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Selective Laser Sintering Nylon PA12 (EOS PA 2200) For Strong, Durable Production Parts

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Nylon PA12 3D printed part example
Support-Free Printing
Complex Geometries
SLS material

Nylon PA12 overview

Nylon PA12 is a production-grade SLS engineering thermoplastic used for strong, durable, and dimensionally stable parts. With a balanced combination of stiffness, toughness, low moisture absorption, chemical resistance, and fatigue performance, Nylon PA12 is a reliable choice for functional prototypes, end-use components, and repeatable low-volume production parts. Resistant to many fuels, oils, and solvents, it is widely used across automotive, aerospace, medical, and industrial applications where both mechanical performance and design flexibility matter. EOS PA 2200 is the grade for medical, food-handling and electrical parts. It is tested for biocompatibility, made from food-contact-grade powder and electrically insulating, so device casings, food-handling components and electrical housings can be made in the same strong, durable nylon.

Also available in Evonik PA 6002 P.

How Nylon PA12 is manufactured

Nylon PA12 is manufactured using Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), an industrial powder-bed 3D printing process that builds parts layer by layer without support structures or tooling. This allows complex geometries, internal features, and consolidated designs to be produced with excellent repeatability and efficient batch nesting. Combined with the material's balanced mechanical properties, SLS makes Nylon PA12 a scalable option for functional prototypes, end-use components, and production parts that require durability, dimensional consistency, and complex geometry capability.

Build volume
340 × 340 × 600 mm
Lead time
2-4 business days
Layer height
0.1 mm
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Surface finishes

Finishes for Nylon PA12

SLS parts feature a fine-textured matte surface finish that is durable and functional, making them ideal for a wide range of applications. While the natural finish is suitable for many uses, SLS parts can be further enhanced through post-processing techniques. Deep color dyeing with DyeMansion technology provides vibrant, uniform colors, while painting allows for a smooth, professional finish that can match precise aesthetic requirements.

Sample cube in natural white SLS PA12 with the standard bead-blasted matte finish
Natural White

Standard Finish

Selective Laser Sintered (SLS) parts naturally come in a fine-textured matte surface finish. Parts are depowdered through media blasting, resulting in a bright white color with a slightly grainy texture. The surface is durable, uniform, and functional, making it ideal for both mechanical and aesthetic applications. While intricate details are well-defined, the porous nature of SLS PA12 can lead to a slightly rough feel, which can be improved through post-processing techniques.

Surface Texture
Fine-textured Matte Finish
Appearance
Bright White
Details
Clear & refined
Sample cube in SLS PA12 dyed deep black
Sample cube in SLS PA12 dyed deep blue
Enhanced Finish

Deep Color Dye

Deep color dying provides a rich, uniform color, improving the overall aesthetics. Suitable for both functional and visually appealing applications. The dye also enhances scratch resistance, making the parts more durable in handling and use. This process ensures consistent color uniformity across the entire part, even for complex geometries or intricate designs.

Surface Texture
Fine-textured Matte Finish
Appearance
Rich, uniform color coverage
Details
Clear & refined
Sample cube in white SLS PA12 after vapour smoothing
Sample cube in natural white SLS PA12 with the standard matte finish
Smoothed Surface

Vapour Finishing

We vapour finish PA 2200 and INFINAM PA 6002 P parts on a DyeMansion Powerfuse S, sealing them inside and out, including channels and cavities, for a smooth, semi-gloss surface close to injection molding. Sealed parts repel water, wash clean, resist bacterial build-up and slide with less friction, while fine details soften slightly. The PFAS-free solvent is approved for food-contact processing under EU 10/2011, and finished parts are suitable for repeated food contact under FDA regulations.

Surface Texture
Smooth, sealed, semi-gloss
Food Contact
FDA-compliant, repeated use
Solvent
EU 10/2011 approved
Sample cube with a red automotive-grade performance paint finish
Sample cube in natural white SLS PA12 with the standard matte finish
Premium Finish

Performance Paint

Painting offers a highly durable, automotive-grade coating that enhances the aesthetics and durability of 3D-printed parts. Each part is hand-finished to ensure smooth surfaces and a premium quality appearance. Using professional-grade coating equipment, this process allows for precise application and exceptional adhesion. Custom color matching is available, making it ideal for applications that require specific branding or visual impact.

