SLS Materials
Nylon 12
The most versatile material for 3D SLS printing
The Nylon 12 is one of the most used materials in SLS 3D printing thanks to its excellent balance of mechanical strength, dimensional stability, and durability. At Additium3D we use Nylon PA12 to manufacture functional prototypes and end-use parts that require high performance and reliable behaviour in industrial environments.
Resistance, precision and durability for functional parts
What is Nylon 12?
The Nylon 12, also known as Polyamide PA12, es un termoplástico técnico especialmente desarrollado para aplicaciones de ingeniería y fabricación aditiva.
In combination with the technology SLS (Selective Laser Sintering), allows complex parts to be manufactured without the need for supports, offering great design freedom and excellent mechanical properties.
Its low moisture absorption and high wear resistance make it one of the benchmark materials for the manufacture of functional components using 3D printing.
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Main properties of Nylon PA12
High mechanical strength
It is capable of withstanding impacts, loads, and continuous stress without losing its properties, making it ideal for functional parts and industrial components.
Excellent dimensional stability
The parts maintain their shape and dimensions even under demanding working conditions.
Wear resistance
Its behaviour when faced with abrasion allows for the manufacture of components subjected to continuous movement or friction.
Low moisture absorption
Unlike other polyamides, the Nylon PA12 It has low water absorption, improving its long-term stability and performance.
Great precision
Technology SLS Nylon 12 allows complex geometries to be manufactured with a high level of detail and very precise tolerances.
Ideal for end pieces
Thanks to its mechanical properties, many parts manufactured from Nylon 12 can be used directly as the final product.
Nylon 12
Technical information on Nylon 12: characteristics and applications
Nylon 12 is used for a variety of applications, including:* **Pipes and tubing:** For fuel lines, hydraulic systems, and pneumatic applications due to its flexibility, chemical resistance, and low moisture absorption.
* **Automotive components:** Such as fuel tanks, dashboards, and exterior parts because of its strength, impact resistance, and dimensional stability.
* **Electrical and electronic components:** Like cable jacketing, connectors, and housings due to its good electrical insulation properties and durability.
* **Sporting goods:** Including ski boots, athletic footwear, and racket frames for its toughness, flexibility, and impact strength.
* **Medical devices:** In catheters, surgical instruments, and implants because of its biocompatibility and sterilisation resistance.
* **Industrial applications:** In gears, bearings, and conveyor belts due to its wear resistance and low coefficient of friction.
* **3D printing:** For producing functional prototypes and end-use parts with good mechanical properties.
The Nylon 12 It is one of the most versatile materials within industrial 3D printing.
It is commonly used to manufacture:
- Mechanical components
- Technical housings
- Functional prototypes
- Tooling
- Car parts
- Machinery components
- Technical conduits
- Complex assemblies
- Final pieces
- Short production runs
Its balance of strength and precision allows for the manufacture of ready-to-use parts without the need for traditional manufacturing processes.
Why do we use Nylon 12 in Additium3D?
At Additium3D, we work with Formlabs Nylon 12 because it offers excellent mechanical performance and great reliability for industrial applications.
Its main advantages are:
- Excellent mechanical strength.
- High dimensional stability.
- Low moisture absorption.
- Good chemical resistance.
- High durability.
- Ideal for prototypes and final parts.
Nylon 12 and SLS technology
The combination between Nylon 12 and technology SLS it allows the manufacture of resistant, precise parts with geometries that are impossible to achieve through other manufacturing processes.
Among its main advantages are:
- Supportless manufacturing.
- Total design freedom.
- Excellent surface finish.
- High dimensional accuracy.
- High mechanical resistance.
- Profitable production of short and medium-run series.
Therefore, the Nylon 12 SLS It is one of the most used materials for industrial additive manufacturing.
When to choose Nylon 12
The Nylon PA12 it is the best option when you are looking for:
- Functional parts.
- Mechanical components.
- High wear resistance.
- Good dimensional stability.
- Industrial production.
- Functional prototypes.
- Complex assemblies.
- Ready-to-use final parts.
If the project requires greater structural rigidity or a superior strength-to-weight ratio, it may be advisable to opt for reinforced materials such as Nylon 12 CF.
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Do you need to manufacture parts in Nylon 12?
At Additium3D, we study each project to determine if Nylon 12 it is the most suitable material according to the mechanical, dimensional and functional requirements of the part.
Our team will advise to select the best combination between material and 3D printing technology, guaranteeing the best result for your application.
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