PA12

PA12 is one of the most common materials in SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) and MJF (Multi Jet Fusion) 3D printing.

PA12 is one of the most common materials in SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) and MJF (Multi Jet Fusion) 3D printing. PA12 is a thermoplastic that provides a good combination of strength, dimensional stability and the ability to achieve a beautiful surface finish. With PA12 you can create everything from functional prototypes to final products, making it perfect for small-scale production and advanced prototyping studies.

Unlike Polypropylene (PP), which is more flexible and softer, PA12 is harder and stiffer. This makes the material good for applications where dimensional stability and strength are needed, while being flexible enough to handle complex shapes. PA12 can also be reinforced with glass or aluminum to further improve strength and temperature resistance.

In combination with coloring, PA12 can vary in many different colors from colorful blue and yellow to less distinctive anthracite gray and white tones. In addition, PA12 has good mechanical properties for prototypes that need to be tested under realistic conditions. This makes the material dimensionally stable and maintains its dimensions even under load.

Areas of application for PA12 in 3D printing

PA12 works for a variety of additive manufacturing applications. It is often used for functional prototypes, architectural models, and mass-produced end products. For small-scale and medium-sized series, PA12 is a particularly cost-effective alternative.

With the technicians SLS and MJF enable PA12 high level of detail and makes it possible to produce parts with a fine grain surface finish which gives a professional look without having to do a lot of post-processing.

Do you want to know what the difference between SLS and MJF is? Then read here.

Characteristics

The PA12 offers a a variety of different variants for versatilea solutionare in 3D printing. Ointended whether it is about developing products in small series or creating prototypes for functional testing.

Material properties

Process data	Value
Standard tolerance	± 0.2% (minimum limit ±0.2 mm)
Layer thickness	0.03 – 0.1 mm
Minimum wall thickness	0.8 mm
Minimal detail	0.8 mm
Surface finish (blasted)	60 ± 30 Rz
Largest component size	500 x 280 x 315 mm

Below you will see a selection of PA12 variants that we offer:

MJF PA12 Smooth

The material that gives a very smooth and matte surface and with material properties that are suitable for end products, design models and series production! This can be seen as a mix between PA12 Standard and PA12 Extra Smooth. For manufacturing in PA12 Smooth, a finer-grained powder is used than for PA12 Standard, which gives a smoother surface but not as shiny as PA12 Extra Smooth.

Characteristics

Biocompatible - High strength - Chemical resistant - Very smooth surfaces - Snap-fits

Colours

MJF PA12 Extra Smooth

The perfect choice for end products with high surface finish and high strength requirements! The smooth surface also means that the details do not fade in UV in the same way as other alternatives and that they are easy to keep clean. PA12 Exra Smooth is suitable for both small-scale production and the production of larger series.

Characteristics

Biocompatible - High strength - Chemical resistant - Very smooth surfaces - Snap-fits - Water resistant

Colours

MJF PA12 Standard Economy

Cheaper than PA12 Standard but almost as good! PA12 Standard Economy is the same material as PA12 Standard but the faster manufacturing speed and slightly different printer settings mean that PA12 Standard Economy has slightly worse material properties than PA12 Standard but at a lower price. This material is excellent for end products, for series production and prototypes.

Characteristics

Biocompatible - Chemical resistant

Colours

MJF PA12-GB

Nylon PA12 with 40% glass reinforcement for the slightly more demanding applications! Very similar to MJF-manufactured PA12 in appearance and properties but PA12-GB can withstand higher temperatures, is stiffer and harder. The glass reinforcement also makes PA12-GB have better resistance to wear and is an excellent choice for, among other things, plain bearings and wear parts. Can be dyed black or anthracite gray.

Characteristics

Chemical resistant - Durable - Rigid

Colours

SLS PA12

Nylon 12, or PA12, is probably our most versatile material that works for most purposes and is suitable for both functional mass-produced end products and for design and architectural models. PA12 can be dyed to virtually any colour but is not as impact resistant as PP, it is harder and stiffer but not quite as durable as PA11. PA12 is available as glass or aluminium reinforced.

Characteristics

High strength - Chemical resistant - Snap-fits

Colours

MJF PA12 White

PA12 White is for those occasions when you want white or colored details made with MJF. Since the material is white, it can be colored in red, green, blue and yellow. The white shade is a bit on the gray side and if even whiter is desired, PA12 with SLS is often a better and cheaper alternative.

Characteristics

Biocompatible - High strength - Chemical resistant

Colours

MJF PA12 Standard

Our most popular material! This affordable option has a very good balance between quality, strength and price. PA12 Standard is ideal for series production, small batch production, end products and prototypes. If you want a different look than the grainy gray that PA12 Standard has as-printed, it can be dyed black or anthracite gray for a very stylish look.

Characteristics

Biocompatible - High strength - Chemical resistant - Snap-fits

Colours