MJF 3D Printing Materials Guide 2026: Types & How to Choose

MJF Materials are the driving force behind Multi Jet Fusion's rapid ascent into a cornerstone of the modern 3D printing landscape. The true potential of this technology lies in its diverse and robust material portfolio. Do you know which powder is best for your application? Are you maximizing the unique properties of materials like PA12, PA11, TPU, PP, or PA12S? This comprehensive guide provides the definitive answers. Let’s dive in and master MJF material selection.

If you have gained a clear understanding of mjf 3d printing materials and are now seeking a reliable 3D printing service, JLC3DP is an excellent choice for makers and businesses worldwide. We offer a comprehensive suite of multi jet fusion materials, including the standard PA11 and PA12, the new arrival PA12S, and PAC. Every part is manufactured exclusively on certified HP Multi Jet Fusion equipment, ensuring consistent, guaranteed quality for your most demanding projects.

What Are Multi Jet Fusion Materials?

MJF materials are high-performance engineering thermoplastic powders that form the foundation of Multi Jet Fusion technology. These materials are often referred to generically as "MJF plastics" or "MJF polymers." The final mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of your finished part depend entirely on the powder you select. Each material offers a specific set of characteristics—whether it be high strength, flexibility, thermal resistance, or biocompatibility.

HP's MJF process utilizes fusing and detailing agents to achieve superior feature detail and mechanical properties comparable to injection molding.

Technical Deep Dive:

Because both MJF and its closest competitor, Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), primarily utilize Nylon materials, many makers and engineers often wonder what the fundamental, practical differences are between these processes.

 1. For a detailed explanation of the technology, see: What is Multi Jet Fusion)

 2. To clarify this common confusion and compare their unique capabilities, see our detailed guide: SLS Vs. MJF 3D Printing Technology.)

While HP's proprietary Nylon materials (such as MJF PA12) remain central to the MJF ecosystem, the platform is open and certifies materials from leading external suppliers like BASF and Evonik. Therefore, expanding the scope to include the entire range of certified material families provides a more complete view of the MJF portfolio.

What Materials Does MJF Use?

The core versatility of Multi Jet Fusion is defined by the diverse and expanding range of engineered materials available on the platform. Selecting the optimal powder is paramount for achieving the desired performance in your specific application. To guide your choice, we break down the primary categories of multi jet fusion materials below.

Nylon-Based Materials (PA Series)

This HP MJF materials family is the workhorse of the MJF polymers portfolio, known for its excellent mechanical properties, fine feature resolution, and good chemical resistance.

HP Multi Jet Fusion materials list as follows：

1. PA12 (Nylon 12): The most common and versatile MJF polymers. It offers an ideal balance of strength, stiffness, and durability. Parts made from PA12 offer a good material reusability ratio and excellent resistance to wear, making them perfect for functional prototypes, complex ducting, and end-use production components.

2. PA12 S (Nylon 12 S): Introduced by HP in 2024, MJF PA12S is a groundbreaking material that sets a new standard for sustainable polymer production. Its most significant advantage is a remarkable 85% reusability ratio. This drastically reduces material waste and operational costs. Furthermore, it offers a softer and smoother finish compared to standard PA12, enhancing the user experience for applications requiring a premium tactile feel.

3. PA11 (Nylon 11): It is a biopolymer derived from castor oil. Compared to PA12, MJF PA11 is stronger and more ductile, exhibiting better impact strength and elongation at break. This makes it an ideal candidate for applications requiring high energy absorption and fatigue resistance, such as living hinges, snap-fit parts, and products for sports and athletics.

4. PA12 Glass-Filled (Often referred to as 'MJF Glass'): This material is a composite of PA12 reinforced with glass beads. This combination increases PA12's rigidity, thermal stability, and Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT). This MJF Glass GB material is excellent for applications demanding high rigidity, dimensional stability, and thermal resistance, such as jigs, fixtures, and parts under the hood of automobiles.

