Plastic
Nylon PA12 (Engineering)
Hard Engineering Nylon
High-strength Polyamide 12 with a low friction coefficient and superior wear resistance for mechanical tools.
| Compatible Technologies | SLS Printing |
| Tensile Strength | 68 MPa |
| Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) | 142°C |
| Hardness | - |
| Available Colors | Black, White |
Upload your CAD files and receive a custom quote within 2 hours.
Your uploads are confidential and secure.
Why Choose PA12 (Nylon 12) for Industrial Manufacturing?
PA12 is the industry-standard engineering thermoplastic optimized for Powder Bed Fusion (SLS and MJF) technologies. It offers unparalleled design freedom, allowing for the production of complex internal channels, print-in-place assemblies, and intricate geometries as a single consolidated part without the need for support structures. With its isotropic mechanical properties, PA12 provides the closest performance to traditional injection-molded parts in the world of additive manufacturing.
Advantages
Support-Free Geometry: No support structures mean cleaner surfaces and total design freedom.
High Thermal & Chemical Resistance: Excellent stability against oils, greases, and chemicals with a high heat deflection temperature (HDT).
Mechanical Durability: Superior impact resistance and elongation at break, ideal for functional components and living hinges.
Watertight Capabilities: Naturally dense structure allows for watertight and airtight parts with minimal post-processing.
Limitations
Surface Roughness: Parts have a naturally matte, slightly grainy texture (can be optimized via media blasting or vapor smoothing).
Dimensional Tolerances: While precise, it cannot reach the sub-micron levels of CNC machining (Standard ±0.3mm).
Risk of Warping: Large, thin, flat surfaces are susceptible to warping due to thermal cooling gradients.
Mechanical Properties
Metric Measurements
Elastic Modulus
3.5 GPa
Elongation at Break
3.5 %
Density
1.03 g/cm³
Nylon-like Technical Resin FAQ
What are the key mechanical properties of Nylon PA12?
Nylon PA12 (Polyamide 12) is an industrial thermoplastic known for high strength, excellent chemical resistance, and low moisture absorption. When processed via MJF or SLS, it offers nearly isotropic mechanical properties. Its high impact resistance makes it ideal for functional assemblies and living hinges.
Are PA12 printed parts suitable for end-use applications?
Absolutely. PA12 is the industry standard for transitioning from prototyping to end-use part production. Thanks to its UV stability and wear resistance, it is widely used for long-term functional parts in automotive, robotics, and consumer electronics.
Is Nylon PA12 biocompatible and safe for skin contact?
Yes, industrially processed PA12 is typically certified for biocompatibility under ISO 10993 and USP Class I-VI standards. This makes it safe for applications requiring prolonged skin contact, such as prosthetic trials, eyewear, and wearable devices.
What is the heat resistance (HDT) of Nylon PA12?
Nylon PA12 has a melting point of approximately 175°C. Its Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) at 0.45 MPa is around 95°C to 105°C. This thermal performance allows the material to withstand stress in under-the-hood automotive or industrial machinery environments.
How are PA12 parts colored or finished?
Parts printed via MJF or SLS come out naturally gray or white. The most common post-processing method is chemical dyeing, typically in black. This process penetrates the surface, providing a uniform, professional finish that does not peel or chip over time.
Quote in Seconds, Parts in Days
Upload your 3D CAD files, select your manufacturing technology, and receive an instant cost analysis. Zero wait time, no minimum order requirements.