PA11 and PA12 are both nylons used for SLS, but PA11 is bio-based (derived from castor oil) and tougher — with 31% elongation at break and 54 MPa tensile strength. PA12 is petrochemical, stiffer, with 45 MPa tensile strength, and is the standard choice for most industrial applications.
When do you choose PA11?
PA11 is the right choice for parts that need to withstand shocks, vibration or repeated flex without breaking. The 31% elongation at break makes it noticeably tougher than PA12. Typical applications are snap-fits, hinges, protective covers around moving parts, and components exposed to temperature fluctuations.
The material also has lower water absorption than PA12, so mechanical properties stay more stable in humid or outdoor conditions. For applications in automotive aftermarket, agriculture and outdoor electronics, PA11 is a popular alternative to PA12.
It is also bio-based: the feedstock comes from castor oil, and the per-kilogram CO₂ footprint is around 30% lower than petrochemical PA12. For customers who need to substantiate sustainability claims, that’s a measurable advantage.
When do you choose PA12?
PA12 (PA2200) is the most widely used SLS material in the world and therefore our default. It delivers isotropic parts with 45 MPa tensile strength, good dimensional stability and a smooth finish. It is suitable for functional prototypes, end-use products and jigs/fixtures.
Important advantage: PA12 is supported across our entire range of variants. Need structurally black parts at a lower cost? Choose PA 950 HD (a black PA12 variant, 47 MPa). Have metal-detection or food-contact requirements? PA12 Blue MD (49 MPa, EC1935/2004 + FDA certified). Need extra stiffness? PA12 plus glass fibre.
For most industrial parts — cable management, enclosures, ducting, manifolds — standard PA12 is both functionally and economically the right call.
Comparison table PA11 vs PA12
| Property | PA11 | PA12 (PA2200) |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 54 MPa | 45 MPa |
| Elongation at break | 31% | 18% |
| Young’s modulus | 1,600 MPa | 1,700 MPa |
| Melting point | ~185 °C | ~178 °C |
| Water absorption | Low | Medium |
| Feedstock | Castor oil (bio) | Petrochemical |
| Standard colour | White (greyish) | White (chalk) |
| Typical application | Snap-fits, hinges, impact-resistant | General industrial parts |