What is nylon PA12 3D printing?
PA12 (nylon 12) is the most common material for SLS and MJF 3D printing. Powdered nylon is fused layer by layer; as no supports are needed, complex geometries, internal channels and moving assemblies can be printed in one piece.
Tough, wear- and chemical-resistant PA12 parts are used from prototypes to end-use parts and tool-free series production. See SLS 3D printing and MJF 3D printing for the technologies and Nylon for the material.
SLS or MJF?
| Property | SLS | MJF |
|---|---|---|
| Principle | Laser sintering | Agents + heat, whole layer at once |
| Surface | Slightly rough, matte white-grey | Smoother, matte grey |
| Mechanical properties | Good | More uniform in all directions |
| Production speed | Medium | High |
| Typical colour | White-grey (can be dyed) | Grey (usually dyed black) |
Both technologies use PA12. MJF stands out for series production and consistent properties, SLS for a wider choice of materials. For a comparison, see FDM vs SLA vs SLS vs MJF.
PA12 properties
| Property | Value / description |
|---|---|
| Density | about 1.0 g/cm³ (lightweight) |
| Tensile strength | about 45–50 MPa |
| Elongation at break | about 10–20% (depending on technology and orientation) |
| Chemical resistance | Resistant to oils, fuels and many solvents |
| Moisture absorption | Lower than PA6/PA66 |
Values are typical references and vary with technology, machine and print orientation.
Applications
- Functional prototypes and test parts
- Clips, hinges and snap fits
- Ducts, air channels and enclosures
- Robot grippers, fixtures and jigs
- Low-to-mid volume end-use and spare parts
Design guidelines
| Rule | Recommended value |
|---|---|
| Minimum wall thickness | 1 mm |
| Clearance for moving parts | 0.5 mm or more |
| Powder escape holes | At least two in enclosed volumes |
| Thick sections | Hollow them out or use lattices |
| Text and logos | At least 1 mm deep / high |
Surface finishes
| Finish | What it provides |
|---|---|
| Bead blasting | Standard; clean matte surface |
| Black dyeing | Uniform black, the most common option |
| Vapor smoothing | Sealed, smooth, washable surface |
| Paint and lacquer | Other colours and protection |
PA12 for series production
As no mold is needed, PA12 printing can be an economical alternative to injection molding for tens to a few thousand parts. Because several parts share one build, unit cost falls as quantity rises. Asking for prices at several quantity tiers (e.g. 50, 200, 1000) makes the decision to move to tooling easier.
What we need for a quote
- STL or STEP model
- Technology preference (SLS / MJF) or intended use
- Quantity and quantity tiers
- Colour and finish
Frequently asked questions
Are PA12 parts strong enough for end use?
Yes. PA12 is tough and wear resistant and is used in many end-use applications such as clips, hinges, enclosures and robot grippers.
Why are PA12 parts grey or white?
SLS parts are naturally white-grey and MJF parts are grey. Black dyeing is the most common finish.
Up to what quantity is PA12 printing economical?
Depending on part size, it can be economical for tens to a few thousand parts. At higher volumes, injection molding is usually cheaper.
Are PA12 parts watertight?
Standard parts can be slightly porous. If sealing is required, vapor smoothing or coating is recommended.