bonding
UltraPA delivers the strongest layer adhesion in the QIDI filament lineup. Single-wall layer bond strength is 2-3 times that of ABS and 1.5 times that of PLA. This means printed parts are less likely to delaminate under stress, making UltraPA suitable for load-bearing functional parts where layer separation is a failure mode.
Super Abrasive Resistance
With a low coefficient of friction, self-lubricating properties, and excellent wear resistance, UltraPA is engineered for high-wear applications including gears, bushings, bearings, and industrial components. The PPA base material provides inherent lubricity that reduces friction without external coatings.
Robust Thermal Resistance
The PPA substrate gives UltraPA a heat deflection temperature of 72.5°C and a melting point of 231°C. Parts can withstand elevated temperatures without warping or softening, expanding the application range beyond what PLA or standard nylon can handle. Annealing at 80-100°C further improves thermal stability and strength.
Vacuum Aluminum Foil Packaging
UltraPA ships in vacuum-sealed aluminum foil packaging with a water vapor transmission rate of just 0.014% — compared to 4.76% for standard sealed packaging. This means the filament arrives dry and stays dry during storage. The high-temperature spool resists deformation in dryers and heated chambers.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 5x lower moisture absorption than standard PA6 (2.10% vs 9-10%), reducing warping and print failures
- 2-3x stronger layer bonding than ABS, 1.5x stronger than PLA — parts resist delamination
- 69.29 MPa tensile strength and 112.64 MPa bending strength for load-bearing parts
- Self-lubricating with low friction coefficient — ideal for gears and bearings
- 72.5°C HDT for heat-resistant functional parts
- Vacuum aluminum foil packaging (0.014% WVTR) keeps filament dry in storage
- High-temperature spool resists deformation in dryers and enclosures
- ±0.02mm diameter tolerance for consistent extrusion
- Excellent chemical resistance against oils, fuels, and solvents
- Annealing compatible — 80-100°C for 4-6h further improves strength
- 1kg spool with reusable vacuum packaging
- TDS and MSDS documentation available for industrial users
Cons
- $109.99 price — significantly more expensive than PLA ($20-30) and standard nylon ($40-60)
- Requires hardened steel or bimetal nozzle — brass nozzles wear quickly and are not recommended
- Enclosed printer required — open-frame printers will experience warping and layer separation
- Active chamber heating recommended — passive enclosures may not suffice for large parts
- Must dry before every use — 80-100°C for 4-6 hours, even with low moisture sensitivity
- Cooling fan must be off — part cooling causes warping and poor layer adhesion
- Requires PVP glue or 3D LAC on build plate for adhesion — PEI alone may not hold
- Only natural color available — no color options at launch
- PC build plate not compatible — use PEI, HF, or smooth plate only
- Slow print speed recommended (30-60mm/s) for best layer bonding — not ideal for rapid prototyping
- Not beginner-friendly — requires enclosure, drying, and tuned settings
- Post-processing needed for optimal strength — annealing adds 4-6 hours
Recommended Printing Settings
| Setting | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle Temperature | 260-280°C (up to 300°C) | Higher temp improves layer bonding; start at 270°C |
| Bed Temperature | 70-80°C | Use with PVP glue or 3D LAC adhesive spray |
| Chamber Temperature | 40-60°C (active heating) | Prevents warping and improves layer adhesion |
| Print Speed | 30-60 mm/s (optimal), up to 120 mm/s | Slower = better layer bonding for functional parts |
| Cooling Fan | Off (0%) | Fan causes warping and layer separation |
| Layer Height | 0.15-0.25mm | 0.2mm recommended for strength/speed balance |
| Infill | 20-100% depending on application | 100% for maximum strength functional parts |
| Infill Pattern | Gyroid or cubic for strength | Avoid rectilinear for load-bearing parts |
| Wall Count | 3-4 walls | More walls = stronger outer shell |
| Top/Bottom Layers | 5-6 layers | Ensures watertight and strong surfaces |
| Retraction Distance | 1-3mm (direct drive), 4-7mm (bowden) | Nylon oozes more; tune with retraction tower |
| Drying Before Print | 80-100°C, 4-6 hours | Use filament dryer or convection oven |
| Storage Humidity | Below 15% RH | Sealed container with desiccant during printing |
| Nozzle Type | Hardened steel or bimetal | 0.4/0.6/0.8mm; NOT brass or copper-plated |
| Annealing (optional) | 80-100°C, 4-6 hours, natural cool | Improves strength and thermal stability |
Compatible Printers & Accessories
| Category | Recommended | Not Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| 3D Printer | QIDI Max 4, QIDI X-MAX 3, QIDI X-Plus 3, Bambu Lab X1C/P1S, Prusa XL (enclosed), any enclosed printer with 300°C+ hot end | Open-frame printers (Ender 3, Prusa Mini without enclosure), printers max 250°C hot end |
| Nozzle | Hardened steel (0.4/0.6/0.8mm), Bimetal nozzle (0.4/0.6/0.8mm) | Brass nozzle, copper-plated nozzle (any size) |
| Build Plate | QIDI PEI plate, HF plate, smooth plate (with PVP glue or 3D LAC) | PC plate (polycarbonate) |
| Adhesion Aid | PVP glue stick, 3D LAC adhesive spray | None (will not adhere reliably without glue) |
| Drying | QIDI Dryer Box, filament dryer at 80-100°C | Room air drying (insufficient) |
Applications
- Industrial gears and pinions — self-lubricating PPA reduces friction and wear
- Bushings and bearings — low coefficient of friction for moving parts
- Functional prototypes — engineering-grade strength for testing
- Jigs and fixtures — heat and chemical resistance for manufacturing environments
- Automotive components — under-hood parts requiring heat resistance
- Drone and RC parts — high strength-to-weight ratio
- Tool handles and components — impact and abrasion resistance
- Electrical enclosures — chemical resistance and insulating properties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is QIDI UltraPA Nylon Filament?
