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

Nylon PA12(SLS)Engineering-Grade Thermoplastic for Production Parts

Nylon 12 is a high-performance polyamide widely used in additive manufacturing for its excellent tensile strength, impact resistance, and stiffness, making it ideal for functional prototypes and end-use parts. Known for its exceptional chemical resistance and high-temperature stability, it is a preferred material in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods.

Grade Selector
Tensile Strength
48 MPa
Flexural Modulus
1700 MPa
HDT
162 °C
Technology
SLS
Start a QuoteTechnical Data
SLS material

Nylon PA12 overview

Nylon PA12 is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic known for its strength, durability, and dimensional stability. It offers low moisture absorption, excellent fatigue resistance, and reliable mechanical performance across demanding environments. These properties make PA12 well suited for functional prototypes, end-use components, and production parts with complex geometries. Its chemical resistance to fuels, oils, and solvents also makes it widely used in automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications.

Nylon PA12 SLS cube sample showing selective laser sintered material properties
Why manufacture with Nylon PA12

PA12 is one of the most widely used materials in industrial additive manufacturing due to its balanced mechanical properties and reliable production performance. It combines stiffness with controlled flexibility, enabling features such as snap-fits, living hinges, and durable enclosures. Engineers often use PA12 to consolidate multi-part assemblies into single printed components, reducing weight, cost, and assembly complexity. Its consistent material behavior also makes it suitable for both prototyping and scaled production.

SLS Production Technology

Nylon PA12 is typically manufactured using Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), a powder-bed process that produces strong parts without support structures or tooling. The process enables complex internal features and consistent dimensional accuracy across production batches. PA12 parts offer approximately 48 MPa tensile strength, excellent fatigue resistance, and stable mechanical performance over repeated use. Combined with SLS manufacturing, PA12 provides a scalable solution for durable, functional components across industrial applications.

Build Volume

340 × 340 × 600 mm

Lead Time

2-4 business days

Layer Height

0.1 mm

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Applications & field work

Where Nylon PA12 excels

Nylon PA12 through SLS printing delivers unmatched design freedom for complex geometries without support structures. Its powder bed fusion process enables consolidated assemblies, reducing part count by up to 70% while maintaining mechanical integrity comparable to injection molding.

The material's unique combination of chemical resistance, biocompatibility certifications, and fatigue performance makes it the go-to choice for regulated industries. With moisture absorption below 2% and dimensional stability across temperature cycles, PA12 ensures predictable performance in demanding field conditions.

Production economics favor PA12 for batch manufacturing, with powder refresh rates enabling 50% material reuse and nest-optimized builds achieving cost parity with traditional manufacturing at volumes up to 10,000 units annually.

Mechanical

Tensile Strength: 48 MPa

ISO 527 tensile testing
Thermal

Glass Transition Temperature: 47 °C

ISO 75 heat deflection validation
Physical

Density: 1.01 g/cm³

Electrical

Volume Resistance: 10¹³ – 10¹⁵ Ω·cm

IEC 60093 volume resistivity
Burton snowboard binding
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Industry applications for Nylon PA12

From aerospace ducting to biocompatible medical devices, PA12 serves mission-critical applications across regulated industries. Select an industry below to explore specific applications.

Nylon PA12 meets stringent aerospace requirements with its high strength-to-weight ratio and FAR 25.853 flame retardancy compliance. SLS processing eliminates support structures, enabling complex internal geometries for weight-optimized ducting and brackets.

Key Applications

  • UAV components with 40% weight reduction
  • Environmental control system ducting
  • Cable management systems
  • Vibration dampening mounts

Performance Data

Fatigue resistance up to 10^7 cycles at 22 MPa ensures reliability in cyclic loading conditions typical of flight operations.

Explore aerospace

With excellent resistance to automotive fluids and operating temperatures up to 162 deg C (HDT @ 0.45 MPa), PA12 excels in under-hood applications. Its chemical compatibility with gasoline, diesel, and hydraulic fluids makes it ideal for fluid handling systems.

Key Applications

  • Fuel-resistant intake manifolds
  • Oil-compatible pump housings
  • Heat-resistant air ducts
  • Snap-fit interior assemblies

Performance Data

Maintains dimensional stability after 1000+ hours exposure to motor oil at 120 deg C, with less than 0.5% dimensional change.

Explore automotive engineering

USP Class VI and ISO 10993 certified PA12 enables patient-contact applications. Steam sterilization compatibility (121 deg C autoclave) and biocompatibility testing ensure safety for surgical guides and prosthetic devices.

Key Applications

  • Patient-specific surgical guides
  • Custom prosthetic sockets
  • Sterilizable instrument housings
  • Biocompatible fluid connectors

Performance Data

Passes cytotoxicity (ISO 10993-5) and skin sensitization (ISO 10993-10) testing, suitable for prolonged skin contact up to 30 days.

Explore medical & healthcare

PA12's wear resistance and self-lubricating properties reduce maintenance in industrial applications. Chemical resistance to oils, greases, and industrial solvents ensures longevity in harsh manufacturing environments.