Surface Texture
Matte to Semi-Gloss
Appearance
Custom color matching
Details
Clear & refined
Industry applications

Industry applications for Nylon PA12

Nylon PA12 is one of the most widely used materials in industrial additive manufacturing because it delivers dependable performance across a wide range of applications. It combines strength with controlled flexibility, making it well suited to housings, brackets, ducts, snap-fits, enclosures and other functional parts that need to hold up in real-world use.

SLS printing gives it design freedom for complex geometries without support structures. Multi-part assemblies can be consolidated into single components that cut part count and weight, simplify assembly, and are as strong, flexible and durable as injection-moulded parts.

Its chemical resistance, with biocompatibility-tested and food-contact grades, makes it the go-to choice for regulated industries. With moisture absorption below 2% and dimensional stability across temperature cycles, PA12 performs predictably in demanding field conditions.

With no tooling or minimum order quantities, Nylon PA12 takes a design from the first prototype through to low-volume production, and remains a trusted material for durable polymer parts.

All industries
Black SLS nylon motor mounts being fitted to a drone airframe

Aerospace

UAS & Drone Airframe Parts

Drone and UAS makers use Nylon PA12 for fuselage bodies, battery enclosures, sensor mounts and motor guards. Parts print without supports, so cable routing and snap features come built in, and heat-set inserts are installed to the drawing. One UAS manufacturer has ordered more than 2,000 parts across 15 orders, with motor mounts in runs of 360.

  • Airframe and fuselage parts
  • Environmental control ducting
  • Cable management and vibration mounts
Read the drone production case study
Dyed-black SLS nylon hairpin stator assembly nests

Automotive

Line Tooling & Fluid-Handling Parts

Automotive teams use Nylon PA12 for assembly nests on electric motor lines, where printing forms every repeated slot without machining. It resists petrol, fuel oil, brake fluid and glycol antifreeze at 20 °C and 60 °C, which suits intake manifolds, pump housings and air ducts.

  • Assembly nests and fixtures
  • Intake manifolds and air ducts
  • Snap-fit interior assemblies
Read the assembly nest case study
Gloved technician checking the fit of a white SLS nylon casing pair beside a tray of the batch

Medical & Healthcare

Device Casings, Handles & Valve Hardware

Medical device teams order Nylon PA12 casings and valve hardware in batches of dozens, with a trial pair confirming delicate clips before the batch prints. EOS PA 2200 has passed ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity and ISO 10993-10 irritation and sensitization testing, a strong starting point for surgical guides, prosthetic sockets and instrument housings. The device maker validates sterilization and surface finish for each part, and PA12 is not used for long-term implants.

  • Surgical guides
  • Prosthetic sockets
  • Instrument housings and fluid connectors
Read the device housings case study
SLS nylon sensor enclosure and lid with threaded inserts installed

Robotics

Sensor Kits & Electronics Chassis

Robotics teams receive Nylon PA12 sensor kits matched and ready to assemble, with thousands of M4 and M5 heat-set inserts specified across the kits. As an electrical insulator, PA12 also carries circuit cards inside subsea pressure housings; one chassis kit of over 100 pieces shipped in five business days.

  • Sensor enclosures
  • Subsea electronics chassis
  • Gripper fingers and mounts
Read the sensor kit case study
SLS nylon charger enclosure halves with TPU connector dust caps

Clean Tech

Charger & Power Electronics Enclosures

Nylon PA12 forms insulating, impact-resistant enclosures for battery chargers and power converters, including split housings that keep pneumatic and electronic sides apart. Threads print straight from the model, so fittings need no tapping or inserts, and each fitting order shipped in 3 to 4 business days.

  • Charger and converter enclosures
  • Split pneumatic housings
  • Printed-thread fittings
Read the threaded fittings case study
SLS nylon assembly nest holding a stator on a production line

Industrial Equipment

Jigs, Fixtures & Wear Parts

Production lines use Nylon PA12 for jigs, fixtures, drill guides and tray inserts. Its low friction and very good abrasion resistance, at 34 mg per 2,000 Taber cycles, suit sliding and handling parts, and it resists fuel oil, silicone oil and acetone.

  • Jigs and fixtures
  • Low-friction bearing housings
  • Conveyor and pump parts
Explore industrial design
Performance data

Technical performance for Nylon PA12

Values from the EOS PA 2200 datasheet, tested to the standard listed with each property.

