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Material
SLS Nylon PA12

SLS Nylon PA12

Nylons
StrongHeat resistantFunctionalVisual

Nylon PA12 (polyamide 12) is a tough, well-balanced engineering plastic. It is strong enough for functional parts when thick, yet flexible in thin sections for snap-fits and living hinges. It absorbs very little moisture (among the lowest of any nylon), has good chemical resistance, and begins to soften under load at around 85 °C. Parts are slightly porous and not watertight by default, so it isn't a reliable choice for holding liquids or gases under pressure. Nylon PA12 is well suited to functional prototypes, snap-fit enclosures, living hinges, and end-use parts like clips, ducts, and brackets.

Print with SLS Nylon PA12
Mechanical Properties
Tensile strength46–51 MPa
Tensile modulus1600–1850 MPa
Elongation18–25 %
Flexural strength46.3–58 MPa
Flexural modulus1300–1630 MPa
Density0.93 g/cm³
Thermal
Heat deflection at 66 PSI140–147 °C
Heat deflection at 264 PSI82–86 °C
Print Constraints

Maximum build volume

700 × 380 × 580 mm

Min wall thickness0.8 mm
Min detail size0.3 mm
Default layer height0.1 mm
Default infill100%
Min embossing1 mm
Min engraving1 mm
Accuracy± 0.3 mm
Warping riskModerate
Interlocking partsSupported

Available finishes

Each finish can be combined with the available colors at checkout.

Standard

Standard

30 colors

The standard finish for SLS nylon PA12 has a matte, slightly grainy surface and can be left as printed, dyed, or painted. There are no support marks, and loose powder is removed before delivery.

Polished

Polished

30 colors

Polished SLS nylon PA12 has a smooth, satin-like surface with the grainy SLS texture greatly reduced, though not a high-gloss shine. The polishing also rounds sharp edges slightly and can soften fine details.

Shot Peened

Shot Peened

30 colors

Shot peened SLS nylon PA12 has a smoother, more even surface than raw SLS nylon, with loose powder removed and a subtle satin sheen. The grain is softened rather than removed.

Satin

Satin

13 colors

Satin SLS nylon PA12 is dyed for a deep, uniform color with a satin sheen between matte and gloss. The dye only penetrates a fraction of a millimeter, so deep scratches can reveal the white nylon beneath.

Sandblasted

Sandblasted

30 colors

Sandblasted SLS nylon PA12 has a uniform, matte surface with loose powder removed. The blasting evens out the surface but leaves it slightly grainy to the touch, not smooth.

Vapor Smoothed

Vapor Smoothed

30 colors

Vapor smoothed SLS nylon PA12 has a smooth, uniform, semi-gloss surface with the grainy SLS texture largely removed and the surface sealed. Sharp edges and fine details are slightly rounded.

Waterproof

Waterproof

4 colors

Waterproof SLS nylon PA12 is sealed with a clear coating that fills surface pores, so it resists water absorption better than raw SLS nylon. It isn't a pressure-rated seal.

Electroplated

Electroplated

8 colors

Electroplated SLS nylon PA12 parts are coated in a thin layer of real metal, giving a metallic look and added conductivity. The metal follows the surface beneath, so the grainy SLS texture can still show through.

Cerakote Ceramic Coating

Cerakote Ceramic Coating

6 colors

Cerakote-coated SLS Nylon 12 parts feature a thin, durable ceramic layer that enhances surface hardness, wear resistance, and color uniformity. The coating provides a premium matte finish with improved UV and chemical protection.

Dyed Velvet

Dyed Velvet

9 colors

Dyed SLS nylon PA12 with a flocked velvet finish: A soft, suede-like pile of short fibers that changes both the look and feel of the part. The pile adds thickness, so fine details are softened.

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