MJF PA12 is a strong, rigid nylon for HP Multi Jet Fusion and our everyday production material. Incremental-AM prints it in HP 3D High Reusability PA 12 on our HP Jet Fusion systems. It makes dense, watertight, dimensionally accurate parts with fine detail, so it is our first choice for functional prototypes and end-use production parts.
Why choose PA12?
- Strong in every direction: about 48 MPa tensile strength in both XY and Z, so part orientation matters less than with most 3D printing.
- Watertight: dense parts that are watertight as printed with walls over 2 mm, and down to 0.7 mm when vapour polished.
- Chemical resistant: HP rates it excellent against oils, greases, aliphatic hydrocarbons and alkalies.
- Takes the heat: heat deflection temperature of 175 °C at 0.45 MPa.
- Fine detail and accuracy: good for complex assemblies, snap fits and small, intricate parts.
- Skin-contact tested: HP's testing shows parts meet USP Class I-VI and the US FDA guidance for Intact Skin Surface Devices.
- Low waste: 80% of surplus powder is reused, and we turn much of the rest into 2nd Life PA12 on our SLS system.
Typical applications
- Housings, enclosures and covers
- Brackets, mounts and clips
- Jigs, fixtures and assembly aids
- Ducting, manifolds and watertight parts
- Drone and robotics parts
- Batch production of end-use parts, from 10 to thousands, with no tooling
Material properties
Typical values from HP's datasheet for HP 3D High Reusability PA 12 (Balanced print mode).
| Property | XY | Z | Test method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 48 MPa | 48 MPa | ASTM D638 |
| Tensile modulus | 1700 MPa | 1800 MPa | ASTM D638 |
| Elongation at break | 20% | 15% | ASTM D638 |
| Flexural strength (@ 5%) | 65 MPa | 70 MPa | ASTM D790 |
| Flexural modulus | 1730 MPa | 1730 MPa | ASTM D790 |
| Izod impact, notched (3.2 mm, 23 °C) | 3.5 kJ/m² | ASTM D256 A | |
| Heat deflection temp. (@ 0.45 MPa) | 175 °C | 175 °C | ASTM D648 A |
| Heat deflection temp. (@ 1.82 MPa) | 95 °C | 106 °C | ASTM D648 A |
| Part density | 1.01 g/cm³ | ASTM D792 | |
| Powder melting point | 187 °C | ASTM D3418 | |
Typical values only, not for specification purposes. Results vary with geometry and orientation. HP's 2021 testing on the HP Jet Fusion 4200 gives tensile strength of about 50 MPa (typically 45–55 MPa).
Designing for MJF PA12
PA12 is forgiving, but a few design details make a big difference to threads, inserts and finishing. Our technical notes cover the common ones:
- TN-001: Thread call-outs and file quality
- TN-002: 3D modelled threads
- TN-003: Screw-in threaded inserts
- TN-004: Cerakote on MJF parts
- TN-005: Design tips for vapour polishing
- TN-006: Getting better results through design and specification
Not sure about your design? Send us the file. Our design advice is free.
Finishes
PA12 parts come de-powdered and bead blasted as standard, in a mid grey. Popular upgrades are black dyeing and vapour polishing for a sealed, smooth, semi-gloss surface. We also offer Cerakote, painting and plating. See standard finishes and special finishes.
Which material?
- MJF PA12: rigid, strong, detailed parts. The default choice.
- MJF TPA: when the part needs to flex, cushion, grip or seal.
- SLS 2nd Life PA12: the lower-carbon option, made from our surplus PA12 powder.
- CB PA12: strong parts in full colour or white.
- FDM: ASA for outdoor parts, carbon fibre composites for stiffness and heat, all available vapour polished.
Compliance
- Non-hazardous under GHS / EU CLP, and not classed as dangerous goods for transport.
- EU REACH registered. Printed parts tested by HP for RoHS: restricted heavy metals, bromine and chlorine not detected.
- No PAHs detected above 1 ppb in printed parts. Phthalates under 50 ppm and bisphenol A not detected.
- Meets USP Class I-VI and US FDA guidance for Intact Skin Surface Devices, based on HP's testing. You are responsible for confirming it is suitable and compliant for your own product.
- Not approved for food contact.
Frequently asked questions
Is MJF PA12 the same as nylon 12?
Yes. PA12 is polyamide 12, also called nylon 12. HP's High Reusability PA 12 is a grade made for Multi Jet Fusion.
Are MJF PA12 parts watertight?
Yes. HP states parts are watertight without extra post-processing. In our experience walls over 2 mm are ideal, and vapour polishing massively improves watertightness: we have made fully watertight vapour-polished parts with walls as thin as 0.7 mm. See is MJF PA12 watertight, heat resistant and food safe?
What colour are PA12 parts?
Mid grey as standard, or black when dyed. For full colour, see our full-colour CB PA12.
How do I order?
Upload a STEP file (preferred) or STL to our instant quote, choose a finish and order online. Prototypes typically ship in 3–5 working days; see lead times. For batch production or anything unusual, contact us or call 01256 533838.
Downloads
- HP 3D High Reusability PA 12 datasheet (PDF)
- HP Jet Fusion 4200 materials: mechanical properties white paper (PDF)
- HP 3D HR PA12 regulatory compliance and environmental summary (PDF)
- HP PA12 biocompatibility statement: USP Class I-VI and FDA intact skin (PDF)
- HP PA12 PAHs certificate (PDF)
Documents published by HP Inc. and supplied by Incremental-AM. HP data is typical and may change without notice.