Technology · Materials
Engineering polymers for SLS, starting with PA 12
PA 12 is our primary material for functional polymer parts. Compare it with the other polyamide and elastomer options, their typical applications and their current status. Manufacturer datasheets are shared on request.
Status at a glance
- PA 12 Polyamide 12 (nylon 12) Status: Commissioning
- PA 11 Polyamide 11 (nylon 11) Status: Planned
- PA 12 GB Glass-bead-filled PA 12 Status: Planned
- PA 12 FR Flame-retardant PA 12 Status: Planned
- TPU Thermoplastic polyurethane Status: Planned
Numeric property values are published only from verified datasheets.
Materials
The material portfolio
Each card shows what the material is good at, where it is typically used and its current status, so you can see what can be requested and where the portfolio is heading.
- Status: Commissioning
PA 12
Polyamide 12 (nylon 12)
Primary material
Balanced strength and stiffness with good chemical resistance and dimensional stability. PA 12 is the most widely used SLS polymer for functional parts.
Typical applications
- Functional prototypes
- Housings and enclosures
- Brackets, mounts and fixtures
- Ducts and low-volume end-use parts
- Status: Planned
PA 11
Polyamide 11 (nylon 11)
Higher ductility and impact resistance than PA 12, produced from a renewable, castor-oil-based feedstock.
Typical applications
- Snap-fits and clips
- Impact-exposed covers and housings
- Parts that must flex without cracking
- Status: Planned
PA 12 GB
Glass-bead-filled PA 12
Glass beads raise stiffness and dimensional stability and reduce warpage. The trade-off is a more brittle part.
Typical applications
- Stiff housings and covers
- Fixtures and tooling
- Large or flat parts where warpage is a concern
- Status: Planned
PA 12 FR
Flame-retardant PA 12
Grades formulated for parts with fire-behavior requirements. Whether a part meets a given requirement depends on the grade, the wall thickness and testing.
Typical applications
- Electronics enclosures
- Ducts and covers with fire-behavior requirements
- Development parts for flammability testing
- Status: Planned
TPU
Thermoplastic polyurethane
A flexible, rubber-like elastomer for parts that need to bend, compress or absorb shocks.
Typical applications
- Seals
- Grips
- Dampers
- Bellows
The stress-strain sketches are schematic and relative to PA 12 (dashed). They are not measured values.
Comparison
How the materials compare
A qualitative comparison with PA 12 as the reference. Use it as a starting point for selection, not as a substitute for datasheet values.
| Material | Stiffness | Impact resistance | Flexibility | Flame-retardant grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PA 12 Polyamide 12 (nylon 12) | Stiffness Reference | Impact resistance Reference | Flexibility Reference | Flame-retardant grade No |
| PA 11 Polyamide 11 (nylon 11) | Stiffness Similar | Impact resistance Higher | Flexibility Higher | Flame-retardant grade No |
| PA 12 GB Glass-bead-filled PA 12 | Stiffness Higher | Impact resistance Lower | Flexibility Lower | Flame-retardant grade No |
| PA 12 FR Flame-retardant PA 12 | Stiffness Depends on grade | Impact resistance Depends on grade | Flexibility Depends on grade | Flame-retardant grade Yes |
| TPU Thermoplastic polyurethane | Stiffness Much lower | Impact resistance Higher | Flexibility Much higher | Flame-retardant grade No |
Relative, qualitative ratings for typical grades. Actual values depend on the powder grade, part geometry, build orientation and post-processing. Numeric property values are published only from verified datasheets.
Selection
How to choose
Start from what the part has to do. If you are unsure, describe the loads, the environment and any requirements in your request, and we will recommend a material in engineering review.
- A rigid, general-purpose functional part
- PA 12 Status: Commissioning The default choice for most functional prototypes and end-use parts.
- Impact resistance, snap-fits or parts that flex without cracking
- PA 11 Status: Planned More ductile than PA 12, with better impact resistance.
- More stiffness, or less warpage on large, flat parts
- PA 12 GB Status: Planned Stiffer and more dimensionally stable, but more brittle.
- A flame-retardance requirement
- PA 12 FR Status: Planned Name the standard and rating you need: compliance depends on the grade, the wall thickness and testing.
- Flexible, rubber-like behavior
- TPU Status: Planned For seals, grips, dampers and bellows.
Material data
Numbers only from verified datasheets
Mechanical and thermal values of laser-sintered parts depend on the powder grade, the process parameters, the build orientation and post-processing. We therefore publish numeric property values only once we have verified them for the grades we use. Until then, we share the powder manufacturer’s datasheet on request.
Request a datasheetWhat property values depend on
- Powder grade and supplier
- Build orientation (X, Y or Z)
- Wall thickness and part geometry
- Post-processing and conditioning
Start a project
Not sure which material fits?
Send your CAD files and describe the application. An engineer recommends a material and build orientation before we quote, and your files stay confidential.