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3D printing with PA12

Nylon or polyamide (PA) is a well-known material in the field of engineering and one of the most demanded nowadays for 3D printing. It is a highly versatile thermoplastic polymer that is very tough while maintaining high impact, chemical and thermal resistance. Polyamide 12 (PA12) contains twelve carbon atoms in its monomeric structure, unlike PA6 or PA11. Although their properties are similar, PA12 has the lowest moisture uptake giving better long-term results (less cracking). 3D printing with PA12 is used to replace functional injection molded parts, with very good chemical and thermal resistance.

3D printing process with PA12

The main feature of 3D printing with PA12 using SLS technology is that it does not require supports to support cantilevers. This is achieved by placing the construction platform at a high temperature so that the sintered powder itself has sufficient consistency. The layer height used to print PA12 is 100 microns.

Technical specifications of PA12

Color

Grey
Black

Characteristics

Tensile strength > 50MPa 01.
Elongation at break at x/y 11% and at z 6% 02.
Izod resilience of 32 J/m 03.

Advantages

Wide temperature range
Possibility of black staining
Low water absorption
Biocompatibility
Obtaining parts without construction supports

Technical data sheet

PRODUCT SPECIFICATION

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3D PRINTING of parts in PA12

PA12 printed parts have the ability to withstand small degree of impact and pressure while bending. In addition, combined with the design freedom of 3D printing, Nylon printed parts can adapt their flexibility according to the wall thickness applied in the design. The aesthetic finish of the printed parts can be modified by dyeing or vapor smoothing.

The process step by step

3D File

Send us your 3D file ready to print.
If you do not have the file, send us the item and we will create the CAD file.
If you need a design from scratch, our designers will gladly prepare a quote for you.

3D Printing

We will create the process file adapted to the technology and materials that will be used to produce your item.
We prepare and condition the printer to guarantee optimum quality.

Cleaning and post processing

This step is key when meeting your requirements, and it is one that we are highly specialised in.
The removal of the printing support structures, heat treatments, and surface finishes (blasting, polishing, tooling) are some of the most common post processes.

Discover the technology used in the process

Applications of 3D printed PA12

The low absorption of water and moisture allows for biocompatibility in this material, which we can often see in medical applications or in connecting elements such as gears or hinges.

Applications

Industrial tooling

Electrical enclosures

Orthopedics and medical devices

Consumer products

Functional prototypes for automotive

Printing machinery

Used with PA12

Selective laser sintering (SLS) Formlabs FUSE 1+ 30W

The FUSE 1 + 30W enables waste-free printing thanks to its optimized compaction density and powder recyclability, which makes possible a lower cost per part. Its powerful 30 W laser produces high precision pieces in short time.

Workload

The construction volume is 165 x 165 x 300 mm

Quality

Its carefully calibrated settings and its high compatibility with the most demanded SLS powders allow the production of high performance parts.