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PA12 GF20 and GF40 Glass-Filled Nylon

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Motor housing printed in PA12 GF20 nylon for high stiffness

SLS PA12 GF20 Nylon for Industrial 3D Printing

SLS PA12 GF20 is a glass bead reinforced nylon for parts that need higher stiffness with useful toughness. It keeps fine detail, steady size, and low distortion. The beads raise heat tolerance and reduce creep so parts hold shape in warm service. Chemical resistance remains strong. Holes and bosses print sharp and accept heat set inserts. Typical uses include covers, housings, brackets, and mounts that see moderate loads and light knocks. The natural surface is a fine matte from the SLS process. Main tradeoffs are lower elongation than unfilled PA12 and less impact resistance.

SLS PA12 GF40 Nylon for Industrial 3D Printing

SLS PA12 GF40 is the most rigid glass bead nylon for parts that must stay flat and true. It delivers the highest stiffness and the best size stability in our PA12 group with very low creep. Deflection under load is small even at elevated temperatures. Impact toughness is lower than PA12 GF20 and edges can chip if made too thin. Holes and seats print precise and work well with heat set inserts. Common uses include fixtures, jigs, gauges, alignment frames, and structural housings. The natural surface is a fine matte from the SLS process. Expect the lowest flex with a tradeoff of reduced ductility and a firmer feel during assembly.

Honeycomb lattice panel made from PA12 GF40 nylon demonstrating rigidity and structure

What is SLS PA12 GF Series Nylon

Selective Laser Sintering uses a laser to fuse thin layers of nylon powder into solid geometry inside a heated build chamber. PA12 refers to nylon 12, a long chain polyamide with low moisture uptake compared with other nylons. For our glass filled series, we has 20% glass by weight for GF20 and 40% glass filled by weight for GF40 expanding applications. The low moisture uptake helps parts hold size and mechanical performance over time. The process supports complex internal features because unsintered powder supports the part during the build. No support structures are required, which reduces post processing and preserves fine details.

Applications that Benefit from PA12 GF20 & GF40 Nylon

Precision fixtures and gauges where GF40 keeps faces flat and hole positions stable for accurate set up while GF20 handles daily use with steady size and some impact room.
Drill guides and templates where GF40 holds tight hole spacing during repeat work while GF20 suits hand tools where extra toughness helps.
Alignment plates and mounting bases where GF40 maintains alignment for cameras and sensors in warm cabinets while GF20 supports general bases and brackets on the line.
Machine panels and access doors where GF40 keeps large panels flat and quiet over time while GF20 reduces flex and rattle on covers and skins.
Press fit and insert heavy bosses where both grades accept heat set inserts with clean seats with GF40 giving very stable threads and GF20 being more forgiving during press.
Pick and place trays and carriers where GF40 keeps pocket size steady for repeat picks while GF20 absorbs small bumps during handling.
Soft jaws and workholding blocks where GF40 gives a rigid hold for repeatable clamping while GF20 offers a firm grip with a little give to protect parts.
Electronics face plates and back plates where GF40 maintains flatness for gasket seals and connector spacing while GF20 is a strong choice for covers and bases.
Structural spacers and standoffs where GF40 resists creep under steady load and heat while GF20 works well for general service where loads vary.
Valve boards and manifold plates where GF40 provides flat faces and firm insert seats for fittings while GF20 supports lighter duty boards with stable walls.

Why Teams Choose PA12 GF Series Nylon

Graphic showing maximum build size capabilities for PA12 GF series

Maximum Size

300 x 250 x 350mm (Standard)

Value

Less economical SLS material, but still great value

Repeatability

Has some variation due to smaller processing window

Finish Options

Standard | Dyed

Reliable mechanical performance. PA12 offers strong tensile performance with useful elongation. The result is parts that resist cracking under load and tolerate snap fits and living hinges when designed correctly.
Dimensional stability. Low moisture absorption helps parts maintain size in typical shop and field conditions. GF series is more stable over
More dense with durable surfaces. Nylon resists abrasion better than many rigid plastics and keeps a clean surface after repeated handling.

Chemical resistance. PA12 GF series stands up well to oils, fuels, greases, and many solvents, which suits housings and fluid path components.
Thermal capability. GF Series offers even higher service temperatures for many automotive and industrial uses.
Production ready workflow. GF series parts offer true nesting and part stacking, but not as efficient due to glass beads heat build up.
Finishing flexibility. Parts can be dyed black.

PA12 GF Series Nylon Material Properties

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Heat Resistance

Has great temperature resistance a little better then the standard Nylon options especially under load.

Stiffness

The material has great tensile strength for precision fixtures and drill guide applications.

Flex

The material has great flexural strength for machine panels and access door applications.

Elongation

With a lower elongation at break, these materials are more suitable for parts with rigid structures.

Impact Resistance

Although still decent impact resistance, PA12 GF series is less then unfilled PA12 Nylon which is still good for covers and panels.

Distortion Resistance

Even under load and temperature, the material is highly resistant to large distortion affects.

Chemical Resistance

One of the most chemically inert plastics. Can handle water, greases, oils, fuels, hydraulic fluids, alkalis and many solvents

Environmental Resistance

Can be used in outdoor environments including UV sunlight. Select dye option to hide slight color change over time.

PA12 GF Series Nylon Design Guidelines

Accuracy and Tolerances

We optimize our powder fed fusion systems with regular calibration and thermal profile control to achieve best possible accuracy and tolerances.

Minimum Wall Thickness

This is the thinnest wall we can successfully build. You may accept thinner walls at your own risk.

Minimum Feature Size

This is the smallest thickness for raised text or fine features. Measure the stroke width of the detail, not the full width of a letter.

Minimum Recessed Features

This is the smallest depth for recessed text or fine grooves. Measure the stroke width of the cut, not the full width of a letter.

Minimum Hole Size

This is the smallest hole we can clear of powder. Longer or twisting holes need larger diameters so the powder can exit.

Part Spacing

This is the gap needed between two mating pieces such as a lid and a box. Double the value for each facing surface such as interlocking components.

Flatness

Large flat shapes can warp as they cool. Try to add ribs or design reliefs before printing wide plates. We may angle parts in the build if necessary.

Minimum Angle

This is the smallest angle we recommend to avoid visible layer lines. We optimize part orientation for resolution, accuracy and build speed.

Minimum Radius

Sharp corners should use a radius. Rounded edges stay stronger and resist damage during handling and finishing. Chamfers are also better.

1 σ: ±0.1mm or 0.1%

2 σ: ±0.3mm or 0.3%

Standard: 1mm

Shotpeen: 1.5mm

Vapor Smoothed: 2mm

Width: 0.7mm

Height: 0.3mm

Width: 0.5mm

Depth: 0.3mm

All holes should be larger than 1.5mm in diameter.

Tight fit: 0.15mm

Smooth fit: 0.25mm

Parts over 140 mm and thin long structures may warp

Min Angle: >15°

Min Radius: 1mm

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