While HP's proprietary Nylon materials (such as MJF Glass PA12) remain central to the MJF ecosystem, the platform is open and certifies materials from leading external suppliers like BASF and Evonik. Therefore, expanding the scope to include the entire range of certified material families provides a more complete view of the MJF portfolio.

Elastomers

Elastomers enhance the flexibility and shock absorption capabilities of the MJF process, making them ideal for applications requiring a soft touch and rubber-like properties.

1. TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): MJF TPU is a material that adds elasticity and abrasion resistance to 3D printing. TPU parts are highly flexible and durable, even under frequent deformation. Applications include protective covers, gaskets, seals, dampers, and wearables.

2. Specialty Polymers (e.g., Polyolefins)

Polypropylene (PP): Polypropylene processed via MJF possesses qualities similar to those manufactured using injection molding, featuring exceptional chemical resistance, low weight, and superb fatigue resistance suitable for living hinges. It is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic that is ideal for applications where low weight, water resistance, and durability are important, such as fluid containers, packaging prototypes, and automotive interiors.

MJF PA11 vs PA12 vs PA12S vs TPU vs PP: Core Differences

Choosing the right multi jet fusion materials is crucial for achieving optimal part performance. This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key differences between five popular MJF plastics to guide your selection process.

MJF Material Comparison Table

1. Strength & Toughness

PA12 provides the best balance of strength and stiffness, ideal for structural components. PA11 offers superior toughness and impact resistance, making it perfect for parts requiring high durability. The new PA12S maintains mechanical properties comparable to standard PA12 while offering improved sustainability. TPU delivers excellent elasticity and tear resistance, suitable for flexible applications. PP stands out with outstanding fatigue resistance, especially for living hinge applications.

2. Heat Resistance

PA12 and PA11 lead in heat resistance with HDT around 175℃ (at 0.45 MPa), suitable for high-temperature, low-load environments. PA12S maintains comparable thermal properties to standard PA12. PP offers moderate heat resistance (~ 100℃ ), while TPU has the lowest heat deflection temperature (~ 75℃), limiting its use in high-temperature applications.

3. Chemical Resistance

PP demonstrates exceptional chemical resistance against acids, bases, and solvents. PA12 and PA11 show good resistance to oils and greases but are susceptible to strong acids. PA12S maintains chemical resistance comparable to standard PA12. TPU provides reasonable chemical resistance but can be affected by certain solvents and UV exposure.

4. Flexibility & Shore Hardness

TPU is the clear choice for flexibility with a Shore A hardness of 90-95, offering true elastomeric properties. PA11 provides slightly better flexibility than PA12 and PA12S, both of which are considered rigid engineering plastics. PP offers semi-rigid performance with exceptional hinge flexibility, making it unique for specific applications requiring repeated bending.

5. Surface Finish

PA12 and PA11 deliver fine, matte surfaces suitable for various post-processing treatments. PA12S offers a noticeably smoother and softer surface finish compared to standard PA12. TPU offers a soft-touch, velvety texture, whereas PP typically exhibits a waxy, semi-glossy finish that can complicate secondary operations.

How to Choose the Right MJF Material

Selecting the optimal Multi Jet Fusion material requires matching material properties to your specific application requirements. This guide provides a clear framework for making the best choice.

Material Selection Matrix

Industry-Specific Recommendations

Key Selection Insights:

 1. PA12S: Maintains excellent mechanical properties while offering superior sustainability and enhanced surface quality.

 2. PA11: Optimal choice when toughness and impact resistance are critical.

 3. PP: Ideal for chemical exposure applications and lightweight applications.

 4. TPU: The essential choice for applications requiring elasticity and soft-touch properties.

Need MJF Nylon vs more material comparison for your specific application? Look out for the MJF-PA12 Nylon VS SLS-3201PA-F guide.

MJF Design Guidelines: What Should Be Considered?

Successful MJF part production requires careful consideration of design parameters and material characteristics. Optimizing these key factors ensures better print quality, cost efficiency, and part performance.

