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Nylon PA11

Strong, ductile, functional parts
This thermoplastic delivers optimal mechanical properties and is ideal for strong, ductile, functional parts. It has excellent chemical resistance and enhanced elongation-at-break. Nylon 11 is ideal for impact resistance and ductility for prostheses, insoles, sports goods, snap fits, living hinges, and more.
3D printing technology
Dimensional accuracy

+/- 0.3% with a lower limit of +/- 0.3 mm

Maximum build size

380 x 285 x 380 mm (14.9" x 11.2" x 14.9")

HP-Jet-Fusion-3D-Printed-Part-with-PA11-nylon-11-_edited.jpg

Key Benefits

  • Thermoplastic material delivering optimal mechanical properties.

  • Good elasticity, high elongation at break, and high impact resistance.

  • Provides excellent chemical resistance and enhanced elongation-at-break.

  • Stable to light, UV, and weather.

  • Renewable raw material from vegetable castor oil (reduced environmental impact).

  • 100% biocompatible.

Applications

  • Impact resistance and ductility for prostheses, insoles, sports goods, snap fits, living hinges, and more.

  • Complex designs with intricate details.

  • Moving and assembled parts.

  • Cases, holders, adapters.

  • Functional prototyping and testing.

  • Low-to-mid volume end-use manufacturing.

  • Common industrial use includes healthcare, consumer goods, industrial goods and education.

Design guidelines​

Max build volume

380 x 284 x 380 mm (15 x 11.2 x 15")

Min wall thickness

0.6 mm (flexible), 2 mm (rigid)

Connecting parts

min 0.5 mm between part interface areas

Moving parts

min 0.7 mm between faces of printed assemblies

Emboss / deboss

min 0.5 mm

Design considerations​

  • Thin and long parts, as well as large flat surfaces, may be prone to warping. You may also consider PA12 Glass Bead as an alternative material for these parts.

  • Consider hollowing or adding internal lattice structure to large solid pieces to improve accuracy and minimize cost. 

  • Hinges, sockets, and linked parts can be integrated into the design. ​

View full design guidelines

Technical Specifications

Accuracy

+/- 0.3% (minimum of +/- 0.3 mm)

Layer thickness

0.08 mm

Density of part

1.04 g/cm³

Tensile modulus

1800 MPa 

Tensile strength

 52 MPa

Elongation at break

50% (XY), 35% (Z)

Flexural strength

70 MPa

Flexural Modulus 

1,800 MPa

Hardness (Shore D)

1800 MPa

Melting temperature (20°C/min)

201°C

Heat deflection temperature (1.82 MPa)

50°C

Heat deflection temperature (0.45 MPa)

157°C

Softening temperature 

189°C

Available Surface Finishes

Nylon 12 white glases (courtesy of HP).jpg
Raw (white)

After the part has been printed it is ready for use, but has a powdery look and feel. Best suited for functional prototypes and non-visible parts.

Cerakote Red on Airforce Velocity Snowmobile part - Courtesy of Tempus 3D.jpg

Cerakote is a thin-film ceramic coating applied to 3D printed parts to improve looks and functionality. A variety of colors are available. 

Invent-Medical-Helmet_130-v1a.jpg 26 kb 1200x800.webp

A chemical vapor is used to smooth the surface of the part. Vapor smoothing can also enhance material properties and brighten colors when dyeing.

Case Studies

OT4 Creates 3D printed hand brace to provide flexible yet sturdy support
Bowman achieves easier, faster manufacturing of 3D printed bearings cages

Gallery

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