3D print using durable, tough polyamide for end-use parts.
Material Intro
SLS Nylon PA12 is a versatile thermoplastic with excellent properties. Tough, stable, temperature and chemically resistant, it is capable of withstanding a variety of environmental conditions faced by end-use components. Fast and economical for short production runs it is frequently used to replace injection moulded parts.
Key benefits
- Dimensional stability & repeatability
- Versatile colour options
- Safe for medical and skin-contact use
- Retains strength in thin sections
- Low distortion under thermal stress
- Resistance to chemicals and moisture
PA12 Nylon behaviour
Mechanical properties
Tough material with high impact strength, elongation and durability. It has long term dimensional and mechanical stability and has excellent abrasion resistance.
Chemical resistance
PA12 Nylon has good chemical and weather resistance. The material is non-reactive to water, oils, fats and spirits. Parts are compatible with most paints, primers and adhesives.
Flexibility
The material is flexible when thin but behaves rigid when thick. 3D printed PA12 Nylon parts with a wall thickness of 1mm will be flexible whilst parts with thicknesses exceeding 5mm will be stiff.
Temperature resistance
PA12 Nylon (SLS) parts have good temperature resistance. Thick parts will remain dimensionally stable in temperatures close to 182 °C while thin parts will start to soften and loose their shape when temperatures exceed 100°C.
Tough material with high impact strength, elongation and durability. It has long term dimensional and mechanical stability and has excellent abrasion resistance.
PA12 Nylon has good chemical and weather resistance. The material is non-reactive to water, oils, fats and spirits. Parts are compatible with most paints, primers and adhesives.
The material is flexible when thin but behaves rigid when thick. 3D printed PA12 Nylon parts with a wall thickness of 1mm will be flexible whilst parts with thicknesses exceeding 5mm will be stiff.
PA12 Nylon (SLS) parts have good temperature resistance. Thick parts will remain dimensionally stable in temperatures close to 182 °C while thin parts will start to soften and loose their shape when temperatures exceed 100°C.
PA12 Nylon finishes
PA12 Nylon is a fine white powder in its raw, unprocessed state. The material is processed using SLS technology to form ‘Natural White’ PA12 Nylon parts; this is how all of our SLS parts start their life. Natural White parts undergo several post processes to achieve alternative colours and finishes.
Finish: As printed
The natural sintered material is white in colour with a smooth but grainy surface texture, similar to an extra-strong mint. The surface feels slightly rough to the touch but is smooth in appearance.
Finish: Colour dye (inc. shot peen)
Embellish your naturally white SLS parts with vibrant colour, enhance the tactile feel and increase resistance to dirt and scratches. Included in the process, shot peening smooths out minor surface irregularities, providing a uniform appearance. The colour penetrates approximately 0.2mm into the surface.
Finish: Vapour smoothing
Vapour Smoothing reduces the grainy surface texture resulting in a smooth finish. By removing crack initiation points, the process increases elongation at break, impact resistance and fatigue strength. The smoothed surface is sealed, ideal for applications requiring airtight and watertight integrity.
Finish: Vibro polishing
Vibro polishing smoothes the grainy surface texture, resulting in a soft finish that is excellent for painting. This process affects external dimensions and rounds sharp edges, so bear this in mind for your design. Additionally, it is not suitable for delicate parts as they may be damaged during the process.
Finish: As printed
The natural sintered material is white in colour with a smooth but grainy surface texture, similar to an extra-strong mint. The surface feels slightly rough to the touch but is smooth in appearance.
Finish: Colour dye (inc. shot peen)
Embellish your naturally white SLS parts with vibrant colour, enhance the tactile feel and increase resistance to dirt and scratches. Included in the process, shot peening smooths out minor surface irregularities, providing a uniform appearance. The colour penetrates approximately 0.2mm into the surface.
Finish: Vapour smoothing
Vapour Smoothing reduces the grainy surface texture resulting in a smooth finish. By removing crack initiation points, the process increases elongation at break, impact resistance and fatigue strength. The smoothed surface is sealed, ideal for applications requiring airtight and watertight integrity.
