What Makes PA11 vs PA12 Different for 3D printing

PA11 and PA12 are two of the most widely used nylons for SLS 3D printing. Both offer excellent durability, but they are not identical. Each material behaves differently under stress, heat, and impact. These differences matter when deciding which to use for your parts.

Upside Parts - PA11 vs PA12

In this post, we compare PA11 vs PA12 using verified technical data from EOS, a leading SLS material supplier. For PA11, we reference EOS PA 1101 ClimateNeutral, a popular bio-based powder with published thermal and mechanical performance values.

This article should help you make the right choice between nylon PA11 vs PA12 when you decide on a material for a part that bends, snaps, or holds up under heat.

Nylon PA11 vs PA12 for Functional Parts

When comparing nylon PA11 vs PA12, the main difference is how each one behaves when parts flex, snap, or face high temperatures.

PA11 is more ductile. It stretches more before breaking and can handle repeated impact or bending. According to EOS’s product listing for PA 1101 ClimateNeutral, PA11 has a strain at break of 30 percent, a tensile strength of 50 MPa, and handles up to 180 °C at low load.

PA12 is stiffer. It holds shape better under load and offers higher heat resistance at structural loads. EOS lists PA12 (PA 2200) with a lower strain at break of 18 percent and a higher heat deflection temperature of 64 °C at 1.80 MPa.

Side-by-Side Material Comparison

The table below compares key values for PA11 and PA12. For PA11, we use EOS PA 1101 ClimateNeutral. For PA12, we use EOS PA 2200.

Property	PA11 (EOS PA 1101 ClimateNeutral)	PA12 (EOS PA 2200)
Tensile Modulus (MPa)	1650	1650
Tensile Strength (MPa)	50	48
Strain at Break (%)	30	18
HDT at 1.80 MPa (°C)	46	64
HDT at 0.45 MPa (°C)	180	157
Density (g/cm³)	1.03	0.93

Source: EOS PA 1101 ClimateNeutral, EOS PA 2200

This data makes it easier to see what matters. PA11 bends farther before breaking and can handle higher temperature spikes at low pressure. PA12 is more stable when used under load at elevated temperatures.

When to Choose PA12 vs PA11

Each material is a good choice for different reasons. Here’s how to decide between PA12 vs PA11 based on your part’s function.

Choose PA11 if:

• Your part needs to flex, snap, or absorb impact

• You are printing clips, buckles, or living hinges

• Your application values sustainability and bio-based feedstock

• The part will be dyed or colored and needs high surface quality

Choose PA12 if:

• Your part will operate near heat or under pressure

• You are printing enclosures, brackets, or load-bearing fixtures

• Dimensional accuracy and stability over time are important

• You want a lower-density material with smooth finishes

Practical Insight on Nylon PA11 vs PA12

In practice, nylon PA11 vs PA12 also differs in how they age and respond to the environment. PA11 tends to absorb more moisture, which makes it slightly more flexible over time. This can benefit impact resistance but might affect precise dimensions.

PA12 absorbs less moisture and holds its shape well, even in humid conditions. That makes it a better fit for tight assemblies, rigid guides, and parts that interface with other mechanical systems.

Both support common finishing processes such as dyeing and smoothing. If your part is customer-facing, either can be polished or colored to match product aesthetics.

You may also want to read our post on how to choose CNC vs 3D printing to understand their strengths and limitations.

PA12 vs PA11 for Temperature and Stress

When deciding between PA12 vs PA11 based on heat and stress, pay attention to how the part will be used. If it’s exposed to steady pressure in a warm environment, PA12 holds its shape longer. Its HDT at 1.80 MPa is 64 °C, which means it resists softening when clamped or mounted.

PA11, on the other hand, has an HDT of 180 °C at 0.45 MPa. This makes it more suitable for parts that may heat up briefly but do not carry sustained loads, such as clips or covers exposed to sunlight or engine heat without pressure.

Always consider the combination of temperature and mechanical stress. A material with good thermal resistance may still fail if flexed too far, and a flexible material may lose shape under pressure.

Consider Your Part’s Future Performance

The choice between PA11 and PA12 comes down to how your part is expected to perform. PA11 offers flexibility and durability under impact. PA12 offers stiffness and better stability under load at temperature.

If you are still unsure which one to choose, we can help. Upload your 3D model to our website and let us know how your part will be used. We will review your application and confirm the right material, print orientation, and finishing options. We provide 3D printing in Massachusetts and guide clients nationwide through the whole 3D printing process.