Polyamide 12 (PA 12) is a rigid, high-strength plastic specifically developed for additive series production. PA 12 | Essential is our cost-optimized variant and has complemented the portfolio since 2021 as a particularly economical option.
The powder marketed by HP under the trade name “HP 3D HR PA 12, enabled by Evonik” is processed in the Multi Jet Fusion process in the resource-saving “Fast Mode”. The parts produced in this way offer solid mechanical strength as well as thermal and chemical resistance – at minimized unit costs. This makes PA 12 | Essential ideal for price-sensitive series production, functional prototypes, and all applications where cost efficiency is key.
Quick Facts
Technology
Multi Jet Fusion
Colors
gray
black (dyed)
Build volume
min. 10 mm
max. 380 mm
Production time
3 business days (Priority)
6 business days (Standard)
12 business days (Flex)
Accuracy
± 0.3 %
(min. ± 0.3 mm)
PA 12 | Essential – our cost-optimized solution
From the raw material “HP 3D HR PA 12, enabled by Evonik” we manufacture three variants:
- PA 12 | Essential – cost-optimized entry-level solution
- PA 12 | Performance – optimized for the highest demands
PA 12 | Essential complements our portfolio as the most affordable option. Printing is carried out in the “Fast Mode” provided by HP with a layer thickness of 110 µm. This print profile shortens build times, reduces powder consumption, and lowers unit costs – without losing the basic properties typical of polyamide 12.
Why Essential?
- Maximum cost efficiency – lowest unit costs thanks to high build speed and low material usage
- Solid part quality – reliable strength and resistance values for non-critical functional or housing parts
- Sustainability – high proportion of recycled powder and energy-efficient processes
- Fast time-to-market – ideal for cost- and time-critical series, pilot runs, small series, or economical functional prototypes
This makes PA 12 | Essential a smart choice for all applications where an attractive price-performance ratio is key – ahead of the well-balanced Classic variant and the high-performance Performance version.
Material properties of PA 12 | Essential
Mechanical properties
Polyamide 12 | Essential is a robust, durable material for economical 3D printing series. Due to the larger layer thickness in “Fast Mode,” part isotropy is slightly reduced; therefore, the Z-direction shows somewhat lower strength values compared to our Classic and Performance variants. For identical safety margins, we recommend moderately increasing the wall thickness compared to these two variants.
- Tensile strength:
- X/Y: ~45 MPa
- Z: ~40 MPa
- Elongation at break:
- X/Y: ~15 %
- Z: ~10 %
- Young’s modulus: ~1,650 MPa (in both directions)
- Density: ~0.9 – 1.0 g /cm³ (geometry-dependent)
Thermal properties
For continuous loads, 95 °C should not be exceeded. For short-term loads, up to max. 120 °C is possible depending on geometry. In particular, for thin wall thicknesses (< 2 mm) and/or simultaneous mechanical stress, load capacity is reduced.
- Heat deflection temperature (HDT) at 0.45 MPa: 175 °C
- Heat deflection temperature (HDT) at 1.82 MPa: 95 °C
Surface properties
Using the Multi Jet Fusion process, polyamide 12 is fused layer by layer as a fine powder. In their raw state, the parts therefore have a matte, slightly rough feel – comparable to fine sandpaper. The typical stair-step effects of 3D printing are particularly visible on surfaces with an inclination angle of less than about 15°.
With PA 12 | Essential we print in Fast Mode with 110 µm layer thickness. The larger layers create more pronounced layer lines and thus stronger stair-step effects than with our Classic or Performance variants. The roughness within the XY plane remains essentially the same; the perceived increase in roughness results almost exclusively from the coarser steps in the Z direction.
- Roughness Ra bottom: 5 ± 2 µm
- Roughness Ra top: 10 ± 2 µm
- Roughness Ra slope (45°): –
Color
In the 3D printing process (more details on Multi Jet Fusion), the white PA 12 powder is fused with a black colorant. The parts are therefore completely black inside. On the surface, a white proportion remains, consisting among other things of sintered white powder grains. This results in the typical gray production color. For technical reasons, this is rather inhomogeneous with light and dark areas.
An optional black dyeing process is available, in which the remaining white portion is pigmented. The result is homogeneous, completely black parts (i.e. also inside).
Downloads
- Material data sheet: Material data sheet PA 12
- RoHS/Reach: RoHS/REACH certificate
- Flammability: UL 94 and UL 746A Certification
- UV stability: Accelerated Weathering Test
- Chemical resistance: Chemical Compatibility with Automotive Fluids
- Overview regulatory requirements: Summary of Regulatory Compliance and Environmental Attributes
- Biocompatibility: USP Class I-VI and FDA Intact Skin Surface Devices Certification
- Application for toys: Statement of Composition for Toy Applications
Manufacturing tolerance
The general tolerance for Polyamide 12 | Essential is ± 0.3 mm up to 100 mm external dimension, above that ± 0.3%. For large, flat geometries, warping may also occur.
Post-processing of PA 12 | Essential
Black dyeing & Shot Peening
Recommended for visible parts: dyeing and subsequent surface compaction for an optically and haptically high-quality surface
Ordering information
- Delivery time: + 1 working day
- Price: depending on quantity and size, typical unit costs approx. EUR 1 – EUR 10 excl. VAT
- Maximum size: 350 x 250 x 150 mm
More information can be found on our dyeing page. Bright colors are possible with white PA 12 | White.
Vapor Smoothing (Chemical smoothing)
Chemical surface treatment, resulting in a pore-free surface with reduced roughness. Main applications are fluid- or gas-carrying components, parts requiring easy cleaning (medical, cleanroom) or as a basis for subsequent coating processes (reduction of “outgassing”, reduction of porosity, smoothing).
Ordering information
- Delivery time: + 3 working days
- Price: depending on quantity and size, typical unit costs of approx. EUR 5 – EUR 10 plus VAT.
Further information can be found under Chemical smoothing.
Painting
In wet painting, a paint specifically designed for Polyamide 12 is applied.
Order information
- Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks
- Price: strongly dependent on size and quantity. Note: The minimum order value for processing is EUR 100 plus VAT.
Learn more on our Painting page.
Design guidelines
The following is a brief overview of the most important rules for designing your additively manufactured parts. You can find more detailed information and tutorials on design for 3D printing.
Minimum wall thicknesses
The minimum wall thickness should not be less than 1.0 mm. For longer objects/surfaces or objects exposed to mechanical stress, you should increase the wall thickness.
Cavities
Hollow objects can be printed, but openings (min. 10 mm diameter) must be added to allow excess material to be removed. For larger cavities, you should plan several openings. The raw material is compacted during the printing process, making it very difficult to remove excess material.
Clearances
Maintain a clearance of min. 0.5 mm for grooves or closely spaced walls. Individual objects (“shells”) must always be uploaded as separate files unless they are firmly connected.
Resolution
Details down to a size of approx. 0.5 mm can be represented.
Interlocked objects
Interlocked objects can be printed. Please observe the minimum clearance between objects of at least 0.5 mm. Also ensure that the relevant areas are accessible to remove excess material powder.
Size
The object should not be larger than 370 x 274 x 380 mm.
Prices
Quotation
You can receive an instant price quote for your model in our online 3D printing service. PA 12 | Essential is our most cost-effective PA 12 variant.
Calculation
Prices are calculated based on, among other things, machine volume, model surface, and material usage.
Express/Priority surcharge approx. 25%
Minimum order value
EUR 50 plus VAT (EUR 59.50 incl. VAT) / order
Discounts
For larger quantities, a significant reduction compared to the standard price is possible, depending on quantity, part size, and geometry.