Finish: Vibro polishing
Vibro polishing smoothes the grainy surface texture, resulting in a soft finish that is excellent for painting. This process affects external dimensions and rounds sharp edges, so bear this in mind for your design. Additionally, it is not suitable for delicate parts as they may be damaged during the process.
Ideal for:
End use parts
- Original equipment manufacturing
- Electronics housings and enclosures
- Snapfits and complex assemblies
- Fixtures, fittings, jigs, brackets, connectors, spacers, nozzles
- Fairings and trims
The excellent working properties and low cost of PA12 Nylon makes it ideal for on demand production as well as prototyping.
PA12 Nylon (SLS) technical data
| General properties | Value | |
|---|---|---|
| Natural colour | White |
| Mechanical properties | Test method | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Sintered part density | ASTM D792 | 0.95 g/cm3 |
| 24 hour water absorption | ASTM D570 | 0.65% |
| Tensile strength, ultimate | ASTM D638 | 48 MPa |
| Tensile strength, yield | ASTM D638 | 48 MPa |
| Tensile modulus | ASTM D638 | 2100 MPa |
| Elongation at break | ASTM D638 | 19% |
| Elongation at yield | ASTM D638 | 13% |
| Flexural strength | ASTM D790 | 63 MPa |
| Flexural modulus | ASTM D790 | 1700 MPa |
| Impact strength
@ Notched izod, 23°C @ Unotched izod, 23°C |
ASTM D256 ASTM D4812 |
47 J/m 460 J/m |
| Shore hardness | ASTM D2240 | 74D |
| Thermal properties | Test method | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Glass transition temperature (Tg) | ASTM E1640 (E"Peak at 1C/min) |
46 °C |
| Heat deflection temperature
@ 0.45 MPa @ 1.82 MPa |
ASTM D648 | 176 °C 82 °C |
| Coefficient of thermal expansion @ -20 to 70 °C @ 95 to 180 °C |
ASTM E831 | 91 ppm/°C 201 ppm/°C |
| Specific heat capacity | ASTM E1269 | 1.55 J/g-°C |
| Thermal conductivity | ASTM E1530 | 0.21 W/m-K |
| UL flammability rating | UL94 | HB |
| Electrical properties | Test method | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Dielectric Strength @ 3mm thickness | ASTM D149 | 15 kV/mil |
| Dielectric Constant @ 1kHz | ASTM D150 | 2.85 |
| Dissipation Factor @ 1kHz | ASTM D150 | 0.022 |
| Volume Resistivity | ASTM D257 | 1.5x10¹⁵ ohm-cm |
| Surface Resistivity | ASTM D257 | 4.7x10¹⁵ ohm-cm |
Tolerances & accuracy
Our SLS 3D printing service has a guaranteed tolerance of DATA-LOADING or DATA-LOADING, whichever is greater.
This doesn’t mean your part will necessarily be off by DATA-LOADING. In most cases, we see tolerances around DATA-LOADING. We only offer a free reprint if the part exceeds the guaranteed tolerance limit. Read more about tolerance and accuracy here.
| 3D printing technology |
95% of printed parts |
Guaranteed tolerance* | Guaranteed lower limit |
Layer height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) | DATA-LOADING | DATA-LOADING | DATA-LOADING | DATA-LOADING |
| 3D printing technology | Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) |
| 95% of printed parts | DATA-LOADING |
| Guaranteed tolerance* | DATA-LOADING |
| Guaranteed lower limit | DATA-LOADING |
| Layer height | DATA-LOADING |
PA12 Nylon (SLS) design guide
Wall thickness
Wall thickness influences printability and material properties: below 1.0mm may not print and risks damage; up to ~3mm has flexibility, and beyond this will be stiff. Thick walls may be hollowed out to avoid deformation during manufacturing, leaving the internal spaces full of unfused PA12 Nylon powder.
