PA 12 (Polyamide 12), commonly referred to as nylon 12, is a thermoplastic material used in Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), a proprietary 3D printing technology developed by HP (Hewlett-Packard). In MJF, a powdered bed of PA 12 is selectively fused using a fusing agent and an energy source, typically a thermal printhead or an infrared (IR) lamp, to create solid layers of the 3D object. PA 12 is known for its excellent mechanical properties, including high tensile strength, impact resistance, and flexibility, making it well-suited for producing functional parts with good performance characteristics. MJF is recognized for its high-speed production capabilities and potential for creating functional prototypes and end-use parts for industrial applications using PA 12 material.

Properties and Characteristics

1. High tensile strength: PA 12 is known for its excellent mechanical properties, including high tensile strength, which refers to its ability to withstand stretching or pulling forces without breaking. This makes PA 12 parts produced through MJF suitable for applications that require structural integrity and durability.
2. Impact resistance: PA 12 exhibits good impact resistance, meaning it can withstand sudden impacts without breaking or fracturing. This property makes PA 12 parts less prone to damage due to accidental impacts or rough handling, making them suitable for functional parts that may be subjected to mechanical stress.
3. Flexibility: PA 12 is a flexible material, which allows for parts with varying levels of flexibility, depending on the design and processing parameters. This makes PA 12 parts produced through MJF suitable for applications that require parts with some degree of flexibility or elasticity, such as snap-fit assemblies or parts that need to withstand bending or deformation.
4. Heat resistance: PA 12 has good thermal stability and can withstand moderate temperatures without significant deformation or degradation. This makes PA 12 parts produced through MJF suitable for applications that require parts to operate in elevated temperatures, such as under the hood automotive components or functional parts in high-temperature environments.
5. Chemical resistance: PA 12 has good resistance to many chemicals, including oils, greases, and solvents. This makes PA 12 parts produced through MJF suitable for applications that may be exposed to chemicals or harsh environments, such as chemical processing equipment, fluid handling components, or industrial machinery.
6. High resolution: MJF is known for its ability to produce high-resolution parts with fine details and smooth surface finish. PA 12 parts produced through MJF typically exhibit good surface quality and dimensional accuracy, making them suitable for applications that require high-quality, precise parts.
7. Dyeability: PA 12 is capable of absorbing dyes, allowing for parts to be easily colored or dyed in a wide range of colors. This enables the production of aesthetically appealing parts or parts that require color coding or identification.