Mechanical performance

Mechanical properties

Nylon PA12 delivers dependable strength and impact resistance, giving teams a proven SLS baseline for production-ready aerospace, automotive and industrial applications. Its balanced mechanical profile handles demanding load conditions without turning brittle in critical parts.

It holds its dimensions over time and keeps its integrity under repeated stress and changing temperatures, which suits aircraft ducting and brackets, automotive fuel lines and air ducts, and medical prosthetics and surgical guides that need precise geometry and tight tolerances.

PropertyValue
Tensile Strength (X / Y / Z)ISO 527-1/-2
50 MPa
Tensile Modulus (X / Y / Z)ISO 527-1/-2
1700 MPa
Elongation at Break (X / Y)ISO 527-1/-2
20 %
Elongation at Break (Z)ISO 527-1/-2
10 %
Flexural ModulusISO 178
1500 MPa
Flexural StrengthEN ISO 178
58 MPa
Charpy Impact Strength, UnnotchedISO 179/1eU
53 kJ/m²
Charpy Impact Strength, NotchedISO 179/1eA
4.8 kJ/m²
Izod Impact Strength, NotchedISO 180/1A
4.4 kJ/m²

Material makeup

Physical properties

Consistent density and surface quality keep critical features in tolerance and downstream finishing predictable. Low density makes parts lightweight yet durable, and low moisture absorption keeps them dimensionally stable in varying environmental conditions.

Minimal warpage holds tight tolerances throughout the part lifecycle, so parts meet specifications straight from the build platform and assemblies fit and finish without secondary rework.

PropertyValue
Part DensityISO 1183
0.93 g/cm³
Shore Hardness DISO 7619-1
75
Water Absorption (23 °C, 50% RH)DIN 53495
0.52 %
Water Absorption (23 °C, 96% RH)DIN 53495
1.33 %

Heat performance

Thermal properties

Nylon PA12 maintains dimensional accuracy and mechanical properties through temperature swings and repeated thermal cycling, which suits aerospace and automotive programs, from under-hood automotive components to industrial equipment exposed to heat sources.

PropertyValue
Melting PointISO 11357-1/-3
176 °C
HDT @ 0.45 MPa (X / Z)ISO 75-1/-2
157 / 145 °C
HDT @ 1.8 MPa (X / Z)ISO 75-1/-2
64 / 57 °C
Vicat Softening Temperature, 50 NISO 306
163 °C
Thermal ConductivityDIN 52616
0.13–0.14 W/m·K
Coefficient of Linear ExpansionDIN 53752-A
109 ×10⁻⁶/K

Functional performance

Electrical properties

Controlled resistivity and dielectric strength suit electrical housings, connectors, insulating features and functional prototypes, and give enclosures in integrated electrical systems dependable insulation.

The dissipation factor helps evaluate dielectric losses in signal-sensitive or high-frequency use cases. EOS publishes these values for PA12 at 23 °C and 50% relative humidity.

PropertyValue
Volume ResistanceDIN 53482
10¹³–10¹⁵ Ω·cm
Surface ResistanceDIN 53482
10¹³ Ω
Relative PermittivityDIN 53483
3.8
Dielectric StrengthDIN 53481
92 kV/mm
Dielectric Dissipation FactorDIN 53483
0.05–0.09
Comparative Tracking IndexIEC 60112
≥ 600

Compatibility data

Chemical properties

EOS tested PA12 for six months at 20 °C and four weeks at 60 °C. It resists petrol, fuel oil, brake fluid, glycol antifreeze, acetone, sea water and strong alkalis, while strong mineral acids attack it.

Chemical ratings are screening guidance; confirm them with application-specific testing before production release.