Part size
Parts exceeding or falling below the specified limits are incompatible with our equipment and cannot be produced effectively. We can offer splitting services if parts are too large
Embossed detail
Embossed details are shallow raised features on your model, such as texture, patterns and text. Details smaller than 0.8mm in thickness may not be visible on your part.
Engraved detail
Engraved details are imprinted or recessed features on your model. Details must be at least 0.4mm in width and depth for clarity.
Through holes
To prevent blockages a minimum diameter of 1.5mm is recommended, with an increase of 1mm in diameter for every 10mm depth. (e.g., a 30mm hole should be at least 4.5mm wide)
Blind holes
Blind holes are more susceptible to blockages than through holes. A minimum diameter of 2mm is recommended, with an increase of 2mm in diameter for every 10mm depth.
Cavities
When designing hollow parts, be sure to use large openings and avoid non-line-of-sight cavities to prevent trapping unsintered material inside.
Integrated clearance
Pre-assembled components such as hinges or interlocking parts may fuse if too close together, especially if they have thick walls.
Assembly clearance
For parts intended to be assembled post-printing. A free fit offers more space for easy assembly and movement, while a close fit is tighter and may require some force or adjustments to assemble.
Text size
It’s important to consider the distance between engraved letters as well as the line weight of embossed text. Any material thickness below 0.8mm may not be visible.
Large flat parts
Avoid designing large flat components as they’re particularly susceptible to deformation or warping. Adding support ribs often exacerbates deformation, so it’s best to steer clear of large flat surfaces if possible
Wire diameter
It’s advisable to maintain a minimum thickness of 1.2mm for wires up to 7mm long, increase to 2mm for lengths up to 30mm, and use at least 3mm thickness for anything longer.
Edge thickness
To prevent damage during manufacturing, avoid designs with edges that taper to zero thickness. Thin edges are prone to damage; it’s recommended to blunt these tapered edges to a minimum thickness of 1mm.
Wall thickness
Wall thickness influences printability and material properties: below 1.0mm may not print and risks damage; up to ~3mm has flexibility, and beyond this will be stiff. Thick walls may be hollowed out to avoid deformation during manufacturing, leaving the internal spaces full of unfused PA12 Nylon powder.
Part size
Parts exceeding or falling below the specified limits are incompatible with our equipment and cannot be produced effectively. We can offer splitting services if parts are too large
Embossed detail
Embossed details are shallow raised features on your model, such as texture, patterns and text. Details smaller than 0.8mm in thickness may not be visible on your part.
Engraved detail
Engraved details are imprinted or recessed features on your model. Details must be at least 0.4mm in width and depth for clarity.
Through holes
To prevent blockages a minimum diameter of 1.5mm is recommended, with an increase of 1mm in diameter for every 10mm depth. (e.g., a 30mm hole should be at least 4.5mm wide)
Blind holes
Blind holes are more susceptible to blockages than through holes. A minimum diameter of 2mm is recommended, with an increase of 2mm in diameter for every 10mm depth.
Cavities
When designing hollow parts, be sure to use large openings and avoid non-line-of-sight cavities to prevent trapping unsintered material inside.
Integrated clearance
Pre-assembled components such as hinges or interlocking parts may fuse if too close together, especially if they have thick walls.
Assembly clearance
For parts intended to be assembled post-printing. A free fit offers more space for easy assembly and movement, while a close fit is tighter and may require some force or adjustments to assemble.
Text size
It’s important to consider the distance between engraved letters as well as the line weight of embossed text. Any material thickness below 0.8mm may not be visible.
Large flat parts
Avoid designing large flat components as they’re particularly susceptible to deformation or warping. Adding support ribs often exacerbates deformation, so it’s best to steer clear of large flat surfaces if possible
Wire diameter
It’s advisable to maintain a minimum thickness of 1.2mm for wires up to 7mm long, increase to 2mm for lengths up to 30mm, and use at least 3mm thickness for anything longer.
Edge thickness
To prevent damage during manufacturing, avoid designs with edges that taper to zero thickness. Thin edges are prone to damage; it’s recommended to blunt these tapered edges to a minimum thickness of 1mm.
