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Nylon PA12

Nylon PA12 is a robust all-purpose 3D print material. It is popular for a wide range of applications because of it's balance of excellent material properties, fine detail and low cost.
Minimum lead time

5 business days

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")

Nylon PA12 3D printed with nylon PA12

Nylon PA 12 is one of the most common plastics used in industrial 3D printing because of it's balance of excellent material properties, fine detail and low cost. This versatile plastic is flexible, has high impact resistance, is UV and water resistant, and is certified biocompatible. These qualities make it ideal for a wide range of uses in various industries including automotive, healthcare, consumer goods, and aerospace. This material is ideal for rapid prototyping and low-to-mid-range manufacturing.
 

Key Benefits

  • Produces strong, high-density parts with near-isometric properties on x-y and z axes.

  • Designed to produce functional parts with fine detail and dimensional accuracy.

  • Excellent chemical resistance to oils, greases, alphalitic hydrocarbons, and alkalies.

  • Water- and air-tight without further treatment.

  • UV resistant.

  • Meets biocompatibility certifications including USP Class I-VI and US FDA guidance for Intact Skin Surface Devices.

Applications

  • Rapid prototyping and small- to medium-run manufacturing.

  • Complex assemblies, housings, enclosures.

  • Water- and air-tight applications.

  • Snap fits and hinges.

  • Industrial tooling and modeling.

  • Bio-compatible parts.

  • Plastic gears, screws, nuts, and bolts.

  • Medical and dental devices, such as orthotics and dental molds.

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 for HP PA12

Technical Specifications

Accuracy

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

Layer thickness

0.08 mm

Density of part

1.01 g/cm3

Tensile modulus

1700 MPa (XY), 1800 MPa (Z)

Tensile strength

 48 MPa (XY), 48 MPa (Z)

Elongation at break

20% (XY), 15% (Z)

Heat deflection

175 C (@ 0.45 MPa), 95 C (@1.82 MPa)

Available Surface Finishes

HP PA12 (raw finish).jpg
Raw (gray)

After the part has been printed it has a powdery gray look and feel. This finish is best suited for functional prototypes and non-visible parts.

hp print hand brace - courtesy of HP_edited.jpg
Black Dye

Parts are submerged in a hot dye bath containing dye pigment. This gives a smooth, consistent finish with no loss of dimensional accuracy.

cerakote colors - courtesy of Cerakote.jpg
Cerakote

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

Nylon PA12 part, chemical smoothing, 3D printed with HP Multi Jet Fusion 5200
Vapor Smoothing

A chemical vapor is used to smooth the surface of the part. Vapor smoothing can also enhance material properties and water resistance.

Photo Gallery

Get your parts into production today

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