Polyamide 12 vs. Polyamide 12GF

Polyamide 12 (PA12) is one of the most widely used materials in industrial 3D printing and is suitable for a wide range of functional components. Polyamide 12 GF (PA12 GF) is reinforced with glass fibers, providing increased stiffness and improved heat deflection resistance. The choice of the most suitable material primarily depends on the requirements regarding stiffness, temperature resistance, and component function.

Material Properties Comparison


Property PA12 PA12 GF
Flexibility ★★★★☆ ★★☆☆☆
Stiffness ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★
Dimensional Accuracy ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Impact Resistance ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆
Heat Deflection Resistance ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (low) to ★★★★★ (very high)


Technical Data Comparison


Property PA12 PA12 GF
Young's Modulus 1550-1850 MPa 2800-3200 MPa
Tensile Strength 45-50 MPa 45-53 MPa
Elongation at Break 14-16 % 5-9 %
Density 0.9-1.0 g/cm³ 1.2-1.3 g/cm³
Melting Temperature 176 °C 176 °C

*Values are typical reference values and may vary depending on the manufacturing process and part geometry.

Areas of Application

PA12 and PA12 GF in Use

PA12 and PA12 GF are among the most widely used plastics in industrial 3D printing and are used across numerous industries, from automotive and mechanical engineering to medical technology and aerospace.

The material selection depends on whether tough and versatile components or particularly stiff and temperature-resistant parts are required.

While PA12 is used as a versatile standard material for functional components, PA12 GF is particularly suitable for applications with high demands on stiffness and heat deflection resistance.

PA12: Housings, brackets, functional components, series applications, and technical functional parts
PA12 GF: Stiff components, structural parts, and applications with high mechanical and thermal loads

PA12 or PA12 GF – Which Choice Is Right?

PA12

  • Versatile standard material for functional components
  • Ideal for housings, brackets, and technical components
  • Good combination of strength and dimensional accuracy
  • Proven choice for prototypes, individual parts, and series applications
  • Suitable for a wide range of industrial applications

PA12 GF

  • Ideal for stiff and dimensionally stable components
  • High stiffness due to glass fiber reinforcement
  • Suitable for structural and mechanically loaded components
  • High heat deflection resistance
  • Optimal for applications with high stability requirements

Frequently Asked Questions About PA12 and PA12 GF

What is the difference between PA12 and PA12 GF?
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When is PA12 suitable?
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When is PA12 GF the better choice?
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When should you choose which material?
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PA12 vs. PA12 GF – Find the Right Material

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