PA12 engineering-grade polymer for SAF
Polyamide 12 (PA12) for high volume applications requiring dimensional accuracy at a low cost per part.
A versatile polymer for powder bed technologies
High Volume. High Accuracy. Low Costs.
SAF™ PA12 parts are stiffer than PA11 and perfect for those applications where rigidity is an important application requirement. At volume, SAF™ PA12 allows for fine feature resolution, strength and accuracy build after build, and is most suitable for higher tolerance requirements such as for assemblies and connector applications.
Stratasys PA12 Material Profile
Learn more about the Stratasys SAF (Selective Absorption Fusion) powder-based 3D printing technology used to make parts
What is SAF 3D Printing with the Stratasys H350?
The SAF™ powered H350 3D printer is a cost effective production solution delivering consistent end-use parts.
Built for high-volume, short-run production, TriMech services with the Stratasys H350 3D printer helps to reduce production costs while delivering part consistency.
Main Uses
For high-volume production of end-use parts, PA12 has the best geometric accuracy, known and trusted in the
PBF industry (machine components, manufacturing, prototyping to volume production runs).
Material Features and Applications
Stiffer parts for brackets, housings & covers
More accurate than PA11
Strong functional parts
PBF is used to make aligner molds
47 MPa tensile strength
Color: black and grey
Stratasys PA12 Material Specification
Properties and testing results for the material
| Property | Mean | Unit | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (XZ,YX) | 47 (6817) | MPa (psi) | ASTM D638-14 |
| Tensile Strength (ZX) | 46 (6672)) | MPa (psi) | ASTM D638-14 |
| Elongation at Break (XZ,YX) | 11 | % | ASTM D638-14 |
| Elongation at Break (ZX) | 5 | % | ASTM D638-14 |
| 0.2% Offset Yield Strength (XZ,YX) | 33.5 (4859) | MPa (psi) | ASTM D638-14 |
| 0.2% Offset Yield Strength (ZX) | 32.2 (4670) | MPa (psi) | ASTM D638-14 |
| Tensile Modulus (XZ,YX) | 1750 (254) | MPa (ksi) | ASTM D638-14 |
| Tensile Modulus (ZX) | 1700 (247) | MPa (ksi) | ASTM D638-14 |
| Flexural Strength (XZ,YX) | 40 (5801) | MPa (psi) | ASTM D790-17 |
| Flexural Strength (ZX) | 41 (5946) | MPa (psi) | ASTM D790-17 |
| Flexural Modulus (XZ,YX) | 900 (131) | MPa (ksi) | ASTM D790-17 |
| Flexural Modulus (ZX) | 925 (134) | MPa (ksi) | ASTM D790-17 |
| Notched Impact Strength (XZ,YX) | 4.17 (1.98) | kJ/m2 (Ft.lbf/in) | ASTM D256-10 |
| Notched Impact Strength (ZX) | 3.36 (1.60) | kJ/m2 (Ft.lbf/in) | ASTM D256-10 |
| General | Mean | Unit | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part Specific Gravity | 0.98 ASTM D792-13 | – | – |
| Virgin Particle Size D50 | 56 (2.2) | μm (thou) | – |
| Virgin Powder Melting Point | 185 (365) | °C (°F) | – |
| Thermal | Mean | Unit | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Deflection Temperature (0.45MPa/65psi) | 173 (343) | °C (°F) | ASTM D648 |
| Heat Deflection Temperature (1.82MPa/264psi) | 77 (171) | °C (°F) | ASTM D648 |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 160 (0.089) | μm/°C.m (thou/in.°F) | ASTM E831 |
| Specific Heat Capacity (20°C/68°F) | 1.69 (0.4) | J/g.°C (BTU/lb.°F) | ASTM E1952 |
| Thermal Conductivity (23°C/73°F) | 0.192 (1.34) | W/m K (BTU (th) inch/hr.ft.°F) | ASTM E1952 |
| Electrical | Mean | Unit | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface resistivity | 5.53 x10 | Ohm | ASTM D257 |
| Volume resistivity | 4.19 x10 | Ohm-cm | ASTM D257 |
| Flammability | Mean | Unit | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| UL94 HB | Pass | Not Applicable | UL94 (April 2022) |
SAF Technology
Advantages of parts built with SAF technology and a Stratasys H350 Machine
Industrial-grade technology
SAF Selective Absorption Fusion is the 3D printing technology behind the H Series production platform. SAF technology uses an infrared-absorbing fluid to help fuse the polymer powder.
This fluid is selectively placed where it’s needed to create the shape of the part in any given layer. When the infrared-sensitive fluid is exposed to the printer’s fusing lamps, it heats up to a higher temperature than the surrounding material.
This “selectively” fuses the powdered particles together but leaves the adjacent material unfused. Using highly reliable print heads, tight thermal control and an innovative powder management system, SAF technology offers a new alternative to other forms of PBF printing.
Production throughput
How is SAF technology different from other powder bed fusion printers?
SAF’s primary difference involves the process by which the polymer powder is distributed, heated and fused. SAF technology provides a high level of part detail requiring just one High Absorption Fluid.
SAF technology’s unique powder management ensures there’s sufficient powder to cover the entire next layer, even when printing large cross-sectional areas, and reduces powder aging. This results in greater thermal stability, which provides better results in the form of part repeatability and material property consistency.
Production Process
What are the main elements in the printing process workflow with SAF technology?
SAF technology follows the same processing steps as other powder bed fusion printers:
- CAD files are input to the printer for printing. When parts are finished printing, they are embedded in a “cake” of unused, loose powder.
- After printing, the cake is removed from the printer and allowed to cool. After cooldown, the cake is broken apart to extract the printed parts.
- Parts can then be used or post-processed as needed.
