Semi-Crystalline Polyamide

Nylon PA12 (Polyamide 12) for SLS / MJF

PA12 is the workhorse powder for SLS and HP Multi Jet Fusion. Parts are strong, durable, and chemically resistant, and the powder bed supports itself, so complex geometry and nested batches can be built without support structures. Request a quote or browse all materials.

Typical Properties

Nylon PA12 at a glance

Property	Typical value
Part density	~1.01 g/cm³
Tensile strength (XY)	~48 MPa
Tensile modulus (XY)	~1,700–1,800 MPa
Elongation at break (XY)	~15–20%
Heat deflection (0.45 MPa)	~175 °C
Heat deflection (1.8 MPa)	~95 °C
Melting point	~178–187 °C
Moisture absorption	Low for a polyamide

Typical published values for MJF/SLS PA12 printed in XY; Z-direction elongation is lower. Values vary by machine, powder refresh rate, and orientation. These are typical reference values from standard published data, not guaranteed minimums. Request material certificates in your RFQ if properties must be verified.

Advantages

Why engineers choose Nylon PA12

Design freedom

No support structures, enabling lattices, internal channels, and consolidated assemblies.

Durability

Good fatigue and impact behavior for functional parts.

Chemical resistance

Resists oils, greases, fuels, and many solvents.

Batch production

Nesting makes small to medium production runs economical.

Design considerations: Grainy as-printed surface (dyeing, tumbling, or vapor smoothing helps); natural gray or white color varies; thick or flat parts can warp; tolerances looser than machining.

Applications