PA12 Nylon (SLS) pricing
PA12 Nylon is priced for SLS technology using either XYZ boundary box pricing or Low-Density pricing. Your part will be priced using the method that generates the most economical price for your geometry.
You can find more information on our pricing page, including tips and tricks to achieve better prices.
XYZ boundary box pricing
Low-density pricing
PA12 Nylon care guide
Follow this guide to help you keep your PA12 Nylon (SLS) 3D prints in good condition.
Blocked powder
The automated blasting process clears loose powder from all shallow holes and channels. You can easily remove any powder trapped in holes with a pin or fine drill bit. Deep tunnels through a part can be tricky; we recommend designing parts without these features.
Excess powder
Our Dyemansion technology completely de-powders parts in seconds. On rare occasions, there can be some excess powder left on the surface of the 3D print. PA12 Nylon parts are dishwasher safe due to the materials’ high-temperature resistance.
Cleaning parts
Dirt can easily attach to the rough surface texture of powder bed fusion parts. We recommend using soap and warm water to clean PA12 Nylon parts. For improved dirt resistance, use Vibro-Polishing / Colour dye finishes.
UV & elemental degradation
Over time, white parts change colour with exposure to natural light. While the appearance will slightly yellow, the mechanical properties are mainly unaffected. To mask any colour changes from UV radiation, we recommend using a Satin Black finish.
PA12 Nylon (SLS)
FAQ
What is 3D printed Nylon PA12 made from?
Nylon PA12 used in SLS 3D printing is an industrial, petroleum-derived plastic made from a mixture of virgin and recycled powder collected from previous production runs. This blend maintains excellent mechanical properties and consistent part quality, while also improving sustainability and reducing material costs.
What is the difference between SLS Nylon PA12 and PA11?
Nylon PA12 and PA11 have similar working properties. PA11 is more elastic and has slightly better impact resistance, whereas PA12 is strong and stiff with better heat resistance. More finishes are available for PA12 as there are more post-processing methods available. PA12 prints more reliably than PA11 and is a cheaper material to manufacture. It is no surprise that it is the most widely used 3D printing material on earth.
What is the difference between MJF PA12 and SLS PA12?
MJF PA12 and SLS PA12 have almost identical working properties with companies claiming different results for which is the superior material. The biggest difference is the colour of the material, SLS PA12 is white and MJF PA12 is a speckled grey colour. Besides this, the differences in the performance of parts are down to the printing technology as opposed to the material itself.
Is 3D printed Nylon PA12 waterproof?
Sintered Nylon PA12 is suitable for applications involving contact with water; however, the material is slightly porous. While water will not visibly pass through an SLS part, tests show that the part can absorb a small amount of moisture when submerged. To improve water resistance and seal the surface, vapour smoothing can be applied—reducing porosity and creating a more watertight finish.
Is 3D printed Nylon PA12 food safe?
SLS Nylon PA12 (DuraForm ProX PA) is non-toxic and biocompatible. Whilst the raw material itself is food safe, any product produced by 3D People should be tested by the appropriate bodies before use.
Is PA12 Nylon reliable under high temperatures?
PA12 Nylon has fantastic heat deflection properties making it suitable for various environments. The material has a heat deflection temperature of 182 degrees Celsius (at 0.42MPa), meaning it should not deform when subjected to temperatures below this.
What is the difference between PA12 Nylon and PA2200?
PA2200 is a EOS brand name for PA12 Nylon (Duraform ProXPA). There are very few differences between different PA12 Nylon brands. Most notably, there is a slight difference in the pigmentation added to PA2200.
Which glues can be used with 3D printed PA12 Nylon?
3D Printed components produced in Nylon PA12 can be bonded using a range of adhesives including polyurethanes, cyanoacrylates (super glues) and epoxies.
Which paints can be used with 3D printed PA12 Nylon?
PA12 Nylon (SLS) is an unreactive material compatible with most paints and primers. We recommend vibro-polishing parts before painting with acrylic-based spray paint.