Nylon 12 is a semi-crystalline, FDM® thermoplastic. As with other semi-crystalline materials used in traditional manufacturing processes, special considerations should be implemented to ensure an optimal part is obtained. The information in this document illustrates the following considerations:
- Tip Selection
- Build Modes
- Porosity
- Sacrificial Tower Features
- Build Sheets
- Support Removal
- Annealing
FDM® Nylon 12 filament is the 3D printing equivalent of standard industrial PA12 (polyamide 12) material. A strong engineering thermoplastic that exhibits toughness and high impact strength without being brittle. Its excellent fatigue properties make it a good option for repetitive-flex applications such as snap-fit clips, closures, and press-fit inserts.
Other applications include jigs, fixtures, low-volume production parts, and accurate prototyping of nylon 12 high-volume injection molded parts. FDM Nylon 12 is available in black.
FDM® Nylon 12CF™ is a PA12 (polyamide 12) thermoplastic filament reinforced with chopped carbon fiber, 35% by weight. It has the highest flexural strength of any FDM thermoplastic, resulting in the highest stiffness-to-weight ratio. The combination of high strength, stiffness, and light weight makes it an optimal replacement for heavier metal components in appropriate use cases.
Typical applications include strong, lightweight tooling, functional prototyping and select end-use parts.
FDM Nylon 6™ combines strength and toughness superior to other FDM thermoplastics, for applications that require strong, customized parts and tooling that lasts longer and withstands rigorous functional testing.
Engineered with nylon 6, a popular thermoplastic for manufacturing, this material works with the Fortus 900mc™ to produce durable parts with a clean finish and high break resistance. FDM Nylon 6 is ideal for product manufacturers and development engineers in automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, and industrial manufacturing.
PC-ABS is a blend of polycarbonate (PC) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) thermoplastics. The result is an FDM filament that exhibits optimal characteristics of each – excellent strength, high toughness and heat resistance, and good flexural strength. Choose PC-ABS when you need the strength of PC but the impact resistance of ABS.
PC-ABS is suitable for various applications that include prototyping, tooling, and low-volume production. Available colors are black, white, and red.
PC-ISO (polycarbonate-ISO), an industrial thermoplastic, is biocompatible in its raw state (ISO 10993 USP Class VI)* and can be gamma or EtO sterilized. PC-ISO is commonly used in food and drug packaging and medical device manufacturing because of the material’s strength and medical compatibility. When combined with a Fortus® 3D Printer, PC-ISO gives you parts that can be used for conceptual modeling, functional prototyping, and production parts.
Material properties are an important consideration when evaluating additive manufacturing for advanced applications such as production runs of end-use parts. Since these products will be in service for extended periods and in varying conditions, qualifying the properties beyond published specifications is imperative.
ULTEM™ 1010 resin is a flame-retardant, high-performance thermoplastic for direct digital manufacturing and rapid prototyping. ULTEM™ 1010 resin offers good chemical resistance, high heat resistance and tensile strength, and the lowest coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of any FDM® thermoplastic. Its high strength-to-weight ratio and FST (flame, smoke, and toxicity) ratings make it an excellent choice for the commercial transportation industry, especially aerospace, marine, and ground vehicles.
ULTEM™ 1010 resin is offered in a certified grade (ULTEM™ 1010 resin CG), with documentation for food contact and biocompatibility compliance.