1. Wall Thickness

• Maintaining appropriate wall thickness is crucial for successful MJF printing. We recommend:
• Minimum wall thickness: 0.8mm for PA12/PA11/PA12S materials
• Optimal range: 1.5mm to 3.0mm for achieving strength and stability
• Uniform thickness: Avoid sudden transitions to prevent warping and sink marks due to thermal differences.
• Reinforcement: Use ribs and gussets for structural reinforcement rather than merely increasing wall thickness.
• Thick sections: Thick sections (> 5mm) should be hollowed out with lattice structures to reduce material usage and minimize thermal stress during printing.

2. Textures

• MJF technology offers excellent capability for reproducing detailed surface textures:
• Standard texture: Achievable without additional post-processing.
• Fine details: Minimum groove width of 0.3mm and depth of 0.3mm.
• Embossed/debossed text: Minimum 0.4mm height/depth for reliable legibility.
• Post-processing: Vapor smoothing available for glossy finishes and reduced surface friction.

3. Minimum Features & Tolerances

• Understanding MJF's resolution capabilities ensures design success:
• Minimum hole diameter: 1.5mm for through holes.
• Escape holes: Essential for removing unsintered powder (minimum 8mm through-hole recommended).
• Gap between walls: Minimum 0.8mm to prevent fusion.
• Pin diameter: Minimum 1.0mm for protruding features.
• Dimensional Tolerance: A general tolerance of ±0.3mm for the first 10mm, plus ±0.003mm per additional millimeter, is generally achievable.

4. Part Orientation and Anisotropy

• Orientation: While MJF parts are generally near-isotropic, mechanical properties (especially Elongation at Break) may be slightly weaker along the Z-axis (build direction).
• Critical parts: Orient highly loaded or flexing parts parallel to the XY-plane to maximize performance and consistency.

5. Powder Refresh and Reusability Rate

• The reusability of printing powder significantly impacts cost and sustainability:
• Standard PA12: Typical refresh rate of 70%-80% (new powder added to used powder).
• PA12S: Industry-leading 85% reusability rate.
• Cost implication: Higher reusability directly reduces material cost per part.
• Quality control: Powder properties must be monitored throughout the reuse cycle to maintain consistent mechanical performance.

6. Design for MJF Checklist:

• Maintain consistent wall thickness.
• Include adequate escape holes for powder removal.
• Specify critical feature tolerances.
• Consider powder reusability in material selection.
• Design textures and features above minimum specifications.
• Account for the natural matte surface finish in aesthetic requirements.
• Orient highly stressed parts on the XY-plane.

By following these design guidelines, you can maximize the benefits of MJF technology while ensuring part quality and manufacturing efficiency.

The MJF Polymers Cost Structure: Differences and Total Ownership

Understanding their cost structure is crucial for making informed decisions that balance performance requirements with budget constraints. Here's a detailed breakdown of material pricing and key economic factors.

Material Cost Comparison

Detailed Cost Analysis

PA12 vs PA11 MJF Pricing
PA11 typically costs 40%-60% more than standard PA12. The price difference reflects PA11's bio-based origin and superior impact resistance. Choose PA12 for cost-sensitive projects and general prototyping, and choose PA11 for applications requiring exceptional toughness and durability.

PA12S vs PA12 Economics
PA12S carries a 15%-25% premium over standard PA12. However, its 85% reusability rate provides significant long-term cost savings. The break-even point is typically reached in high-volume production runs. Additional value comes from its superior surface quality and sustainability benefits.

TPU Cost Considerations
TPU commands a 50%-70% price premium over PA12, justified for applications requiring true elastomeric properties. Given the limited viable alternative materials in the MJF process, it is essential for specialized seals, dampers, and soft-touch components.

PP Cost & Powder Reusability
PP carries a moderate premium of 20%-35% over PA12. Its excellent chemical resistance justifies the cost for specific applications. It offers reasonable powder reusability within the MJF process, combining good material properties with a sustainable profile.

