Nylon PA12 vs PA11 — choosing the right MJF production material.
Nylon PA12 and PA11 are both available on our MJF platform. PA12 is the default production material — stiffer, more heat-resistant, and the most widely used MJF nylon globally. PA11 is more ductile and impact-resistant — better for parts that flex, absorb energy, or need to survive repeated mechanical cycling. PA11 is also bio-based (derived from castor oil), which matters for some sustainability programs.
Detailed comparison
Property-by-property breakdown
| Property | Nylon PA12 | Nylon PA11 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile modulus | 1.8 GPa | 1.4 GPa |
| Impact strength | 40 J/m | 100 J/m |
| Heat deflection | 175°C | 140°C |
| Elongation at break | ~15% | ~30% |
| Surface roughness | 10 Ra μm | 10 Ra μm |
| Bio-based | No | Yes (castor oil) |
| Best for | Stiff structural parts, heat resistance | Ductile parts, impact absorption, flex cycling |
Our recommendation
Choose PA12 for most production applications — brackets, housings, clips, and structural parts where stiffness and heat resistance matter. Choose PA11 when ductility and impact resistance are priorities — living hinges, snap-fits under repeated cycling, energy-absorbing components, and applications with sustainability requirements.
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