SLS TechnologyPolymer

Nylon PA12Engineering-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

Standard PA12 powder for general-purpose SLS applications with excellent mechanical properties and surface finish.

Tensile Strength
48 MPa
Flexural Modulus
1700 MPa
Temperature Resistance
162 °C
Technology
SLS
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Nylon PA12 3D printed part example
Support-Free Printing
Complex Geometries
SLS material

Nylon PA12 overview

Nylon PA12 is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic that delivers exceptional mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and dimensional stability. With low moisture absorption and excellent fatigue resistance, it's ideal for both functional prototyping and end-use production parts. Its biocompatibility (ISO 10993-1, USP Class VI) makes it suitable for medical applications, while its chemical resistance to fuels, oils, and solvents makes it perfect for automotive and aerospace components.

Why manufacture with Nylon PA12

Nylon PA12 combines proven material with extensive industry usage and cost-effective for most applications, delivering consistent quality and availability for demanding applications. From rapid prototyping to production runs, teams rely on Nylon PA12 to maintain tight tolerances while reducing assembly complexity through consolidated part designs. The material's balanced mechanical properties—combining stiffness with controlled flexibility—enable snap-fit assemblies and living hinges that survive thousands of cycles. With Forge Labs' EOS systems achieving consistent powder refresh rates and thermal control, every PA12 build delivers the same reliable performance whether it's your first prototype or thousandth production part.

SLS Production Technology

Nylon PA12 leverages SLS technology to deliver unmatched production flexibility with zero tooling costs and support-free builds. The EOS laser sintering process achieves exceptional dimensional accuracy (±0.3%) while PA12's low moisture absorption (1.5%) ensures consistent mechanical properties across production runs. With a 48 MPa tensile strength and excellent fatigue resistance, PA12 parts maintain performance through millions of cycles. The material's biocompatibility (ISO 10993) and chemical resistance to fuels, oils, and solvents make it ideal for medical devices and automotive fluid handling systems requiring both reliability and regulatory compliance.

Build Volume

340 × 340 × 600 mm

Max part size

Lead Time

2-4 business days

Fast turnaround available

Layer Height

0.06 - 0.15 mm

Resolution

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Manufactured in Forge Labs' North American production centers with serialized traceability for Nylon PA12.

Nylon PA12 SLS cube sample showing selective laser sintered material properties
Technical resources

Jump to data & downloads

Navigate directly to the property tables and grab the latest datasheet for your build review.

Technical datasheet

Detailed specs for Nylon PA12 / EOS PA 2200.

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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
Forge Labs Steam Platform

Manufacturing intelligence for Nylon PA12

Every SLS build stays in sync inside Steam. Real-time DFM catches issues before production, instant quoting keeps timelines predictable.

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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 & defense

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, helping teams move from prototype to production with confidence.

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, helping teams move from prototype to production with confidence.

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.

Key metric

Tensile Strength

48 MPa

Tested to ISO 527

Key metric

Flexural Strength

69 MPa

Tested to ISO 178

Key metric

Flexural Modulus

1700 MPa

Tested to ISO 178

Dive into the data

Detailed mechanical measurements live in the performance dashboard above. Switch tabs to compare against other materials instantly.

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.

Key metric

Density

1.01 g/cm³

Tested to ISO 1183

Key metric

Shore Hardness D

75

Tested to ISO 868

Key metric

Water Absorption (24h)

1.5 %

Tested to ISO 62

Dive into the data

Detailed physical properties measurements live in the performance dashboard above. Switch tabs to compare against other materials instantly.

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.

Key metric

Glass Transition Temperature

47 °C

Tested to ISO 11357

Key metric

Melting Point

178 °C

Tested to ISO 11357

Key metric

HDT @ 0.45 MPa

162 °C

Tested to ISO 75

Dive into the data

Detailed thermal properties measurements live in the performance dashboard above. Switch tabs to compare against other materials instantly.

Functional Performance

Electrical Properties

EOS PA 2200 provides predictable electrical behavior for housings and functional prototypes that need controlled resistivity and dielectric strength.

EOS PA 2200 provides predictable electrical properties, making it suitable for electrical housings and insulators. Its dielectric strength of 92 kV/mm ensure reliable performance in electrical assemblies.

These electrical characteristics enable its use in Aircraft ducting and brackets, Automotive fuel lines and air ducts, and Medical prosthetics and surgical guides where electrical performance is critical. The material maintains consistent electrical properties across its operating temperature range, ensuring stable performance in varying conditions.

For Aerospace, Automotive, and Healthcare requiring precise electrical behavior, EOS PA 2200 delivers the consistency and reliability needed for functional prototypes and production parts that interact with electrical systems.

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

Key metric

Volume Resistance

10¹³ – 10¹⁵ Ω·cm

Tested to IEC 60093

Key metric

Surface Resistance

10¹³ Ω

Tested to IEC 60093

Key metric

Relative Permittivity (1 kHz)

3.8

Tested to IEC 60250

Dive into the data

Detailed electrical properties measurements live in the performance dashboard above. Switch tabs to compare against other materials instantly.

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 demonstrates broad chemical resistance with testing against 12 different chemicals, showing excellent compatibility with 3 substances and good compatibility with 7 others. This extensive chemical resistance profile makes it suitable for harsh industrial environments.

The material's resistance to acids, bases, solvents, and hydrocarbons enables its use in Aircraft ducting and brackets, Automotive fuel lines and air ducts, and Medical prosthetics and surgical guides that require exposure to aggressive chemicals. Its chemical inertness ensures parts maintain their mechanical properties even after prolonged chemical exposure.

For Aerospace, Automotive, and Healthcare, this chemical stability translates to longer service life and reduced maintenance requirements, making EOS PA 2200 a cost-effective choice for chemically demanding applications.

EOS PA 2200 has been tested against 12 chemicals with 3 showing excellent compatibility for demanding chemical environments.

Key metric

Motor Oil

Excellent

Type: Hydrocarbon

Key metric

Hydraulic Fluid

Excellent

Type: Hydrocarbon

Key metric

Sea Water

Excellent

Type: Salt Solution

Dive into the data

Detailed chemical properties measurements live in the performance dashboard above. Switch tabs to compare against other materials instantly.

Chemical Resistance

Chemical compatibility for EOS PA 2200

Evaluate how Nylon PA12 responds to common chemicals before you commit to production tooling. Filter the grid to focus on acids, bases, solvents, or hydrocarbons.

12 of 12 chemicals shown

ChemicalTypeCompatibility
Acetic Acid (10%)AcidModerate
Phosphoric Acid (10%)AcidModerate
Sodium Hydroxide (10%)BaseGood to Excellent
EthanolSolventGood
Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)SolventGood
Motor OilHydrocarbonExcellent
GasolineHydrocarbonGood to Excellent
Hydraulic FluidHydrocarbonExcellent
Diesel FuelHydrocarbonGood to Excellent
Ammonia (10%)BaseGood
Hydrogen Peroxide (3%)OxidizerGood
Sea WaterSalt SolutionExcellent
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

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

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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