Nylon PA 12

Overview

Nylon PA 12 is the workhorse of SLS 3D printing and our most requested material. It delivers an excellent balance of mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and dimensional stability — making it suitable for everything from rapid prototypes to production-ready end-use components.

Key Properties

PA 12 offers high tensile strength (48 MPa), good elongation at break (18%), and a heat deflection temperature of 175°C. Parts are naturally white/grey and can be dyed, painted, or vapour-smoothed for improved surface finish.

Advantages

• Excellent all-round mechanical performance
• Good chemical and abrasion resistance
• No support structures needed — enables complex geometries
• Consistent, isotropic part properties
• Suitable for food-contact applications (when post-processed)

Limitations

• Slightly porous surface texture compared to SLA
• Limited colour options without post-processing
• Higher cost than FDM materials

Common Applications

Functional prototypes, enclosures and housings, snap-fit assemblies, automotive components, drone parts, jigs and fixtures, small-batch production runs, and replacement parts for industrial equipment.