PA12
ASTM D4066 PA12 · GB HP PA12, GB/T 20933 PA12 · ISO 1874-1 PA12 · also Grilamid, Vestamid
PA12 is polylaurolactam (nylon 12) supplied as a laser-sinterable / jet-fusable powder and used for SLS and HP Multi Jet Fusion parts; it is the workhorse powder-bed polymer because it fuses cleanly, needs no support, and gives near-isotropic, tough, chemically resistant parts with ~48 MPa tensile strength.
PA12 grades and fills
PA12 is supplied in 27 conditions, soft to hard.
- HP PA 12 GB
- Farsoon FS3300PA-F
- Formlabs Nylon 12 GF
- Sinterit PA12 Smooth
- FR
- ESD
- Formlabs Nylon 12 Tough
- Evonik INFINAM PA 12 (VESTOSINT)
- Farsoon FS3401GB
- HP PA 12 S
- AL
- HP PA 12 FR
- Farsoon FS3300PA
- EOS PA 2210 FR
- Formlabs Nylon 12 White
- EOS Alumide
- HP PA 12
- EOS PA 2200
- EOS PA 2201
- EOS PA 2220 HighReuse
- EOS PA 2200 CarbonReduced
- ALM PA 640-GSL
- HP PA 12 W
- EOS PrimePart FR (PA 2241 FR)
- Formlabs Nylon 12
- EOS PA 3200 GF
- CF
Compare all 27 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HP 3D High Reusability PA 12 GB · MJF powder | A 40% glass-bead-filled PA 12 for stiff, dimensionally stable parts with fine detail and repeatability. | 29 | 10 | ||
SLS powder | 36 | 5 | |||
Formlabs Nylon 12 GF Powder · SLS powder | A glass-filled PA12 powder for rigid, dimensionally stable parts under sustained loading and elevated temperatures. | 38 | 4 | ||
SLS powder | 38 | 4.6 | 76 Shore D | ||
Flame-retardant PA12 | Use for aircraft interiors, rail and electrical enclosures where V-0 / FAR 25.853 burn compliance is mandatory; slightly lower toughness. | 40 | 44 | 6 | 78 Shore D |
Electrically conductive / static-dissipative PA12 | Choose for electronics handling trays, fixtures and fuel-system parts needing controlled surface resistivity (10⁶–10⁹ Ω). | 41 | 45 | 7 | 78 Shore D |
Formlabs Nylon 12 Tough Powder · SLS powder | A ductile PA12 powder for accurate, impact-resistant parts with reduced warpage and economical powder reuse. | 42 | 25 | ||
SLS powder | 43 | 49 | 311 | 75 Shore D | |
SLS powder | 44 | 9.3 | |||
HP 3D High Reusability PA 12 S (enabled by Arkema) · MJF powder | A high-reuse PA 12 grade for smooth surfaces, fine detail, and cost-efficient aesthetic production parts. | 45 | 12 | ||
Aluminium-filled PA12 | Metallic-look, stiff, easily tumbled/polished parts for tooling aids and design models; better heat conduction, low elongation. | 46 | 4 | 80 Shore D | |
HP 3D High Reusability PA 12 FR (enabled by Evonik) · MJF powder | A halogen-free flame-retardant PA 12 with a smooth finish for safety-critical housings and production components. | 46 | 4.7 | ||
SLS powder | 46 | 36 | |||
SLS powder | 46 | 4 | |||
Formlabs Nylon 12 White Powder · SLS powder | A white, dyeable PA12 powder for high-contrast prototypes, medical models, and customer-facing end-use parts. | 47 | 8 | ||
SLS powder | 48 | 4 | 76 Shore D | ||
HP 3D High Reusability PA 12 (enabled by Evonik) · MJF powder | HP's flagship MJF nylon balances strength, ductility, detail, and powder efficiency for functional production parts. | 48 | 20 | ||
SLS powder | 48 | 18 | 75 Shore D | ||
SLS powder | 48 | 15 | 75 Shore D | ||
SLS powder | 48 | 10 | |||
SLS powder | 48 | 18 | |||
SLS powder | 49 | 3 | |||
HP 3D High Reusability PA 12 W · MJF powder | A white engineering PA 12 for strong functional parts that can remain white or take vibrant color finishes. | 49 | 17 | ||
SLS powder | 49 | 15 | |||
Formlabs Nylon 12 Powder · SLS powder | A versatile, biocompatible PA12 powder for dimensionally accurate functional prototypes and durable end-use parts. | 50 | 11 | ||
SLS powder | 51 | 9 | 80 Shore D | ||
Carbon-fibre reinforced PA12 | Highest stiffness-to-weight powder-bed nylon — for lightweight brackets, drone and motorsport parts; strongly anisotropic and brittle. | 72 | 4 | 83 Shore D |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways PA12 is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. A reinforced fill changes stiffness and elongation; the branded products above carry the filled values.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
MJF | HP Multi Jet Fusion PA12 | Printing process |
SLS | Laser-sintered PA12 | Printing process |
GB | Glass-bead filled PA12 | Reinforcement |
MED | Medical / biocompatible PA12 grade | Certification |
UnfilledDefault | Natural/grey printed PA12 powder | Standard supply |
What is PA12?
