PA12 (Polyamide 12)

polymer

semi-crystalline thermoplastic polyamide

Nylon 12PA 2200 (EOS)HP 3D HR PA 12Polyamide-12Lauryl lactam polymer

PA12 (Polyamide 12) 3D printed component

Density

0.93 g/cm³

YS (SLS as-built (isotropic, 50:50 refresh))

44–52 MPa

UTS (SLS as-built (isotropic, 50:50 refresh))

44–52 MPa

Elongation (SLS as-built (isotropic, 50:50 refresh))

8.0–25.0 %

Elastic modulus

2–2 GPa

Thermal conductivity

0.2 W/m·K

Glass transition (Tg)

45–55 °C

Mechanical & thermal properties — 2 conditions

Property	SLS as-built (isotropic, 50:50 refresh)	MJF as-built (HP, 30% refresh)
Elastic modulus	2–2 GPa	2–2 GPa
Yield strength (0.2%)	44–52 MPa	—
Ultimate tensile strength	44–52 MPa	47–54 MPa
Elongation at break	8.0–25.0 %	12.0–25.0 %
Hardness (HV)	68–82 HV10	—
Density	0.88–0.96 g/cm³	0.97–1.01 g/cm³

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Values shown as min–max where a spread is reported, otherwise as typical ± unit. Ranges reflect inter-source variation, not single-sample scatter. All values are for AM-processed specimens unless noted.

Engineering considerations

Powder refresh ratio is the most important process control variable. For structural parts, enforce ≤50% recycled powder. For cosmetic parts, ≤30%. Run tensile coupon qualification tests at each production batch.
Wall thickness: minimum functional wall 0.8 mm (SLS), 1.0 mm (MJF) for structural parts. Thin walls below 1.5 mm show higher property scatter. Avoid sharp internal corners (min fillet R = 0.5 mm) to prevent stress concentrations.
Thermal annealing after printing (150°C/2h) can improve crystallinity by 3–5%, increasing stiffness and reducing elongation scatter. Not always beneficial — evaluate for each application.
Vapour smoothing: acetone-amine vapour (IPA + isopropylamine) produces Ra <1 µm and seals inter-particle porosity. Enables pressure-tight parts and food-contact surfaces (with FDA-compliant PA12 grade). Removes ~50–100 µm material — account for in final dimensions.
Dyeing: SLS PA12 parts accept industrial dyes uniformly (surface to 0.5 mm depth). Black dye provides UV protection and is standard for automotive parts. Colour consistency requires controlled powder age.
Moisture pre-conditioning: if mechanical properties at equilibrium moisture are needed for design, pre-condition specimens per ISO 1110 (70°C/62% RH) before testing. Dry-as-moulded properties are not representative of service.
Biocompatibility: EOS PA 2200 is CE-marked for non-implantable medical devices (Class I/IIa). HP PA12 is also biocompatible. Implantable devices require ISO 10993 testing and regulatory approval beyond material compliance.
Fire: untreated PA12 burns — does not pass UL94 V-0 without flame-retardant additives. Use PA12-FR grades or surface coatings for electrical enclosures and aerospace interior parts.

Advantages

Near-isotropic properties — support-free powder bed process eliminates the layer delamination weakness of FDM
No support structures required — complex internal channels, interlocking parts, and undercuts are all feasible
Well-established process: widest machine ecosystem of any AM process (EOS, Farsoon, Sinterit, HK, Formlabs Fuse, HP MJF)
Good chemical resistance to oils, greases, weak acids, and many solvents
Low moisture absorption (0.25% water uptake vs 1.5% for PA6) — more stable in humid environments
Biocompatible grades available — CE-marked medical device applications
Excellent surface finish achievable post-process: vapour smoothing, tumbling, electroplating, dyeing
Design freedom: undercuts, lattices, and complex internal channels without supports

Limitations

Powder reuse critically affects properties — elongation and surface quality degrade rapidly above 50% recycled ratio
UV degradation: PA12 yellows and loses strength in prolonged UV exposure — stabiliser or coating required for outdoor use
Moisture sensitivity in service: PA12 absorbs water (0.25%) which acts as plasticiser, reducing modulus ~10–15% at equilibrium
Low maximum service temperature: HDT ~163–175°C but continuous-load limit ~60–80°C. Not suitable for elevated-temperature environments
Limited strength and stiffness vs. engineering polymers — POM, PEEK, or filled PA achieve higher mechanical performance
As-built surface is porous (SLS, 3–8%) — not suitable for pressure-tight components without post-infiltration
Powder handling and storage: PA12 powder must be kept dry (desiccant storage) and below oxidation temperature; process atmosphere is N₂
Dimensional accuracy: ±0.3% typical (minimum ±0.3 mm) — not suitable for high-precision applications without post-machining

Typical applications

Functional prototypes and end-use parts for automotive interiorsAir ducts, fluid manifolds, and complex flow-path geometriesSnap-fit assemblies, living hinges, and flex-jointsMedical device housings and surgical guides (biocompatible grades)Consumer product enclosures and electronic device housingsJigs and fixtures for manufacturing and assemblyAthletic equipment and customised sports insolesAerospace interior parts (non-structural)Complex interlocking assemblies printed-in-placeLow-volume production runs where tooling cost is prohibitive

Standards & certifications

ASTM-E8established

Tensile testing per ASTM D638 (preferred for polymers — ASTM-E8 is for metals; note: polymer labs typically use D638)

aerospaceautomotiveconsumer

ASTM D638 is the correct polymer tensile standard. D638 Type I specimens. Some labs cross-reference ASTM E8 for comparability with metal data.

ISO-52904established

Process quality assurance for safety-critical PBF parts (applies to SLS/MJF polymers for medical applications)

medicalaerospace

PA12 (Polyamide 12)

Mechanical & thermal properties — 2 conditions

Engineering considerations

Advantages

Limitations

Typical applications

Industries

Standards & certifications

Compatible AM processes (3)

Other polymer materials

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