Light-colored polyamide 12 for functional parts, visible components, and industrial series production. PA 12 W | Light Gray combines a grayish white to very light gray surface with good mechanical performance and high weathering resistance under the conditions evaluated in the HP test.
PA 12 W | Light Gray is an engineering plastic for housings, covers, brackets, and other functional components. The material is processed on an HP Jet Fusion 5620 Pro and is suitable for complex parts, from functional prototypes to series production.
The light-colored surface results from the interaction between the white PA 12 W powder and the agents used in the process. The black fusing agent produces a dark part core, while the exterior appears grayish white to very light gray. The base color is therefore a characteristic result of the process rather than a defined RAL color.
Key technical properties for evaluating the material.
Housings, covers, panels, sensor mounts, and custom equipment components.
The light base color is suitable for visible technical components. Fasteners, ribs, and mounting features can be integrated directly into the geometry.
Sensor housings, covers, brackets, and other components exposed to UV radiation and weathering.
PA 12 W processed on the HP 5600 series showed very good property retention during accelerated weathering. This makes Light Gray an attractive option for applications exposed to UV radiation and moisture.
Handles, controls, colored covers, and components for visual identification.
The light base color provides a starting point for additional coloring. Function and color can be combined in a custom-manufactured part.
Light Gray is particularly attractive when a light-colored surface or good weathering resistance is required. If cost, mechanical performance, or surface quality is the sole priority, other PA 12 variants may be a better fit.
The part needs a light-colored appearance without an opaque coating.
UV radiation and moisture are relevant operating conditions.
The part needs to be dyed or given a specified color finish.
Mechanical function needs to be combined with a light-colored appearance.
PA 12 W | Light Gray is currently manufactured exclusively using the material-specific “Standard” printing process. Production takes place on the latest MJF system generation used at 3Faktur, the HP Jet Fusion 5620 Pro. Unlike the older HP Jet Fusion 5420, which was developed specifically for PA 12 W, the 5620 Pro uses a black fusing agent. This produces a dark part core with a grayish white to very light gray surface. On the 5420, the core is more bluish and the surface is a cool white with a slight blue tint.
The key design guidelines for PA 12 W | Light Gray are listed below. These values are guidelines and may vary depending on part geometry.
Larger unsupported surfaces and load-bearing areas require thicker walls or suitable ribbing.
Thick sections should be hollowed out or given a lattice structure to reduce dimensional deviations, surface defects, and warping. Unless you object, we will make these modifications free of charge. Also avoid abrupt changes in wall thickness.
Features positioned too close together may fuse during printing. Please upload separate objects (“shells”) as individual files unless they are physically connected.
Make small details and lettering sufficiently pronounced. Their ability to print successfully also depends on orientation.
Powder can be removed from short holes and readily accessible channels. Increase the diameter as the length increases. Long, narrow, or highly curved channels may prevent complete powder removal and should be reviewed in advance.
Hollow parts can be printed, but openings at least 10 mm in diameter must be included so that excess material can be removed. Plan for multiple openings in larger cavities. The powder is compacted during printing, making excess material very difficult to remove.
Threads of sufficient size can be printed if they are included in the CAD data. Please account for the general tolerances. Smaller threads can be tapped after printing. Threaded inserts can be used for connections subject to higher loads or frequent assembly.
In Multi Jet Fusion, loose plastic powder is fused layer by layer. The material shrinks as it cools. The effect of this shrinkage on individual dimensions depends in part on the part geometry and its position in the build.
We control the manufacturing conditions that can be managed, from machines and peripheral equipment to temperature, humidity, and material quality. Even so, not all dimensional deviations can be fully compensated for. Our general tolerance specifies the dimensional variation we offer under these production conditions.
Tighter tolerances are technically possible through targeted optimization of the entire build job. However, the required development and inspection effort generally becomes economical only for very high-volume series production.