PA12 is polylaurolactam (nylon 12) supplied as a laser-sinterable / jet-fusable powder and used for SLS and HP Multi Jet Fusion parts; it is the workhorse powder-bed polymer because it fuses cleanly, needs no support, and gives near-isotropic, tough, chemically resistant parts with ~48 MPa tensile strength. Compared with PA6/PA66 it absorbs far less moisture (≈0.3 % / 24 h), so dimensions and stiffness stay stable, but stiffness is modest (~1.7 GPa), continuous service is limited to ~80–90 °C, and unstabilised parts yellow and embrittle under UV. Printed parts are slightly porous with a matt, granular surface, so sealing, dyeing or vapour smoothing is usual for cosmetic or pressure-tight use. PA12 has a density of 1.01 g/cm³ (0.0365 lb/in³), lighter than 72% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 45°C (113 °F). PA12 has a yield strength of 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 48 MPa (6.96 ksi) — weaker than 63% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 18% and the elastic modulus is 1.7 GPa (0.247 Msi).
What is PA12 used for?
- Functional prototypes and low-volume end-use parts
- Air and fluid ducting
- Hydraulic hoses
- Tubing
- Jigs, fixtures and assembly aids
- Snap-fit housings and enclosures
- Orthotic and prosthetic shells
- Lightweight brackets and clips
Advantages
- Tough — resists crack growth — 3.5 MPa·√m (3.19 ksi·√in), better than 81% of polymer grades
Limitations
- High embodied carbon — 7.6 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 81% of polymer grades
PA12 properties
Typical room-temperature values in the Unfilled condition; bars are the position among polymer grades.
Physical5
PA12 has a density of 1.01 g/cm³ (0.0365 lb/in³), lighter than 72% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 45°C (113 °F).
Mechanical15
PA12 has a yield strength of 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 48 MPa (6.96 ksi) — weaker than 63% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 18% and the elastic modulus is 1.7 GPa (0.247 Msi).
Thermal11
PA12 is rated for continuous service to 85°C (185 °F). It conducts heat at 0.23 W/m·K (0.133 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 65% of polymer grades. Thermal expansion is 105 µm/m·K (58.3 µin/in·°F).
Electrical7
PA12 is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 22 kV/mm (558.8 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹¹ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is excellent (85/100), better than 65% of polymer grades. UV resistance is fair.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of PA12 takes about 138 MJ of energy and emits 7.6 kg of CO₂ — more than 81% of polymer grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability3
PA12's machinability is good (60/100, better than 51% of polymer grades); weldability good (60/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the polymer family
Yield strength against density for every polymer grade FabDigit runs. PA12 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with PA12
Is PA12 easy to machine?
Machines easily with sharp, high-rake tools and air blast; keep speeds high and feeds light to avoid melting, and expect slight size growth if parts absorb moisture.
Can PA12 be welded?
Hot-plate, ultrasonic and laser welding work well on PA12; printed porosity can trap air, so pre-dry parts before welding or bonding with cyanoacrylate/epoxy.
Can PA12 be formed, bent or molded?
Powder-bed processing: SLS bed ≈ 168–172 °C, MJF fusing ≈ 180–190 °C, powder refresh 20–50 %; allow ~3 % XY / 3.2 % Z scaling and slow controlled cake cool-down to limit warp.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit's quote engine applies to PA12. Design inside these and the part quotes instantly; outside them it routes to an engineer.
3D printing
| Technologies | MJF, SLS |
|---|---|
| Layer height | 50 – 300 µmdefault 100 µm |
| Minimum wall / feature | 1 / 0.5 mm |
| Build envelope | 300 × 300 × 380 mm |
| Supports | Yes |
| Anisotropy | Moderate |
PA12 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| fumed silica flow agentpowder flow/anti-caking additive typical of PBF powders | 0.05 – 0.5 | 0.2 |
| heat stabiliser / pigmentgrade-dependent; carbon black in MJF/black grades | 0 – 1 | 0.3 |
| PA12 (polylaurolactam / )base semi-crystalline polyamide from laurolactam or ω-aminolauric acid | balance |
What surface finishes work on PA12?
Bead blasting is standard; vapour smoothing, tumbling, dyeing (black/colour) or spray sealing close the porous surface — nylon needs an adhesion primer before painting.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on polymer parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Coating
Coloring
Metallization / Functional
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to PA12 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- ASTM
- D4066 PA12
- ISO
- 1874-1 PA12
- GB (China)
- HP PA12GB/T 20933 PA12
- Trade names
- GrilamidVestamid
- Also called
- Carbon Fibre NylonCarbon-Filled NylonCarbonMideCF NylonNylon 12Glass Filled NylonGlass Bead NylonCarbon Fiber NylonGlass Fiber Nylon
How much does PA12 cost?
