Nylon 12
Nylon 12 is a synthetic 3D printed polymer material that’s strong, durable and also has some flex to it. As a result, Nylon is a great material choice for snap fits, brackets, clips, and spring features. Nylon is also used for its thermal applications and can withstand temperatures up to 177℃.
Nylon 12 parts are susceptible to shrinkage, due to the laser sintering mechanism and the cooling process. For large, thin parts, warping is highly likely, so we strongly recommend increasing thickness or adding ribbing in the design to mitigate risk.
Fictiv offers Nylon 12 produced through Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and also Multi Jet Fusion (MJF). As a result, a finished product from either of these technologies will have slightly different properties and risks. MJF machines deposit a detailing agent along the exterior of a part that, after media blasting, results in a less coarse surface finish compared with the SLS process. MJF parts also come off the bed grey, whereas SLS Nylon parts are white. Both can be dyed black afterwards.
MJF has a slightly better resolution compared with SLS, with a layer height at 0.08 mm compared with 0.1 mm for SLS. If you’re prototyping smaller quantities under around 25 units, SLS is generally more cost-effective. At higher bridge production quantities, MJF becomes more cost effective because of the machine’s modular design and faster production speed.
As for mechanical properties, MJF Nylon has a higher flexural strength than SLS Nylon. Therefore, MJF Nylon is typically considered more often for end-use parts and functional testing under higher loads.
SLS Glass-Filled Nylon 12 is a high-performance material designed for creating strong and durable parts. The mixture of nylon 12 and fine glass fibers provides a unique combination of strength, stiffness, and chemical resistance. It has an elevated temperature resistance, making it suitable for a variety of applications, including automotive, aerospace, and medical. The material is also resistant to abrasion, fatigue, and corrosion.
Due to its high impact-resistance and ductile strength, Nylon 11 is best suited for impact-resistant prototypes, jigs, and fixtures. Nylon 11 can also be used for thin-walled ducts and enclosures. The ductile properties make it exceptional for features that must move without breaking, including snaps, clips, and hinges.
Nylon 12 Glass-Filled
SLS Glass-Filled Nylon 12 is a high-performance material designed for creating strong and durable parts. The mixture of nylon 12 and fine glass fibers provides a unique combination of strength, stiffness, and chemical resistance. It has an elevated temperature resistance, making it suitable for a variety of applications, including automotive, aerospace, and medical. The material is also resistant to abrasion, fatigue, and corrosion.
Nylon 11
Due to its high impact-resistance and ductile strength, Nylon 11 is best suited for impact-resistant prototypes, jigs, and fixtures. Nylon 11 can also be used for thin-walled ducts and enclosures. The ductile properties make it exceptional for features that must move without breaking, including snaps, clips, and hinges.
