# PA12 nylon

Select polyamide 12 by grade and manufacturing route; interpret orientation, moisture, thermal tests and processing evidence for the actual component.

Reviewed: 2026-11-01

Tags: materials, polymers, polyamides, pa12, additive-manufacturing

## Identify the material and manufacturing route

EOS **PA 2200 Balance** at **120 µm layer thickness** reports dry **ISO 527-1/-2 tensile strength of 48 MPa in X/Y and 42 MPa in Z**. Its conditioned entries are blank. Use the named powder, process and orientation when selecting properties for a printed part. [EOS PA 2200 Balance data](https://www.eos.info/polymer-solutions/polymer-materials/data-sheets/mds-pa-2200)

**PA12 is polyamide 12**, a nylon family supplied for several manufacturing processes. Evonik identifies VESTAMID L as PA12, VESTAMID D as PA612 and VESTAMID E as a PA12/polyether block elastomer, PEBA. These related names do not describe interchangeable materials. Its PA12 portfolio emphasizes low water absorption, dimensional stability, low-temperature impact performance and resistance to oils, greases, fuels and many solvents. Those are family-selection claims, not approval for every fluid or load. [Evonik VESTAMID product families](https://www.evonik.com/en/company/businesslines/hp/polyamides/vestamid.html)

## Printed properties need orientation and process context

EOS's **PA 2200 Balance** datasheet identifies a PA12 powder and a **120 µm layer-thickness** process parameter. Its dry ISO 527-1/-2 results distinguish orientation:

| Property | X | Y | Z |
| --- | ---: | ---: | ---: |
| Tensile modulus | 1650 MPa | 1650 MPa | 1650 MPa |
| Tensile strength | 48 MPa | 48 MPa | 42 MPa |
| Strain at break | 18% | 18% | 4% |

The conditioned entries are blank, not zero. These are the named material/process entries, not minima for every PA12 print. [EOS PA 2200 material datasheet](https://www.eos.info/polymer-solutions/polymer-materials/data-sheets/mds-pa-2200)

The table illustrates why one modulus does not establish equal failure behavior in every direction. As an original comparison, Z tensile strength is `(48 − 42)/48 × 100 = 12.5%` below X/Y, while Z strain at break is about 78% lower. Neither percentage predicts an arbitrary bracket's failure load. Retain build orientation, parameter set, layer thickness, powder history and finishing with the qualification specimens.

Define the actual load path before orienting the build. Thin hinges, threaded features, holes and surface notches can require different evidence from a standard tensile coupon. Inspect critical dimensions after cooling and finishing, and test representative features when their failure governs function.

## Thermal tests answer different questions

The same EOS sheet reports melting temperature **176°C**, ISO 11357-1/-3. At **1.80 MPa**, its ISO 75-1/-2 heat-deflection entries are **64°C X** and **57°C Z**; at **0.45 MPa**, they are **157°C X** and **145°C Z**. Load and orientation therefore belong with the number. [EOS thermal-property table](https://www.eos.info/polymer-solutions/polymer-materials/data-sheets/mds-pa-2200)

Do not assign continuous service temperature from melting or heat deflection. For a loaded assembly, establish allowable deformation over time, thermal cycles, restraint and local heat generation. A component can lose fit, preload or stiffness well below melting. Consider the completed assembly's temperature distribution and load duration rather than choosing the largest temperature on a sheet.

## Moisture control during molding and extrusion

Evonik's **September 2017** VESTAMID processing guide says cold bags should reach ambient temperature before opening to avoid condensation, and opened bags should be resealed. Its guidance calls for drying damaged packs or material exposed for more than two hours until moisture is below **0.1%**. For its unplasticized PA12 row, dehumidified-air drying is **80–100°C for 2–4 hours**; the plasticized PA12 row instead specifies **80°C**. Confirm the current instructions for the ordered grade and dryer. [Evonik processing guide, page 1](https://products.evonik.com/assets/32/28/VESTAMID_Processing_EN_EN_243228.pdf)

These pellet-processing conditions are not a powder-bed refresh recipe or a finished-part conditioning procedure. Record moisture measurement, storage exposure and drying history where they affect production. A general reputation for low absorption does not remove moisture control or prove dimensional stability under every humidity cycle.

The guide also warns that foreign-polymer contamination can weaken weld lines, including contamination between PA12 and PA612. It recommends a compatible carrier for color concentrate and cautions against assuming that a nominally neutral carrier is harmless. Keep resin changeover, coloring and regrind controlled by the actual process requirements. [Evonik compatibility and coloring guidance, page 2](https://products.evonik.com/assets/32/28/VESTAMID_Processing_EN_EN_243228.pdf)

## Chemical exposure and finished-part qualification

Define the actual fluid formulation, concentration, temperature, pressure, contact duration and cleaning sequence. Include lubricants, additives and incidental contamination. A supplier's broad fuel-resistance claim cannot qualify an unknown fuel blend, cleaner or sterilization cycle. Establish acceptable swelling, strength retention, leakage and dimensional change for the selected grade and process.

For a printed fluid component, evaluate the entire wall and connection system. Bulk material compatibility does not establish leak tightness, permeability or pressure-cycle life; surface treatment or impregnation adds another material and process to qualify. Likewise, an application list mentioning medical parts does not approve a particular finished device or sterilization method.

For bearings, clips and fixtures, identify contact pressure, movement, counterface, wear allowance and retained force. Short-term tensile strength cannot establish creep life, friction or fatigue life. A material substitution must preserve the required function, not merely match a nominal PA12 label.

## Purchase and release record

Sources reviewed November 1, 2026. EOS's page states **last changed October 20, 2026**. Its separately rendered status dates are not treated as that revision date. Evonik's processing PDF explicitly prints **September 2017**; its current product-family page gives no technical revision date. Confirm current grade instructions before manufacturing.

## Related reference

[Material selection through production](../grades-tempers-and-conditions.md)