What advantages do PA12 and PA11 offer for batch manufacturing in MJF?
Material Stability and Consistency
PA12 and PA11 are two of the most widely used polymers in Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) because they deliver exceptional batch-to-batch stability, making them ideal for scalable production. PA12 offers excellent dimensional accuracy, low moisture absorption, and a naturally smooth surface finish, enabling manufacturers to produce large volumes of housings, clips, and functional mechanisms with minimal post-processing. PA11, derived from bio-based sources, provides superior ductility and impact resistance, which is particularly beneficial in high-performance sectors such as automotive and aerospace and aviation, where repeatable mechanical behavior is essential.
Batch Efficiency and Production Speed
Both PA12 and PA11 are optimized for high-density nesting inside the MJF build chamber. Their excellent powder flow characteristics improve packing efficiency, allowing more parts to be produced per cycle and significantly lowering the cost per part. PA12’s thermal stability ensures uniform fusion across the entire batch, supporting tight tolerances and highly consistent mechanical properties. PA11’s flexibility and toughness enable batches of snap-fit components, brackets, and protective covers to be manufactured without risk of cracking during depowdering or downstream handling.
Functional Performance for End-Use Applications
Parts printed with PA12 are known for high strength-to-weight ratios, abrasion resistance, and excellent dimensional control—traits that support end-use components in electronics, industrial tooling, and fluid-handling systems. PA11 excels in applications requiring fatigue resistance, impact strength, and long-term durability, making it well suited for hinges, living mechanisms, and vibration-absorbing elements. When combined with the uniform fusion behavior of MJF and supported by professional 3D printing services, both materials enable scalable production that rivals injection-molded part quality.
