PA12 is the most common material for SLS and MJF printing, industrial processes used to make real, end-use parts. SLS and MJF printers fuse layers of fine powder with a laser or heat. The surrounding powder supports the part while printing, so complex shapes need no support structures.
What Nylon PA12 is good at
- Strong and durable: Production-quality nylon parts.
- Complex shapes: No support structures needed, so moving parts, lattices, and enclosed shapes are possible.
- Consistent: Every part in a batch comes out alike.
- Chemical resistant: Handles oils, fuels, and many chemicals.
Where it falls short
- Slightly grainy surface: A fine, sandy texture unless smoothed.
- Limited colours: Usually white or grey, often dyed black.
- Industrial pricing: Cost-effective for batches, but single parts can cost more than filament printing.
Is Nylon PA12 right for my project?
It's usually a good fit if your item:
- is a working, end-use part
- has a complex shape
- is needed in quantity
For a single low-cost functional part, filament nylon or PETG may cost less.
Common questions
What's the difference between SLS and MJF? Both fuse nylon powder. SLS uses a laser; MJF uses heat and special inks. Parts are similar; MJF is often faster for larger batches.
Can PA12 parts be dyed or painted? Yes. They're commonly dyed black, and they can be painted or smoothed.
Find Nylon PA12 near you
Ready to get something made? Find shops that offer Nylon PA12 near you, or upload your file for a quote. Not sure which material to choose? Choose by what you're making or ask a local shop.