Published on Mon Apr 17 2023 01:31:11 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

Diving Deep into Taulman Bridge: A Robust Filament for Functional Prints

Taulman Bridge nylon filament has carved a niche for itself in the 3D printing world as a dependable and robust option for creating functional parts. It’s known for being less prone to warping than many other nylon formulations, making it a great choice for beginners looking to explore the benefits of nylon without the headaches often associated with it. Let’s take a closer look at its specifications, best practices, and what makes it stand out.

Detailed Specifications

• Material: Nylon Copolymer
• Diameter: Typically available in 1.75mm and 2.85mm (3.0mm)
• Recommended Print Temperature: 250°C - 260°C (482°F - 500°F)
• Recommended Bed Temperature: 45°C - 50°C (113°F - 122°F) with adhesion aid
• Nozzle Material: All metal Hotend recommended
• Tensile Strength: ~45 MPa
• Elongation at Break: ~300%
• Glass Transition Temperature (Tg): ~75°C (167°F)
• Density: ~1.09 g/cm³

Usage Tips for Taulman Bridge

Getting the best results with Taulman Bridge requires a bit of attention to detail. Here’s a breakdown of key considerations:

• Drying is Essential: Nylon is notoriously hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. Before printing, thoroughly dry the filament using a dedicated filament dryer or an oven at a low temperature (around 60°C / 140°F for several hours). This is absolutely critical to prevent bubbling, stringing, and weak prints. You’ll know it’s properly dried when you hear a crackling noise while printing.
• All-Metal Hotend is Highly Recommended: Nylon requires higher printing temperatures. An all-metal hotend is much better suited to this than a PTFE-lined hotend, which can degrade over time with high temperatures.
• Bed Adhesion is Key: Bridge can be tricky to adhere to the print bed. Consider using a heated bed (45-50°C is a good starting point) and applying an adhesion aid like a PEI sheet, glue stick, or specially formulated nylon adhesive. Rafts or brims are also helpful.
• Enclosure is Beneficial: While Bridge is designed to be less prone to warping than some other nylons, an enclosure can still help maintain a consistent temperature around the print, further minimizing warping and improving layer adhesion.
• Print Speed Considerations: Start with a moderate print speed (around 30-40 mm/s) and adjust as needed. Overly fast printing can lead to poor layer adhesion.
• Cooling Fan: Minimize or disable the cooling fan for the best layer adhesion. Bridge needs to maintain a higher temperature during printing to bond properly.
• Storage: Store your Bridge filament in an airtight container with desiccant when not in use to prevent moisture absorption.

Comparisons to Other Nylon Filaments

The 3D printing filament market offers a wide range of nylons, each with its own set of characteristics. Here’s how Taulman Bridge generally stacks up:

• Warping Resistance: Taulman Bridge is explicitly designed to be less prone to warping than many other nylons like PA6. It’s considered one of its major strengths. This makes it much more accessible for users without advanced printer setups (like fully enclosed, actively heated chambers).
• Toughness: Bridge strikes a good balance between strength and flexibility. It’s generally tougher than PLA and ABS, but not as rigid as some reinforced nylon filaments.
• Ease of Printing: Compared to other nylons, Bridge is generally considered easier to print due to its lower warping tendency and slightly lower temperature requirements.
• Cost: Bridge usually falls in the mid-range in terms of pricing for nylon filaments. You can find cheaper nylons, but they often come with increased printing difficulty.

Taulman Bridge Filament Scorecard

Here’s my personal score for Taulman Bridge, based on extensive use:

• Print Quality: 8/10 (Excellent surface finish with proper settings)
• Toughness: 8/10 (Good impact resistance and durability)
• Flexibility: 6/10 (Offers some flexibility, not as much as TPU, but more than PLA)
• Warping: 9/10 (Significantly better than most nylons)
• Adhesion: 7/10 (Requires effort, but achievable with proper bed prep)
• Moisture Sensitivity: 5/10 (Nylon is Nylon, drying is mandatory)
• Color Range: 4/10 (Typically available in limited natural or black)
• Temperature Range: 7/10 (Relatively manageable printing temperatures)
• Odor & Fumes: 6/10 (Noticeable odor, proper ventilation is recommended)
• Spool Winding Quality: 9/10 (Generally excellent winding, minimizing tangles)

Average Score: 7.5/10

Conclusion:

Taulman Bridge is a solid choice for users who need a tough, functional part and want to avoid the warping issues common with other nylons. While it still requires some care and attention to detail, its relatively forgiving nature makes it a great entry point into the world of nylon 3D printing. Its unique characteristics and the manufacturer’s long-standing commitment to quality make it a compelling material for a variety of applications.

Written by Alex