Products · PA12
Polyamide 12 (PA12, Nylon 12) is a long-chain aliphatic polyamide with 12 carbon atoms between amide groups. The long aliphatic chain gives the lowest moisture absorption (0.7-1.5% at saturation) and the best chemical resistance among the commercial aliphatic polyamides. PA12 is widely used in automotive fuel lines (single-layer and multi-layer), pneumatic tubing, flexible industrial components, and selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printing powder. The combination of low moisture, flexibility, and chemical resistance is unique to PA12 in the polyamide family. Reference grades from Evonik (Vestamid), Arkema (Rilsamid), and EMS-Grivory (Grilamid) cover the full property range.
Section 1
A reference overview of the molecular architecture and the design variables that govern the performance of this polymer family.
PA12 is produced by either hydrolytic polymerization of laurolactam (12-carbon ring) or polycondensation of 12-aminododecanoic acid — both routes give the same C12 repeat unit. The long aliphatic chain (vs C6 in PA6 and C6 in PA66) gives the lowest amide group density, which is the root cause of PA12's defining properties: lowest moisture absorption, best chemical resistance, best low-temperature flexibility, and lowest density among commercial polyamides. PA12 is semi-crystalline with a melting point of 178°C, lower than PA6 (220°C) and PA66 (255°C). The lower melting point is a processing advantage in rotational molding and powder-bed 3D printing.
Section 2
Typical property ranges across commercial grades. Test methods are listed in the rightmost column for traceability to public manufacturer data sheets.
PA12's defining properties are the lowest moisture absorption (0.7-1.5% at saturation, vs 8-9% for PA66) and best chemical resistance among aliphatic polyamides, with the trade-off of lower mechanical strength and lower melting point than PA66. The low moisture absorption gives exceptional dimensional stability in humid environments.
| Property · 性能 | Unfilled PA12 | Glass-bead filled PA12 | Test Method · 测试方法 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density · 密度 | 1.01 – 1.03 g/cm³ | 1.20 – 1.30 g/cm³ | ASTM D792 |
| Melt Point · 熔点 | 175 – 180 °C | 175 – 180 °C | ISO 3146 |
| Tensile Strength · 拉伸强度 | 40 – 60 MPa | 45 – 70 MPa | ASTM D638 |
| Elongation at Break · 断裂伸长 | 200 – 300 % | 10 – 30 % | ASTM D638 |
| HDT (0.45 MPa) · 热变形 | 130 – 150 °C | 150 – 170 °C | ASTM D648 |
| Water Absorption (24h) · 吸水率 | 0.7 – 1.0 % | 0.4 – 0.7 % | ASTM D570 |
| Low-Temperature Brittleness · 低温脆性 | − 50 °C (no break) | − 30 °C | ASTM D746 |
Section 3
The major application areas for this polymer family, each illustrated with a brief description of how the material is specified and used.
PA12 is the workhorse material for automotive fuel lines, both single-layer (PA12 only) and multi-layer (PA12 / tie / EVOH / tie / PA12 for permeation barrier). The low moisture absorption gives dimensional stability, the chemical resistance handles gasoline, diesel, ethanol blends, and biofuels, and the low-temperature flexibility allows underbody routing in cold climates.
PA12 is widely used in pneumatic control tubing, compressed air lines, and chemical transfer tubing where flexibility, kink resistance, and chemical resistance are key. The low moisture absorption gives consistent dimensions in humid industrial environments.
PA12 is the most widely used polymer powder for selective laser sintering (SLS) and Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) 3D printing. The low melting point (178°C), narrow sintering window, low moisture absorption, and excellent recyclability make PA12 the industry default for functional prototypes and low-volume production parts in SLS/MJF.
Plasticized PA12 grades (with plasticizer or impact modifier) are used in flexible hose, bellows, cable jacketing, and other applications requiring sustained flexibility over a wide temperature range. Common in industrial automation and outdoor equipment.
Section 4
Key processing parameters and equipment considerations. Contact our business manager for grade-specific processing recommendations.
| Melt Temperature | 240 – 280 °C for injection; 200 – 240 °C for extrusion |
| Drying | 80 °C for 4 – 6 hours (moisture < 0.1%) |
PA12 has lower moisture sensitivity than PA66, but drying is still recommended for high-quality surface finish. The lower melting point (178°C) is a processing advantage: lower thermal stress, less energy, and broader material compatibility. For 3D printing, PA12 powder requires controlled humidity storage (typically < 0.1% moisture) and proper flow additive to maintain consistent powder flow and part density.
Section 5
A summary of when this polymer family is the right choice and what to consider as alternatives. For project-specific grade selection, contact our business manager.
Choose PA12 when the application requires low moisture absorption, broad chemical resistance, low-temperature flexibility, or SLS/MJF 3D printing compatibility. For higher mechanical strength and heat resistance, PA66 or PPA is preferred. For lower cost with similar chemical resistance in non-flexible applications, PA6 or PA66 may suffice.
Section 6
Reference grades from publicly available manufacturer catalogs. Complete catalog available on request.
| Grade | Manufacturer | Key Properties | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vestamid® L1930No vendor TDS · source on request | Evonik | Unfilled · High viscosity · Extrusion | Fuel line · Tubing extrusion |
| Vestamid® LX9013No vendor TDS · source on request | Evonik | Plasticized · Flexible · Impact modified | Flexible tubing · Cable jacketing |
| Rilsamid® AECHVO | Arkema | Plasticized · Stabilized · High impact | Sports equipment · Cable ties |
| Grilamid® TR 90No vendor TDS · source on request | EMS-Grivory | Amorphous PA12 · Transparent | Sports eyewear · Transparent parts |
Section 7
Cross-references to industry-specific applications and case studies.