Nylon PA12: Ideal for High-Performance 3D Printing Materials

Nylon PA 12 is one of the most widely used materials in the additive manufacturing industry. Known for its excellent chemical resistance, durability, and mechanical properties, it has become the first choice for producing strong and practical parts. This article describes the main characteristics, benefits, and applications of Nylon PA 12.

JLC3DP Nylon PA12 printing products

Nylon PA 12, also known as Nylon 12, is a synthetic thermoplastic polymer. The "12" in its name refers to the twelve carbon atoms present in its molecular structure. As a thermoplastic, Nylon 12 has a melting point of about 175°C, the lowest among nylon polymers, making it highly adaptable to various 3D printing processes. While Nylon 12 can be used in different 3D printing technologies such as Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), and Multi Jet Fusion (MJF).

In SLS printing, Nylon PA 12 is available in fine powder form. The printing process involves laying a thin layer of powder on a build platform, and a laser selectively binds the powder particles together to form the desired shape. The resulting parts have a granular surface, but can be easily finished by painting, dipping, coating or sandblasting.

Related article: 3201-PA-F Nylon Material: High-Performance Part Manufacturing with SLS

In Multi-Jet Fusion (MJF) printing, nylon PA 12 is also available in powder form. Unlike SLS, MJF does not use a laser to fuse the material. A fusing agent and detailing agent are deposited onto the powder layer through a set of inkjet-like print heads. The fusing agent helps absorb infrared energy, while the detailing agent improves resolution and edge definition. An infrared heat source then passes through the layer, selectively melting and fusing the powder material to form the part.

Advantages of Nylon PA 12

1. Suitable for complex and detailed parts

One of the outstanding features of nylon PA 12 in SLS printing is its ability to create complex designs without support structures. Support structures often limit design flexibility and are difficult to remove, especially from small and detailed areas. The minimum wall thickness supported by JLC3DP printing with Nylon PA 12 material is 1 mm, which can meet most design needs.

2. High strength and flexibility

Nylon 12 is well known for its mechanical properties. It has a tensile strength of 48 MPa and an elongation at break of 20%. This means that the material does not crack when under pressure, but bends first and then breaks, making it very durable and impact-resistant.

3. Excellent chemical resistance

Nylon 12 has excellent resistance to a variety of chemicals, including aliphatic hydrocarbons, oils, greases, and alkaline substances. This makes it an excellent choice for applications that require exposure to harsh environments or chemical interactions.

4. Dimensional stability and durability

Due to its low moisture absorption, Nylon 12 maintains dimensional stability even under humidity fluctuations. This property ensures that parts remain reliable over a long period of time, making it an ideal choice for safety-critical applications. In addition, it has good wear resistance and maintains strength even in sub-zero temperatures. However, prolonged exposure to UV rays may cause discoloration, which can be prevented with an anti-UV coating.

Application of Nylon PA 12

As an excellent material for 3D printing of engineering plastics, Nylon PA12 is widely used in various industries. Some of its main applications include:

Automobile and aerospace fields: In the automotive and aerospace industries, nylon PA12 is widely used to manufacture complex functional parts due to its excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. These parts require high strength, low weight, and long-term stability under extreme conditions.

Consumer and industrial products: Nylon PA12 is often used to manufacture complex parts in various consumer and industrial products, especially those that require high durability and precision. Many custom parts for electronic products are printed using nylon PA12, and its high precision and strength enable the printed parts to effectively withstand the wear and tear of daily use.

Medical industry: The high biocompatibility and corrosion resistance of nylon PA12 allow it to be used in the field of medical devices, such as the manufacture of surgical instruments, prosthetics, etc.

Choose JLC3DP's Nylon PA12 3D Printing Service

If you are looking for high-quality PA12 Nylon 3D printing services, JLC3DP provides you with professional MJF printing technology to ensure high-precision and high-strength printing results. JLC3DP has advanced 3D printing equipment and rich industry experience to meet the needs from rapid prototyping to mass production. Visit the inquiry page now for more details and experience high-quality 3D printing services!