Overview

3DPRINTUK operates the most advanced MJF 3D printing system (5210) in the UK. Our wealth of experience with polymer materials and the SLS powder bed fusion (PBF) process for more than a decade allows us to transfer this knowledge to the MJF (MultiJet Fusion) process to meet client demands. To do this, 3DPRINTUK has invested in the most advanced MJF system on the market – the 5210 system from HP.

MJF Nylon 12 has been engineered especially for HP Multi Jet Fusion technology and has been designed for production of functional parts across a variety of industries. MJF Nylon 12 provides the best balance between performance and reusability and has been engineered to produce final parts and functional prototypes with fine detail and dimensional accuracy.

• Achieves near watertight properties without any additional post-processing
• Biocompatibility—meets USP Class I-VI and US FDA guidance for Intact Skin Surface Devices

• Provides good chemical resistance to oils, greases, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and alkalies
• Robust thermoplastic produces highdensity parts with balanced property profiles and strong structures

MJF Nylon 12 is a high-performance alternative to plastics like ABS or PA6 that have proven their value in injection moulding. Ideal for complex assemblies, housings, enclosures, and watertight applications.

Max print size: 350mm(X) x 255mm(Y) x 350mm(Z)

Look & Feel

The material is peppered grey colour in its natural form, but can be dyed black for an additional 10%.

The natural surface finish is smooth, but has a powdery feel to it – very much like SLS. This is comparable with an extra strong mint. To improve the surface finish we have two options, the first is Shot peening, only availble in conjunction with dyeing black,  that greatly improves the surface finish for MJF PA12 printed parts bringing them very close to the finish of an injection moulded part giving it a textured gloss finish. Alternatively, if you can choose our free polishing service, you will get a far smoother finish for no extra cost – this is a finish comparable to a Soft Mint/Mentos but can become a little rougher to touch if dyed.

Please note we do not recommend polishing undyed MJF PA12 parts unless you are dyeing or painting the parts as it is visually unattractive in the natural colour.

(Above Top – Bottom) Natural finish, dyed black finish, Shotpeen black finish close up.

(Above) MJF PA12 parts in their natural finish.

UV Degradation
No noticeable physical degradation has been observed to the properties of the part.

Elemental Degradation
Based on our experience the material stands up to the test of time very well.

Colour, Texture & Flex

The material comes in peppered gray colour which is fairly consistent across the part, however there can be a slight variation from dark to light grey. Dyeing the part black will give a much more uniform colour to it as well, so this is strongly recommended where possible.

Like SLS parts, the surface finish has a grainy texture to it – however it feels a little less powdery in some instances due to the detailing agent, however, this is a very, very slight difference and not really noticeable in most cases.

MJF PA12 parts do have a degree of flexibility, much like SLS PA12 parts – they can be used for nice snap fits as well as be functionally rigid when thicker.

Finishing options: Natural Grey | Dyed Black | SP – Dyed Black | Polished Dyed Black

(Above) The cross section of a natural finish, SLS part (left) and a MJF part (right). As you can see, the MJF part is black all the way through where as a dyed black SLS part will be white on the inside.

Accuracy & Melting point

The parts are the same accuracy as SLS – official stats from HP are +-0.25mm per 100mm with a lower limit of +-0.25mm, but being a heat process, different models are affected in different ways.  Please see our page dedicated to the machine accuracy.

The layer height is 0.08mm, please note that layer height is different to part accuracy. Some companies will quote the layer height as the part accuracy – this is incorrect and can lead to disappointing results.

The official melting point is just above 189° C / 372.2° F. From our personal experience we find that thin parts start to go slightly ‘floppy’ at just over 100°C whilst thicker ones stay stronger until nearer the melting point.

Porosity

The material is very slightly porous. With water the porosity is relatively low, we tested a cup with a 1mm wall thickness and had no visual leaks or pools of water. We have had clients successfully use the material for underwater applications such as turbines, pipe connectors and valves.

Weaknesses

• Cannot be dyed any other colour other than black
• Thick solid parts can have poor surface finish know as “Elephant Skin” if not hollowed

• Nested files can be more expensive

• Polished Natural Grey parts can be patchy and unattractive
• Parts are printed at angles so can show layer lines more than SLS

Technical Data

Certifications
USP Class I-VI and US FDA guidance for Intact Skin Surface Devices, RoHS,11 EU REACH, PAHs, UL 94, UL 746A

Datasheets

For more information on MJF Nylon 12 please download the datasheet you require from the list below. If you have any further questions please feel free to give us a call to discuss your project.

HP HR PA12 Summary of Regulatory Compliance and Environmental
HP-Biocompatibility certificate
HP-High Reusability
HP-PA12 Reusability UL94 UL746A
HP-PAHs Certificate
HP-ROHS-Reach
HP-Statement of composition for toy applications

Download all of the datasheets in one file using the button below (632kb)

Other materials

SLS Flexible(PEBA 2301) for rubber-like parts

SLS Nylon 12 (PA2200)