CB PA12 gives you strong, functional nylon parts in full colour. Incremental-AM prints it on our HP Jet Fusion 580 Color, one of the few machines that can make robust, load-bearing parts with colour built in. Each part has a PA12 core much like our production material, with a near-white PA12 layer around it that the colour is printed onto.
Why choose CB PA12?
- Colour that is part of the part: colour is printed into the surface layer, not painted on, so it does not chip like paint.
- Properly strong: about 46 MPa tensile strength, close to our standard PA12, so colour parts can be functional parts.
- Fine detail: good for logos, text, labels, patterns, wood and stone effects, and colour-coded features.
- Chemical resistant: HP rates it excellent against oils, greases, aliphatic hydrocarbons and alkalies.
- Skin-contact tested: HP's testing shows parts meet ISO 10993 and US FDA guidance for Intact Skin Surface Devices.
- White parts too: also makes clean, engineering-grade white parts.
Typical applications
- Presentation and concept models that work as well as they look
- Colour-coded jigs, fixtures and tooling
- Branded parts, labels and logos
- Anatomical and educational models
- Prosthetic and orthotic covers and sockets
- Trophies, awards and display pieces
Material properties
Typical values from HP's datasheet for HP 3D High Reusability CB PA 12 (white parts, Balanced print mode, HP Jet Fusion 500 series).
| Property | XY | Z | Test method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 46 MPa | 46 MPa | ASTM D638 |
| Tensile modulus | 1600 MPa | 1700 MPa | ASTM D638 |
| Elongation at break | 20% | 14% | ASTM D638 |
| Izod impact, notched (3.2 mm, 23 °C) | 3.1 kJ/m² | 2.8 kJ/m² | ASTM D256 A |
| Part density | 1.03 g/cm³ | ASTM D792 | |
| Powder melting point | 189 °C | DIN EN ISO 11357 | |
Typical values for white parts, not for specification purposes. Coloured parts and geometry can change results.
Getting the best colour
Raw parts straight from the printer have a chalky, matt finish and the colours can look quite muted. For colours that really pop, choose vapour polishing. It seals the surface and brings out deep, vivid colour. See our finishing options and TN-005: Design tips for vapour polishing.
Colour files: upload a coloured 3MF file (recommended) or an OBJ straight to our instant quote. A plain STEP or STL file has no colour data, so it will print white or in a single colour. Not sure your file is right? Ask us and we'll help.
CB PA12, PA12 or TPA?
- CB PA12: when colour or white parts matter.
- MJF PA12: grey or black-dyed production parts, larger parts and bigger batches.
- MJF TPA: when the part needs to flex, cushion, grip or seal.
Compliance
- Powder and agents are not classified as hazardous under EU CLP.
- Meets ISO 10993 and US FDA guidance for Intact Skin Surface Devices, based on HP's third-party testing. You are responsible for confirming it is suitable and compliant for your own product.
- Not approved for food contact.
Frequently asked questions
Is the colour just on the surface?
Colour is printed into the outer layer of the part, over a near-white PA12 shell and a PA12 core. It will not peel like paint, but deep scratches or machining can expose the white layer underneath.
Are full-colour parts strong enough for real use?
Yes. HP rates CB PA12 at about 46 MPa tensile strength, close to standard PA12, so colour parts can be functional parts, not just models.
Can you match a specific colour?
We can get close, but colours vary with the surface finish and geometry. If an exact colour matters, ask us about a test print.
What file format do I need for colour?
3MF is best, as it carries colour and geometry in one file. OBJ also works. Both can be uploaded to the instant quote.
How do I order?
Upload your 3MF or OBJ file to our instant quote, choose a finish and order online. For help with colour files, contact us or call 01256 533838.
Downloads
- HP 3D High Reusability CB PA 12 datasheet (PDF)
- HP CB PA12 ISO 10993 and FDA intact skin biocompatibility statement (PDF)
Documents published by HP Inc. and supplied by Incremental-AM. HP data is typical and may change without notice.