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- Fast, Affordable Nylon 3D Printing
Nylon PA12 GF is an engineering material, well suited for functional parts requiring; chemical resistance, heat resistance and excellent strength properties
“We have used SGD 3D a few times now. Each time they dealt with our queries promptly, giving us all the information and help we needed as a new user of Additive Manufacturing” – Howmet Aerospace
Nylon PA12 GF refers to Polyamide 12 (PA12) that has been reinforced with glass fibers (GF). It is a high-performance thermoplastic composite material.
Applications:
Automotive components – under-the-hood parts, brackets, housings
Industrial equipment – jigs, fixtures, mechanical components
3D printing (SLS or FDM) – strong, functional prototypes or end-use parts
Consumer electronics – structural frames and load-bearing parts
Aerospace and UAVs – lightweight but tough structural parts
| Material Properties | Test Method | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength at yield | ISO 527 | 38 MPa |
| Elongation strain at yield | ISO 527 | 4 % |
| Tensile (E) modulus | ISO 527 | 2800 MPa |
| Flammability behaviour | UL94 | HB |
| Heat deflection temp | ISO 75 | 170 °C |
Field insight:
In demanding industrial environments, material performance under mechanical and thermal stress is non-negotiable. Nylon PA12 GF (glass-filled) has emerged as a go-to material where rigidity, dimensional stability, and heat resistance are critical. Unlike standard PA12, the glass fibre reinforcement significantly increases the tensile modulus, making the material ideal for structural parts that must hold their shape under load.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is an industrial 3D printing process ideal for manufacturing end-use parts. Using powder-based material parts are self-supported and don’t require support structures, ideal for complex geometries.
SLS machines can produce functional plastic parts with isotropic mechanical properties for detailed prototyping or low-volume production of end-use parts. SLS is a cost-efficient production method, which our customers regularly choose for the most complex parts and those requiring extensive customization.
Our expert Nylon 3D printing service uses this process exclusively to produce high-quality polyamide parts rated for end-use applications.
Parts are isotropic and have similar mechanical properties to moulded parts
Well-suited for large production runs, without effecting quality
Our materials perform at operating temperatures up to 170°C
Nylon PA12 GF has excellent chemical and weather resistance
Nylon PA12 GF is biocompatible certified and sterilisable.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is an industrial additive manufacturing method capable of producing affordable, complex parts without support structures
Low-cost, fast turn around, isotropic strength properties
Granular finish & limited colour choice
£££££
3 to 6 working days
0.2 mm
± 0.30 mm below 100mm / ± 0.40 % above 100mm
165 x 165 x 300
110 microns
Nylon PA12 GF is a material trusted by engineers and manufacturers across different industries for its ability to produce strong, functional parts with excellent chemical & heat resistance. Due to its isotropic properties, it is frequently used to replace injection moulded parts.
Yes, Nylon tends to shrink during 3D printing due to its high thermal contraction. As it cools, it can warp or lift from the print bed, especially if the printer is not enclosed or the bed is not heated properly. This is why a heated bed, enclosed chamber, and proper adhesion methods are recommended when printing with Nylon.
Nylon is used in 3D printing for producing strong, durable, and flexible parts. It’s commonly chosen for functional prototypes, mechanical components, gears, hinges, and end-use parts. Nylon’s high strength-to-weight ratio, wear resistance, and impact tolerance make it ideal for industrial and engineering applications. It’s often printed with FDM or SLS 3D printers.
Yes, Nylon is hygroscopic, which means it readily absorbs moisture from the air. This can affect both the printing process and the final part quality. Wet nylon can lead to poor layer adhesion, bubbling, or stringing during printing. To prevent this, it’s important to store nylon 3D printing material in a dry box or use a filament dryer before and during printing.
Yes, Nylon is generally harder to 3D print than common filaments like PLA or PETG. It requires high extrusion temperatures, good bed adhesion, and a controlled environment to prevent warping and moisture issues. Nylon absorbs moisture quickly, so it must be kept dry. Printing success improves with a heated bed, enclosure, and proper settings.
Yes, Nylon can be used in a 3D printer, but it requires a printer with a high-temperature nozzle, a heated bed, and preferably an enclosed build chamber. The filament must also be kept dry, as nylon absorbs moisture easily. It’s best suited for users with some 3D printing experience.
Yes, Nylon is tougher than PLA. Nylon is more flexible, impact-resistant, and durable, making it ideal for functional parts and mechanical components. PLA is more rigid and easier to print but is brittle and less suited for high-stress or moving parts.
Yes, 3D printing nylon can give off fumes that may have an unpleasant smell. While not as hazardous as some other materials, nylon can release ultrafine particles (UFPs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when heated. It’s recommended to print nylon in a well-ventilated area or use an enclosed printer with filtration for safety.
Yes, Nylon is more challenging to 3D print than materials like PLA. It needs high printing temperatures, a heated bed, dry storage, and good bed adhesion. An enclosed printer is also recommended to reduce warping.
Yes, they can. Nylon prints best with a heated bed, dry filament, good adhesion, and an enclosure. A hardened nozzle is also recommended.
Yes, but it’s more difficult. Nylon 3D printing without an enclosure increases the risk of warping and poor layer adhesion due to temperature fluctuations. Using an enclosure helps maintain a stable temperature, improving print quality and reducing failures. If you print without one, make sure to control drafts and keep the environment warm.
PLA is easier to print and good for beginners or decorative parts. Nylon is stronger and more flexible, suited for durable, functional parts but needs more advanced printing conditions. Choose based on your project needs.
Any 3D printer that can reach high nozzle temperatures (around 240–270°C) and has a heated bed can print Nylon. An enclosed printer is recommended to reduce warping. Popular models like Bambu Lab X1, Prusa MK3S+, and Ultimaker S5 are examples that handle nylon well.
Yes – some layer lines will be visible on parts where shallow curved surfaces are printed perpendicular to the build direction. However, our technicians will best orientate the models to ensure they print accurately whilst maximising surface finish.
SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) prints parts 100% solid, however, the outer wall (0.3mm) is sintered due to a by-product of the manufacturing process. This suits most applications for customers, however, we do also offer vapour smoothing post-processing for an additional cost.
Nylon is generally considered safe to print but can release small amounts of ultrafine particles (UFPs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when heated. These emissions are less toxic than some other filaments but can still irritate sensitive individuals. It’s best to print nylon in a well-ventilated area or use an enclosed printer with proper filtration.
Nylon is stronger than PLA. It offers greater impact resistance, flexibility, and durability, making it better for functional and mechanical parts. PLA is more rigid but brittle and less suited for high-stress applications.
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