PA12 Nylon 3D printing for strong, functional parts
PA12, also known as Nylon 12, is the engineering material behind most of the parts we make. Our PA12 Nylon 3D printing uses SLS to produce strong, durable, lightweight parts suited to functional prototypes and end-use production alike.
- Printed in-house on multiple Formlabs Fuse SLS machines
- From a single prototype to production batches
- Optional vapour smoothing and dyeing
Need finer detail or a smoother finish? See our SLA 3D printing service.
Benefits
Why choose PA12 Nylon?
A genuine engineering material, not a prototype-only plastic.
Strong and tough
Excellent tensile strength and impact resistance. Parts take real loads, handling and knocks without cracking.
Lightweight
An excellent strength-to-weight ratio for drones, robotics and motorsport.
Chemical resistance
Resists oils, greases, fuels and many solvents, suiting automotive, industrial and fluid-handling parts.
Dimensional stability
Absorbs very little moisture, so parts keep their size and properties as conditions change.
Fine detail and thin walls
Thin walls, moving parts, living hinges and snap fits, produced with good accuracy.
No supports needed
The surrounding powder supports each part, so internal channels and interlocking parts print without compromise.
Material properties
PA12 properties and finish
SLS PA12 parts have consistent strength in most directions, however they were oriented in the build. That's a key advantage over FDM.
- High tensile strength and stiffness for a thermoplastic
- Good elongation at break, so parts flex before failing
- Heat deflection suited to most indoor and many under-bonnet uses
- Low moisture absorption
Parts come out a neutral grey with a slightly textured matte finish that's good for grip. For a smoother, sealed surface we offer vapour smoothing, and parts can be dyed. Ask us for the PA12 datasheet for full mechanical and thermal values.
Applications
Common applications for Nylon 12 parts
Drone and UAV components
Airframes, motor mounts, landing gear and brackets. See our SLS drone parts page.
Functional prototypes
Prototypes you can test properly, not just look at. See our rapid prototyping service.
End-use production parts
Housings, enclosures, clips and mechanisms in low volume batches.
Jigs and fixtures
Durable manufacturing aids for assembly and inspection.
Automotive and motorsport
Ducting, brackets, trim and fluid-resistant components.
Replacement parts
Durable replacements for broken or obsolete parts, often via our reverse engineering service.
PA12 vs other 3D printing materials
Not sure which suits your project? Tell us how the part will be used and we'll recommend the right material.
vs FDM plastics
Stronger in all directions, more detailed and more consistent than PLA or PETG, so far better for functional parts.
vs SLA resins
Tougher and more durable over time, while SLA gives finer detail and smoother surfaces for visual models.
Designing for PA12
Keep sensible wall thicknesses, leave clearance for moving parts and add powder escape holes. Our CAD design service can help.
Start your project
Get a quote for PA12 Nylon parts
Send us your CAD files and the quantities you need. Not sure PA12 is right? Tell us how the part will be used and we'll advise.
What happens next
- We review your files and requirements.
- We advise on material, finish and colour.
- You get a clear quote and an honest lead time.
Printed in Arlingham, Gloucestershire, and delivered across the UK.
Tell us about your parts
Fill in the form and attach your files. We'll get back to you with advice and a quote.