Total Cost of Ownership Considerations

Beyond raw material costs, consider these factors:

1. Powder Reusability

PA12S offers the highest reusability (85%). Higher reusability reduces material waste and long-term costs.

2. Post-Processing Costs
Materials with superior surface quality (like PA12S) may require less finishing time, reducing overall labor costs. Conversely, complex parts or highly flexible materials (TPU) may incur higher costs for specialized cleaning or smoothing.

3. Part Performance
Higher-priced materials may enable better part performance, leading to reduced failure rates and longer service life. Consider the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), not just the initial material price.

4. Production Volume
High-volume production benefits significantly from materials with better reusability. Prototyping and low-volume runs may prioritize the initial low cost of PA12.

5. Sustainability Requirements
PA12S and PA11 offer enhanced sustainability profiles, which may align with corporate environmental goals and regulations.

Cost-Saving Strategies:

Use PA12 for prototypes and standard applications.

Consider PA12S for production runs to leverage higher reusability.

Reserve premium materials (PA11, TPU) for applications requiring their specific properties.

Optimize designs to minimize material usage while maintaining functionality.

By understanding these cost dynamics, you can make smarter material selections that optimize both performance and budget across your MJF projects.

MJF Material Applications Across Key Industrial Sectors

Multi Jet Fusion technology serves diverse industrial sectors with its unique ability to rapidly produce robust, functional end-use parts.

1. Automotive: When selecting the best MJF material for automotive needs, PA12 and its glass-filled composites are frequently chosen for manufacturing durable components such as custom brackets, fluid connectors, and under-the-hood components that withstand thermal cycling and high mechanical stress.

2. Medical: The medical sector leverages MJF for producing sterilizable surgical guides, custom instrument handles, and prosthetic devices, benefiting from the technology's precision and material biocompatibility.

3. Aerospace: The industry utilizes MJF for lightweighting initiatives, producing custom ducting, non-critical interior parts, and components requiring Flame Retardant (FR) certification.

4. Consumer Goods: Manufacturers utilize MJF for creating high-quality products like ergonomic tool grips, wearable device housings, and sports equipment, where both aesthetics and durability are crucial.

5. Industrial Tools: Additionally, MJF enables the production of complex industrial tools, including jigs, fixtures, and custom assembly aids, which help companies streamline their manufacturing processes and reduce lead times.

The technology's versatility across these sectors demonstrates its value in both prototyping and full-scale production applications.

Future Trends in MJF Plastics: Mastering Additive Manufacturing Trends

The future of MJF is highly promising, driven by significant material breakthroughs that will transform industrial manufacturing.

Here are the key material and process trends:

1. High-Performance Polymers: The platform will expand to include demanding engineering plastics (like PEEK, PEKK) for harsh industrial use.

2. Advanced Composites: Composites will become standard, focusing on developing materials with uniform strength in all directions (isotropic properties).

3. Functional Integration: Powders will offer built-in features like conductivity (ESD) or fire-retardancy (FR), eliminating secondary treatments.

4. Cost & Sustainability: Ultra-high powder reusability (PA12S and beyond) will become the standard, dramatically reducing material costs and waste.

5. Process Efficiency: Improved software will enable accurate performance prediction during design, while new materials guarantee high, ready-to-use surface quality directly off the printer.

Frequently Asked Questions about MJF Materials

Q1：Are MJF materials recyclable?
Yes, a key advantage of the MJF process is powder reusability. Unused powder is collected and blended with fresh material for subsequent prints. The reusability rate varies by material, with PA12S leading at 85%, while standard PA12 is typically between 70-80%.

Q2：What is the cheapest MJF material?
Standard PA12 is generally the most economical one, offering the best cost-to-performance ratio for prototyping and functional parts.

Q3: What is the most heat-resistant MJF material?

PA12 Glass-Filled generally offers the best thermal stability under load. While standard PA12 and PA11 have high melting points, the glass-filled variant resists deformation better at elevated temperatures, making it the top choice for hot environments like automotive engine bays.