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Nylon (PA12) 3D printing

PA12 nylon is a material for engineering parts: tough, wear resistant and chemical resistant. We use it for gears, hinges, sliding and loaded parts where PLA and PETG fall short.

Material properties

Material properties
Tensile strength ~45–55 MPa
Heat resistance ~100–120 °C
Toughness very good
Key property tough, wear/chemical resistant

Values are indicative; they vary with print orientation and settings.

Why choose it?

  • Very good toughness and fatigue tolerance
  • Excellent wear and chemical resistance
  • ~100–120 °C heat resistance
  • Self-lubricating, low-friction surface

Typical applications

  • Gears, hinge points, bushings
  • Loaded brackets, clips
  • Parts exposed to chemicals
  • Functional end-use products

Keep in mind

  • Absorbs moisture, so dimensions and strength may shift slightly
  • Prone to warping — we advise on large flat surfaces at design stage

Frequently asked questions

Nylon or carbon-fiber nylon?

Plain PA12 is tougher and more flexible; PA12-CF is stiffer and more dimensionally stable for heavily loaded, precise parts.

When is nylon better than PETG?

If the part wears, rubs, sees repeated load or works above 80 °C, PA12 is the better choice.