Chemical20 °C, 6 months60 °C, 4 weeks
Petrol (gasoline)
20 °C, 6 monthsResistant
60 °C, 4 weeksResistant
Fuel oil
20 °C, 6 monthsResistant
60 °C, 4 weeksResistant
Brake fluid
20 °C, 6 monthsResistant
60 °C, 4 weeksResistant
Glycol antifreeze
20 °C, 6 monthsResistant
60 °C, 4 weeksResistant
Silicone oil
20 °C, 6 monthsResistant
60 °C, 4 weeksResistant
Paraffin
20 °C, 6 monthsResistant
60 °C, 4 weeksResistant
Acetone
20 °C, 6 monthsResistant
60 °C, 4 weeksResistant
Sea water
20 °C, 6 monthsResistant
60 °C, 4 weeksResistant
Sodium hydroxide 50%
20 °C, 6 monthsResistant
60 °C, 4 weeksResistant
Ethanol 100%
20 °C, 6 monthsResistant
60 °C, 4 weeksPractically resistant
Methanol
20 °C, 6 monthsResistant
60 °C, 4 weeksPractically resistant
Xylene
20 °C, 6 monthsResistant
60 °C, 4 weeksConditionally resistant
Toluene
20 °C, 6 monthsResistant
60 °C, 4 weeksLittle resistant
Acetic acid 10%
20 °C, 6 monthsResistant
60 °C, 4 weeksLittle resistant
Hydrogen peroxide 30%
20 °C, 6 monthsResistant
60 °C, 4 weeksNot tested
Sulfuric acid 10%
20 °C, 6 monthsPractically resistant
60 °C, 4 weeksLittle resistant
Sodium hypochlorite 5%
20 °C, 6 monthsPractically resistant
60 °C, 4 weeksLittle resistant
Battery acid
20 °C, 6 monthsLittle resistant
60 °C, 4 weeksNot resistant
Hydrochloric acid 10%
20 °C, 6 monthsNot resistant
60 °C, 4 weeksNot resistant
Nitric acid 10%
20 °C, 6 monthsNot resistant
60 °C, 4 weeksNot resistant

Medical readiness

Biocompatibility and compliance profile

Each status comes from EOS test reports and declarations for PA 2200, so teams can start biocompatibility and food-contact reviews from supplier data.

PA 2200 is a food-contact-grade powder under EU 10/2011, with printed test parts meeting migration limits for all foods except alcoholic foods up to hot fill, and under FDA 21 CFR 177.1500 for non-alcoholic foods. Food-contact status covers natural, undyed parts and is confirmed for the finished part's intended use. RoHS-restricted substances are not used in PA 2200, and it is rated UL 94 HB, not flame retardant.

StandardStatus
ISO 10993-5 (Cytotoxicity)No leachables released in cytotoxic concentrations
EOS tested
ISO 10993-10 (Irritation and sensitization)No signs of irritation; no sensitizing properties
EOS tested
EU 10/2011 (Food contact)Raw materials approved under EU 10/2011; printed test parts met migration limits for all foods except alcoholic foods, up to hot fill
EOS declaration
FDA 21 CFR 177.1500Polymer composition complies for non-alcoholic foods, within the regulation’s restrictions
EOS declaration
RoHS Directive 2011/65/EURestricted substances not intentionally used
EOS declaration
UL 94 flammabilityNot flame retardant; PA 2241 FR is EOS’s FAR 25.853 grade
HB
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Resources

Datasheets and design resources

Datasheets, design guidance and supplier documentation for Nylon PA12.

Download center

Access the most recent datasheet and supporting documentation maintained by our engineering team.

EOS PA 2200 datasheet

Design guidelines

Explore printable geometry recommendations, wall thickness tips, and finishing playbooks for SLS.

View SLS design guide

Supplier compliance documents

Supplier declarations and test statements for this material.

Nylon PA12 parts broken out of the SLS powder cake
Advanced Manufacturing

Built with Precision SLS Technology

Nylon PA12 is manufactured using industrial-grade SLS technology, ensuring exceptional mechanical properties and dimensional accuracy for demanding applications. Multi-laser print cells fuse the powder into dense, repeatable components and keep production scalable from a single prototype to full production batches.

Tolerance
±0.3% (min ±0.3 mm)
Production capacity
Multiple parts and assemblies nested in each build
Quality control
In-process monitoring and batch traceability for consistent part quality and material properties
Colours & finishes
Natural white, or dyed in-house in black, charcoal, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple or magenta; bead blasting, food-contact vapour finishing, painting and threading
Learn more about SLS technology
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about Nylon PA12

Can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our customer support team.

EOS PA 2200 reaches 50 MPa tensile strength in every build direction, with 20% elongation at break in X/Y, so parts combine stiffness with toughness. It resists fuels, oils and many solvents, absorbs only 0.52% moisture at 23 °C and 50% relative humidity, and insulates electrically, which makes it a dependable choice for functional parts in aerospace, automotive and industrial use.
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Manufacturing technologies
6
Engineering materials
50+
Part quantities
1-500+