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.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Which is more impact resistant, PA12 or PA11?
PA11 has significantly higher impact resistance at 100 J/m compared to PA12 at 40 J/m. PA11 also has higher elongation at break (~30% vs ~15%), making it better for parts that need to absorb energy or flex repeatedly.
Is PA11 bio-based?
Yes. Nylon PA11 is derived from castor oil, making it 100% bio-based. This matters for sustainability programs and companies tracking bio-content in their supply chain. PA12 is petroleum-derived.
Which MJF nylon has better heat resistance?
PA12 has a heat deflection temperature of 175°C compared to PA11 at 140°C. For parts exposed to elevated temperatures, PA12 is the better choice. Both far exceed typical engineering plastic HDT ranges.
When should I use Nylon PA12 Glass Filled?
PA12 Glass Filled (40% glass fiber) offers the highest stiffness in the MJF catalog at 2.5 GPa tensile modulus. Use it for structural brackets, housings under load, and applications where it can replace machined aluminum at lower weight and cost.
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