QIDI UltraPA is a PPA-based (polyphthalamide) high-temperature nylon filament for FDM 3D printing. It offers 69.29 MPa tensile strength, 2-3x the layer bonding of ABS, 5x lower moisture absorption than standard PA6, and self-lubricating abrasion resistance. It is designed for industrial-grade functional parts requiring strength, heat resistance, and dimensional stability. Price: $109.99 per 1kg spool.
How is UltraPA different from standard PA6 nylon?
UltraPA uses PPA (polyphthalamide) as its base material instead of PA6. The key differences: moisture absorption is 2.10% vs 9-10% for PA6 (5x lower), layer bonding is 2-3x stronger than ABS (PA6 is comparable to ABS), heat deflection temperature is 72.5°C vs 60-70°C for PA6, and bending strength is 112.64 MPa vs 80-100 MPa for PA6. UltraPA is less prone to warping and maintains mechanical properties better after moisture exposure.
Do I need an enclosed printer to print UltraPA?
Yes, an enclosed printer is required. UltraPA is a high-temperature nylon that warps significantly without a controlled chamber environment. Active chamber heating at 40-60°C is recommended for best results. Compatible printers include QIDI Max 4, QIDI X-MAX 3, QIDI X-Plus 3, Bambu Lab X1C/P1S, and Prusa XL with enclosure. Open-frame printers like the Ender 3 will experience severe warping and layer separation.
Can I use a brass nozzle with UltraPA?
No. QIDI explicitly recommends against brass or copper-plated nozzles for UltraPA. The PPA material is abrasive and will wear brass nozzles rapidly, causing inconsistent extrusion and poor print quality. Use a hardened steel nozzle or bimetal nozzle in 0.4mm, 0.6mm, or 0.8mm sizes. The QIDI Hardened Steel Hot End and QIDI Bimetal Hot End are compatible options.
What temperature should I print UltraPA at?
Recommended nozzle temperature is 260-280°C (up to 300°C for better layer bonding). Bed temperature is 70-80°C with PVP glue or 3D LAC adhesive. Chamber temperature should be 40-60°C with active heating. Cooling fan must be off (0%). Start at 270°C nozzle, 75°C bed, and adjust based on results. Print speed of 30-60mm/s gives the best layer adhesion.
How do I dry UltraPA before printing?
Dry UltraPA at 80-100°C for 4-6 hours before use, even though it has low moisture sensitivity. Use a filament dryer (QIDI Dryer Box recommended) or a convection oven. After opening the vacuum aluminum foil bag, immediately transfer the spool to a dry box or sealed container with desiccant maintaining humidity below 15% RH. Store unused filament back in the original aluminum foil bag sealed with desiccant. Printing with wet filament causes oozing, bubbling, and rough surfaces.
How strong are UltraPA printed parts compared to PLA or ABS?
UltraPA has 69.29 MPa tensile strength (comparable to PLA's 50-60 MPa and higher than ABS's 30-40 MPa), 112.64 MPa bending strength (higher than both), and most importantly, layer adhesion that is 2-3x stronger than ABS and 1.5x stronger than PLA. This means UltraPA parts are far more resistant to delamination under load. Annealing at 80-100°C for 4-6 hours further improves strength and thermal stability.
Is UltraPA worth $109.99 compared to cheaper filaments?
UltraPA at $109.99/kg is 3-5x more expensive than PLA ($20-30/kg) and 2x more expensive than standard nylon ($40-60/kg). It is worth the premium if you need: industrial-grade strength for functional parts, low moisture sensitivity for reliable printing, self-lubricating properties for gears/bearings, or heat resistance up to 72.5°C HDT. For decorative prints or rapid prototyping where strength is not critical, PLA or PETG is more economical. For production parts that must perform, UltraPA's reliability and strength justify the cost.
How do I anneal UltraPA prints for maximum strength?
After printing, place the part in a convection oven or heated chamber at 80-100°C for 4-6 hours, then allow it to cool naturally to room temperature. Do not quench or rapid-cool, as this can cause internal stress. Annealing improves crystallinity, increasing tensile strength, bending strength, and heat deflection temperature. Support the part during annealing to prevent sagging — use a bed of sand or the printed support structure. Annealed parts may shrink slightly (1-2%), so account for this in dimensional-critical applications.
What build plate and adhesion method should I use?
Use a QIDI PEI plate, HF plate, or smooth plate — NOT a PC (polycarbonate) plate. Apply PVP glue stick or 3D LAC adhesive spray to the build plate before printing for reliable first-layer adhesion. Bed temperature should be 70-80°C. Without glue, UltraPA may not adhere consistently to PEI alone. Clean the plate with isopropyl alcohol between prints and reapply glue as needed.
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QIDI UltraPA Nylon Filament for Strong 3D Prints | Qidi Tech Qidi 3D Printer
$109.99