Key Applications

  • Self-lubricating bearing housings
  • Chemical-resistant pump impellers
  • High-wear conveyor components
  • Precision jigs and fixtures

Performance Data

Coefficient of friction (0.3-0.4) enables sliding applications without additional lubrication, reducing maintenance intervals by 60%.

Explore industrial equipment

Nylon PA12 production examples

Burton snowboard binding

Burton snowboard binding

Functional Prototyping

Automotive component

Automotive component

Automotive Systems

Custom fit VR headset cushion

Custom fit VR headset cushion

Mass Customization

Performance Dashboard

Technical performance for EOS PA 2200

EOS PA 2200 delivers dependable strength and impact resistance for Aircraft ducting and brackets and Automotive fuel lines and air ducts, with EOS-backed performance data including 48 MPa tensile strength, 15% elongation at break, and 28 kJ/m² Charpy impact strength, giving teams a proven SLS baseline for production-ready aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications.

Mechanical Properties

Tensile Strength

48 MPa

Tested to ISO 527

Nylon PA12 records Tensile Strength at 48 MPa, reinforcing its mechanical properties story.

Mechanical Properties

Flexural Strength

69 MPa

Tested to ISO 178

Nylon PA12 records Flexural Strength at 69 MPa, reinforcing its mechanical properties story.

Mechanical Properties

Flexural Modulus

1700 MPa

Tested to ISO 178

Nylon PA12 records Flexural Modulus at 1700 MPa, reinforcing its mechanical properties story.

EOS PA 2200 combines Proven material with extensive industry usage and Cost-effective for most applications to support Aircraft ducting and brackets and Automotive fuel lines and air ducts that demand production-ready durability.

Measurement
Nylon PA12Base
Standard
Tensile Strength48 MPaISO 527
Flexural Strength69 MPaISO 178
Flexural Modulus1700 MPaISO 178
Elongation at Break15 %ISO 527
Impact Strength (Charpy)28 kJ/m²ISO 179
Fatigue Strength (10⁷ cycles)22 MPaISO 13003
Mechanical Performance

Mechanical Properties

EOS PA 2200 delivers dependable strength and impact resistance for Aircraft ducting and brackets and Automotive fuel lines and air ducts, with EOS-backed performance data including 48 MPa tensile strength, 15% elongation at break, and 28 kJ/m² Charpy impact strength, giving teams a proven SLS baseline for production-ready aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications.

EOS PA 2200 delivers exceptional mechanical performance with excellent strength characteristics, effectively handling demanding load conditions. Its balanced mechanical profile allows it to maintain structural integrity while preventing brittleness in critical applications.

These qualities make it well-suited for Aircraft ducting and brackets, Automotive fuel lines and air ducts, and Medical prosthetics and surgical guides, providing long-term durability in demanding environments. EOS PA 2200 maintains dimensional stability over time, ensuring consistent performance across temperature and stress variations.

This makes it a reliable choice for applications requiring precise geometries and tight tolerances across Aerospace, Automotive, and Healthcare. Its versatility and durability allow it to perform consistently across a wide range of mechanical applications, ensuring parts maintain their integrity under repetitive stress and environmental conditions.

EOS PA 2200 combines Proven material with extensive industry usage and Cost-effective for most applications to support Aircraft ducting and brackets and Automotive fuel lines and air ducts that demand production-ready durability.

Material Makeup

Physical Properties

EOS PA 2200 offers consistent density and surface quality so critical features hold tolerances and downstream finishing remains predictable.

EOS PA 2200 exhibits a density of 1.01 g/cm³ that contributes to lightweight yet durable parts. With moisture absorption of 1.5 %, ensures dimensional stability in varying environmental conditions.

These physical properties enable consistent part quality and predictable performance across Aircraft ducting and brackets, Automotive fuel lines and air ducts, and Medical prosthetics and surgical guides. The material's inherent characteristics minimize warpage and maintain tight tolerances throughout the part lifecycle.

For Aerospace, Automotive, and Healthcare, these physical attributes translate to reliable production outcomes with minimal post-processing requirements, ensuring parts meet specifications straight from the build platform.

EOS PA 2200 delivers 1.01 g/cm³ density so assemblies fit and finish without secondary rework.

Heat Performance

Thermal Properties

EOS PA 2200 maintains dimensional stability through temperature swings, making it a reliable option for Aerospace and Automotive programs that see repeated thermal cycling.

EOS PA 2200 demonstrates excellent thermal stability with robust heat resistance, enabling it to maintain dimensional accuracy in elevated temperature environments. This thermal performance ensures parts retain their shape and mechanical properties even under thermal stress.

The material's thermal characteristics make it ideal for Aircraft ducting and brackets, Automotive fuel lines and air ducts, and Medical prosthetics and surgical guides that experience temperature fluctuations. Its ability to withstand thermal cycling without degradation ensures long-term reliability in Aerospace, Automotive, and Healthcare.