PA12 is a standard-cost polymer ($$), cheaper than about 81% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
PA12 — frequently asked
What is PA12 used for?
PA12 is typically used for functional prototypes and low-volume end-use parts, air and fluid ducting, hydraulic hoses, tubing, jigs, fixtures and assembly aids and snap-fit housings and enclosures. In short: strong precise nylon.
What is the yield strength of PA12?
PA12 has a typical yield strength of 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 48 MPa (6.96 ksi) — weaker than 63% of polymer grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 27 listed tempers.
Is PA12 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (60/100, better than 51% of polymer grades). Machines easily with sharp, high-rake tools and air blast; keep speeds high and feeds light to avoid melting, and expect slight size growth if parts absorb moisture.
Can PA12 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (60/100). Hot-plate, ultrasonic and laser welding work well on PA12; printed porosity can trap air, so pre-dry parts before welding or bonding with cyanoacrylate/epoxy.
What surface finishes work on PA12?
Bead blasting is standard; vapour smoothing, tumbling, dyeing (black/colour) or spray sealing close the porous surface — nylon needs an adhesion primer before painting.
Can PA12 be formed, bent or molded?
Powder-bed processing: SLS bed ≈ 168–172 °C, MJF fusing ≈ 180–190 °C, powder refresh 20–50 %; allow ~3 % XY / 3.2 % Z scaling and slow controlled cake cool-down to limit warp.
What is the maximum service temperature of PA12?
PA12 is rated for continuous use to about 85°C (185 °F), and briefly to 140°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does PA12 cost?
PA12 is a standard-cost polymer ($$), cheaper than about 81% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in PA12?
Yes — PA12 is available for 3D printing with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- HP 3D High Reusability PA 12 material datasheet — HP Inc. (2023)
- PA 2200 / PA 3200 GF / Alumide / CarbonMide material data sheets — EOS GmbH (2023)
- VESTAMID PA12 product and processing data — Evonik Industries (2022)
- ISO 527-2 / ISO 178 / ISO 180 plastics test methods — ISO (2019)
- HP 3D High Reusability PA 12 GB — Technical Data Sheet — HP (2026)
- ASTM D638 / D790 / D256 plastics test methods — ASTM (2022)
- HP 3D High Reusability PA 12 W — Technical Data Sheet — HP (2026)
- HP 3D High Reusability PA 12 FR (enabled by Evonik) — Technical Data Sheet — HP (2025)
- EOS PA 2200 — Technical Data Sheet — EOS (2026)
- EOS PA 2201 — Technical Data Sheet — EOS (2026)
- EOS PA 2202 black — Technical Data Sheet — EOS
- EOS PA 2220 HighReuse — Technical Data Sheet — EOS
- EOS PA 2200 CarbonReduced — Technical Data Sheet — EOS (2026)
- EOS PA 3200 GF — Technical Data Sheet — EOS (2026)
- EOS PrimePart FR (PA 2241 FR) — Technical Data Sheet — EOS
- EOS PA 2210 FR — Technical Data Sheet — EOS
- EOS Alumide — Technical Data Sheet — EOS (2026)
- EOS CarbonMide — Technical Data Sheet — EOS
- ALM ALM PA 640-GSL — Technical Data Sheet — ALM
- Formlabs Nylon 12 Powder — Technical Data Sheet — Formlabs (2020)
- Formlabs Nylon 12 White Powder — Technical Data Sheet — Formlabs (2024)
- Formlabs Nylon 12 Tough Powder — Technical Data Sheet — Formlabs (2024)
- Formlabs Nylon 12 GF Powder — Technical Data Sheet — Formlabs (2022)
- HP HP 3D High Reusability PA 12 (enabled by Evonik) — Technical Data Sheet — HP
- HP HP 3D High Reusability PA 12 S (enabled by Arkema) — Technical Data Sheet — HP (2024)
- HP HP 3D High Reusability PA 12 W — Technical Data Sheet — HP
- HP HP 3D High Reusability PA 12 FR (enabled by Evonik) — Technical Data Sheet — HP
- HP HP 3D High Reusability PA 12 GB — Technical Data Sheet — HP
- Sinterit PA12 Smooth — Technical Data Sheet — Sinterit (2024)
- Farsoon FS3300PA — Technical Data Sheet — Farsoon
- Farsoon FS3300PA-F — Technical Data Sheet — Farsoon (2021)
- Farsoon FS3401GB — Technical Data Sheet — Farsoon (2022)
- Evonik INFINAM PA 12 (VESTOSINT) — Technical Data Sheet — Evonik
- ALM PA 640-GSL — Technical Data Sheet — ALM
- HP 3D High Reusability PA 12 (enabled by Evonik) — Technical Data Sheet — HP (2018)
- HP 3D High Reusability PA 12 S (enabled by Arkema) — Technical Data Sheet — HP (2025)
- CAMPUS polyamide 12 datasheets — CWFG / CAMPUS (2023)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.