Nylon PA12 Filament
Polyamide 12
B
Good but situational
Also known as:Polyamide 12PA12PA-XII
Family:Nylon (PA)Why Use Nylon PA12?
- Absorbs far less moisture than PA6 (~0.3% vs ~3%), so it holds dimensions in humid air and is much more forgiving to print
- Tougher and more impact resistant than PA6, especially in the cold; good chemical and abrasion resistance
- Good for tubing, clips, connectors and flexible mechanical parts
Things to Consider
- Less stiff than PA6 (flexural modulus roughly 1.4-1.5 GPa vs 2.8-3.0 GPa)
- Lower heat resistance than PA6; melts around 178C rather than 220C
- More expensive than PA6
Safety & Ventilation
- Print Nylon PA12 in a well ventilated area. Higher-temperature materials like this can release fumes and fine particles while printing. An enclosure improves print quality and helps contain fumes, but it is not a substitute for fresh air, so vent the enclosure or run an air filter and avoid an unventilated occupied room.
Polyamide Family Compared: PPA, PPA-CF, PA6, PA12 and PA612
These are all nylons. PPA is a semi-aromatic polyamide, meaning aromatic rings sit in the polymer backbone, while PA6, PA12 and PA612 are fully aliphatic. That difference is why PPA runs hotter and stays dimensionally stable in humid air, and why it is the hardest of the group to print.
| Property | PPAPolyphthalamide | PPA-CFCarbon-fiber PPA | PA6Nylon 6 | PA12Nylon 12 | PA612Nylon 612 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | Very high | Excellent | High | Good | High |
| Stiffness | Very high | Excellent | High | Moderate | High |
| Moisture resistance | Very good | Very good | Fair | Excellent | Very good |
| Heat resistance | Excellent | Excellent | High | Moderate | Good |
| Print difficulty | Very high | Very high | High | Moderate | Moderate to high |
| Typical nozzle temp | 280-310°C | 280-310°C | 240-290°C | 240-270°C | 250-280°C |
| Melting point | ~300°C | ~300°C | ~220°C | ~178°C | ~215°C |
| Glass transition (Tg) | ~130°C | ~130°C | ~60°C | ~40°C | ~80°C |
| Typical applications | Automotive, aerospace, high-temp parts | Structural parts, tooling, fixtures | Gears, bushings, brackets | Tubing, clips, connectors | Connectors, housings, bushings |
General characteristics only: properties vary substantially with formulation, additives, fiber reinforcement and manufacturer, so check the technical data sheet for the exact spool you buy. PA6 absorbs the most moisture of the group, which is why it needs a dry box during printing rather than just dry storage.
Technical Data
Hardware Requirements
Enclosure
Not NeededDrybox
Not NeededHardened Nozzle
Not NeededBed Surface Compatibility
Textured PEI
Satin PEI
Smooth PEI
Polypropylene
High Temp
PA/Nylon Sheet
Hover over icons for details. Always use proper release agents when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nylon PA12 filament?
Nylon PA12 (Polyamide 12) is a 3D printing filament. Absorbs far less moisture than PA6 (~0.3% vs ~3%), so it holds dimensions in humid air and is much more forgiving to print
What temperature should I print Nylon PA12 at?
Nylon PA12 typically prints at nozzle temperatures of 240-270°C and bed temperatures of 70-100°C. Low cooling
Do I need an enclosure to print Nylon PA12?
An enclosure is recommended but not required for printing Nylon PA12.
What is Nylon PA12 filament best for?
Nylon PA12 is best for: Absorbs far less moisture than PA6 (~0.3% vs ~3%), so it holds dimensions in humid air and is much more forgiving to print; Tougher and more impact resistant than PA6, especially in the cold; good chemical and abrasion resistance; Good for tubing, clips, connectors and flexible mechanical parts.
What are the downsides of Nylon PA12 filament?
The main considerations when using Nylon PA12: Less stiff than PA6 (flexural modulus roughly 1.4-1.5 GPa vs 2.8-3.0 GPa); Lower heat resistance than PA6; melts around 178C rather than 220C; More expensive than PA6.