Nylon PA12 is the workhorse material of powder-bed 3D printing. Printed with SLS (selective laser sintering) or MJF (Multi Jet Fusion), it produces tough, slightly flexible parts that behave much like injection-moulded plastic. This guide explains what PA12 is good at, how SLS and MJF differ, and how to design for it.
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Why engineers choose PA12
- Tough and durable. PA12 bends before it breaks and handles repeated stress, so clips, hinges and snap fits work well.
- Strong in every direction. Unlike FDM parts, powder-printed parts are close to equally strong along every axis.
- No supports needed. The surrounding powder holds the part, so complex shapes, internal channels and moving assemblies print in one piece.
- Good chemical resistance. PA12 resists oils, greases, fuels and many solvents.
- Low water absorption compared with other nylons, so parts stay dimensionally stable.
SLS vs MJF: what is the difference?
| SLS PA12 | MJF PA12 | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | A laser sinters powder, layer by layer | An inkjet head applies a fusing agent, then infrared heat fuses each layer |
| Natural colour | White / off-white | Grey |
| Typical colour after dyeing | Many colours possible | Black |
| Surface | Slightly rough, matte | Slightly smoother, matte |
| Strength | Very similar | Very similar, very consistent across a batch |
| Best for | Prototypes, colours, varied part sizes | Repeatable batches and small production runs |
For most functional parts, either process works. Choose MJF when you need many identical parts with consistent quality, and SLS when you want a white or coloured part.
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Common uses
- Functional prototypes that must survive real testing
- Jigs, fixtures and production aids
- Housings and enclosures for electronics
- Clips, hinges, latches and snap-fit assemblies
- Ducts and parts with internal channels
- Low-volume end-use parts, from tens to a few thousand units
Design tips for PA12
- Walls: aim for 1–2 mm. Very thin walls can bend during cooling.
- Clearance: leave 0.4–0.5 mm between parts that must move.
- Hollow parts: add escape holes of at least 5 mm so loose powder can be removed.
- Even thickness: avoid very thick solid blocks next to thin walls, which can cause warping and sink marks.
- Living hinges: possible in PA12 if kept thin (around 0.5–0.8 mm) and short, but test before production.
See our full 3D printing design guidelines for more rules.
Finishing options
PA12 parts come out with a matte, slightly grainy surface. Common finishes include bead blasting for an even texture, dyeing (black is the most common), vapour smoothing for a sealed, smoother surface that is easier to clean, and painting or coating.
Frequently asked questions
Is PA12 stronger than PLA or PETG?
PA12 is tougher and more durable. It is less stiff than PLA, but it handles impacts, flexing and repeated use much better, and it is strong in every direction.
Is MJF better than SLS?
Neither is better in every case. MJF is very consistent and well suited to batches, while SLS offers more colour options. Mechanical properties are similar.
Can PA12 parts be watertight?
Thicker walls help, and vapour smoothing or coating can seal the surface. For pressure-tight parts, test a sample first.
Compare all processes in FDM vs SLS vs SLA vs MJF, or upload your CAD file for an instant PA12 quote.
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