With broad temperature tolerance, EOS PA 2200 provides engineers with confidence when designing parts for thermally demanding applications, from under-hood automotive components to industrial equipment exposed to heat sources.

EOS PA 2200 maintains geometry with a Glass Transition Temperature of 47 °C, protecting dimensional integrity during heat cycling.

Functional Performance

Electrical Properties

EOS PA 2200 offers controlled resistivity and dielectric performance for electrical housings, connectors, and functional prototypes.

EOS PA 2200 is designed for electrical housings and insulating features that require controlled electrical behavior. Its stable resistivity profile and dielectric strength of 92 kV/mm support reliable performance in electrical assemblies.

A dissipation factor of 0.05 – 0.09 helps evaluate dielectric losses in signal-sensitive or high-frequency use cases. These electrical characteristics support Aircraft ducting and brackets, Automotive fuel lines and air ducts, and Medical prosthetics and surgical guides where consistent insulation and repeatable part behavior are critical.

For Aerospace, Automotive, and Healthcare, EOS PA 2200 delivers dependable electrical performance for both functional prototypes and production parts used in integrated electrical systems.

EOS PA 2200 posts 10¹³ – 10¹⁵ Ω·cm Volume Resistance, giving enclosures dependable insulating performance.

Compatibility Data

Chemical Properties

EOS PA 2200 offers tested chemical resistance across acids, bases, solvents, and hydrocarbons to ensure reliable performance in harsh environments.

EOS PA 2200 includes compatibility results for 12 chemical conditions, with 3 rated excellent and 7 rated good.

The profile supports use in Aircraft ducting and brackets, Automotive fuel lines and air ducts, and Medical prosthetics and surgical guides when fluid exposure stays within the rated compatible categories and concentrations.

The dataset spans acids, bases, solvents, and hydrocarbons so teams can map likely pass/fail behavior early for Aircraft ducting and brackets, Automotive fuel lines and air ducts, and Medical prosthetics and surgical guides and avoid unsuitable fluid-contact conditions.

For Aerospace, Automotive, and Healthcare, chemical ratings should be treated as screening guidance and confirmed with application-specific testing before production release.

EOS PA 2200 has 12 documented chemical exposures with 10 rated good or excellent for fluid-contact design screening.

Medical Readiness

Biocompatibility and compliance profile

Nylon PA12 meets key medical standards so teams can accelerate regulatory reviews and develop parts with short-term contact requirements.

Compliance standards

Download certificates to include with quality documentation or share with your QA team.

StandardCertifiedNotes
ISO 10993-1 (Biocompatibility)CertifiedBiological evaluation for medical devices - cytotoxicity testing
ISO 10993-5 (Cytotoxicity)CertifiedTests for in vitro cytotoxicity
ISO 10993-10 (Irritation)CertifiedTests for irritation and skin sensitization
USP Class VICertifiedUnited States Pharmacopeia biological reactivity testing
EU 10/2011 (Food Contact)CertifiedApproved for dry food contact applications
FDA 21 CFR 177.1500CertifiedFDA approved for food contact surfaces
RoHS Directive 2011/65/EUCertifiedRestriction of hazardous substances compliance

Medical-ready programs

Common applications our medical customers pursue with Nylon PA12.

  • Medical prosthetics and surgical guides
Resources

Datasheets and design resources

Equip your team with certification packs, design guides, and spec sheets tailored to Nylon PA12.

Download center

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

Resources

EOS PA 2200 DatasheetMechanical Properties Overview

Design guidelines

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

View SLS design guide

Compliance certificates

Keep your quality packet current with pre-approved certifications.

ISO 10993-1 (Biocompatibility)Certified
ISO 10993-5 (Cytotoxicity)Certified
ISO 10993-10 (Irritation)Certified
Biocompatibility certificate Food suitability certificate RoHS / REACH compliance

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Advanced Manufacturing

Built with Precision SLS Technology

Nylon PA12 is manufactured using industrial-grade Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technology, ensuring exceptional mechanical properties and dimensional accuracy for demanding applications.

SLS Manufacturing Lab

Industrial-grade SLS technology fuses Nylon PA12 powder into dense, repeatable components. 80%+ powder reusability and multi-laser print cells keep production scalable while maintaining isotropic mechanical performance.

Process Parameters

Layer Height
0.06 - 0.15 mm
Tolerance
±0.3% (min ±0.3 mm)
Powder Refresh
50% typical
Build Density
98-99%
  • Build Volume: 340 × 340 × 600 mm. Large production capacity enables efficient manufacturing of multiple parts or assemblies.
  • Support-Free Manufacturing. Self-supporting powder bed process enables complex internal geometries and overhangs.
  • Quality Control. In-process monitoring and batch traceability ensure consistent part quality and material properties.

Finishing Options

Bead blastingDeep color dyeingVapor polishingPaintingThreading
Learn more about SLS Technology
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about Nylon PA12

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Nylon PA12 is known for its no support structures required in sls printing, excellent chemical resistance to fuels, oils, and solvents, high impact strength and fatigue resistance, making it suitable for aerospace and automotive applications.
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