PA11 vs PA12: Which Nylon Should You Choose for 3D Printing?

Nylon, also known as polyamide (PA), is a group of thermoplastic polymers or plastics frequently used in 3D printing. Nylon is particularly appreciated for its ability to withstand high mechanical stress, and its resistance to heat, tearing and abrasion. This is why the material is often used in the manufacture of heavy-duty parts, for example in the automotive and aerospace industries, as well as in the medical sector.

3D printing uses many types of nylon, whose names vary according to the number of carbon atoms they contain. PA6 is most often used in FDM printing, while PA11 and PA12 are used in powder-based processes. Although PA11 and PA12 overlap in their areas of application, there are a number of differences between the two plastics. We therefore sought to compare the two materials and examine their respective properties, origins, printing requirements and, finally, applications and price categories.

Origin and Mechanical Properties

Polyamides are differentiated by nomenclature, and the number following the common code PA is a function of the number of carbon atoms. PA11 and PA12 therefore appear to be quite similar. Yet the two types of nylon differ in many respects, starting with their origin and manufacture.