Alternatively, individual functional areas can be machined after printing. This additional operation is relatively labor-intensive and costly. It is therefore particularly suitable for complex, high-value parts where precise functional surfaces justify the extra effort.
Upskin surfaces are generally rougher in MJF. Larger surfaces, particularly in combination with thick walls, may develop raised edges and depressions toward the center (“sink effect”). Surface roughness is typically Ra 10–15 µm.
Downward-facing surfaces generally provide the best surface finish in MJF, with a more uniform texture and lower roughness. Surface roughness is typically Ra 5–8 µm.
In MJF, stair-stepping generally occurs only on surfaces inclined at a very shallow angle to the build platform. Roughness falls between upskin and downskin and is typically Ra 8–12 µm.
Shot peening or vapor smoothing can be used, for example, to achieve a more uniform feel or reduce surface texture. Available options are listed under “Color, surfaces, and post-processing.”
View post-processing optionsIndividual holes or mating surfaces can be post-processed selectively. Please note that material removal may expose the dark core.
View post-processing optionsMark visible surfaces, areas to be machined, and any surfaces that need to be masked.
Threads M6 and larger can be printed directly if they are included in the CAD data. The general tolerances must be taken into account. Smaller threads can be tapped after printing. Threaded inserts can be used for connections subject to higher loads or frequent assembly.
Please specify the type of fit and required tolerance in the technical drawing. Tight requirements may require subsequent machining. The necessary machining allowance must be included in the CAD model and agreed with us before manufacturing.
Clearly define the required final geometry, tolerances, fasteners, and planned machining.
Light Gray can be used in its light base color or further finished. The appropriate finish depends on color, feel, cleanability, and functional requirements.
The surface appears grayish white to very light gray and has a matte, fine texture. The part core is dark. The untreated base color does not correspond to a defined RAL color.
The following information describes the material system used and the basis for assessing its weathering resistance.
Inspection and documentation are tailored to the requirements of the part. For Light Gray, color, visible surfaces, and the agreed finish are often relevant alongside function-critical dimensions.
Inspection for externally visible manufacturing defects, damage, and surface irregularities.
Inspection of agreed dimensions and functional features against the technical drawing.
Comparison of color and surface finish against an agreed reference sample.
Additional tests can be arranged following a technical review.
The digital manufacturing record documents key production information: process decisions, material condition, post-processing, inspection and approval steps, and relevant information for repeat production.
The First Article Inspection Report documents the inspection of agreed characteristics on initial parts manufactured under the intended series production conditions. It provides the basis for customer approval of series production. The inspection scope and number of samples are agreed in advance.
The inspection certificate 3.1 confirms compliance with the agreed requirements and includes the results of specific inspections assigned to the delivery or defined inspection unit. The characteristics to be inspected and the inspection scope are agreed before the order is placed.
Answers about color, weathering resistance, function, and processing.
The untreated surface appears grayish white to very light gray. The color results from the material and the printing process. It does not correspond to a specified RAL color.
The black fusing agent makes the part core black. Subsequent material removal or deeper damage may expose this core.
In the HP study, PA 12 W processed on the 5600 series showed very good resistance to accelerated weathering. Loads, temperature, and the required service life must also be considered for the specific application.
Yes. The achievable color depends on the base color, surface, and finish. If a specific color is required, a sample with the intended finish should be approved.
Specified color requirements can be met through an agreed dyeing or painting process. Please specify the required color and, if possible, provide a physical reference sample.
Machining is possible. However, it may remove the light-colored outer surface and expose the dark core. For visible areas, the subsequent color and surface finish should be taken into account.
Leak-tightness depends in part on geometry, wall thickness, process, medium, and pressure.
In addition to the 3D data, we need the quantity, critical dimensions, operating conditions, and required finish. A reference sample is useful if specific appearance requirements apply.
Request a quote for your 3D data. For series production projects or special requirements, please also provide a drawing with critical dimensions and information on color, surface finish, and operating conditions.
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