Experience enhanced stiffness and dimensional stability with HP PA 12 Glass Beads—a 40% glass-filled nylon
material for Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) 3D printing, ideal for producing rigid, high-strength parts that require
resistance to deformation under load and elevated temperatures. Also see HP MJF Nylon PA12 for standard nylon applications.
Material Name:
HP 3D High Reusability PA 12 Glass Beads (40% Glass Filled)
Description:
HP PA 12 Glass Beads is a thermoplastic material developed for HP's Multi Jet Fusion 3D printers. It is a
nylon (PA12) material reinforced with 40% glass beads by weight. This composite material offers increased
stiffness, dimensional stability, and resistance to warping compared to unfilled PA12. It is ideal for
producing functional prototypes and end-use parts that need to maintain their shape under mechanical
stress and elevated temperatures.
Material Type:
40% Glass-Filled Polyamide 12 (Nylon 12)
Price:
Available color:
Gray
Process compatibility:
MJF compatible
Special Properties:
High Stiffness and Strength
Enhanced Dimensional Stability
Good Thermal Resistance
Reduced Warping and Shrinkage
Good Surface Finish
Limitations:
Increased Brittleness Compared to
Unfilled PA12
Limited Flexibility
Abrasive to Equipment
Not Suitable for Snap-Fit
Designs
Material rating
Key HP 3D High Reusability PA 12 properties rated to guide you in selecting the best fit for your 3D
printing needs.
Strength5 of 5
Flexibility1 of 5
Detail Resolution4 of
5
Surface Smoothness4 of
5
Heat Resistance4 of 5
Chemical Resistance3 of
5
Ease of Printing4 of 5
Cost Efficiency3 of 5
Applications
HP PA 12 Glass Beads is ideal for producing functional parts that require high stiffness,
dimensional stability, and resistance to deformation under load. It is suitable for applications in
automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors where parts are subjected to mechanical stress and elevated
temperatures.
Automotive and Aerospace Applications
Brackets and Mounts
Housings and Enclosures
Structural Components
Fixtures and Tooling
Industrial Machinery Applications
Machine Parts
Jigs and Fixtures
Gears and Sprockets
Electronics Applications
Heat Sinks
Casings
Connectors
Engineering and Manufacturing Applications
Functional Prototypes
Load-Bearing Parts
Components Requiring Dimensional
Accuracys
Additional Applications
Fluid and Air Flow Parts
Components Exposed to Thermal Stress
Parts Requiring Reduced Warping
Mechanical Properties
Provides high stiffness and strength with reduced flexibility, suitable for parts under mechanical stress
and requiring dimensional stability.
Property
Value, metric
Tensile Strength
Approximately 48 MPa
Tensile Modulus
Approximately 3,200 MPa
Elongation at Break (%)
3%
Flexural Strength
Approximately 70 MPa
Flexural Modulus
Approximately 2,900 MPa
Notched Izod Impact Strength
Approximately 3 kJ/m^2
Shore Hardness
Shore D 80
Characteristics
Printing with HP PA 12 Glass Beads involves using HP's Multi Jet Fusion technology, which
uses a fusing agent and detailing agent to selectively melt and fuse powder layers. The presence of glass
beads enhances the material's stiffness and dimensional stability. Post-processing may include bead blasting
and machining to improve surface finish.
Type
Value
Lead Time
2-7 business days
Wall Thickness
Minimum 1.0 mm
Tolerance
±0.3%, minimum ±0.3 mm
Max Part Size
Up to 284x 380 x 380 mm
Layer Height
-
Thermal Properties
Enhanced thermal resistance, suitable for high-temperature applications.
Property
Value, metric
Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT)
Approximately 173°C at 0.45 MPa
Thermal Expansion Coefficient
Approximately 80 x 10^-6 /°C
Thermal Conductivity
Approximately 0.5 W/m·K
Max Service Temperature
Up to 125°C for continuous use
Electrical Properties
Acts as an electrical insulator but may have reduced dielectric properties due to glass
content.
NOTE: The provided
values are approximate and can vary
based on the specific HP 3D High Reusability PA 12 formulation and
manufacturer. Always refer to the manufacturer's technical data
sheet for precise information.
Find your queries
Frequently Asked Question(FAQ)
General
Printing
Post-procesing
Troubleshooting
Advanced
What is HP PA 12, and what are its main characteristics?
HP PA 12 is a polyamide 12 material designed for use with HP's Multi Jet Fusion 3D printers. It
offers a balanced combination of mechanical properties, excellent surface finish, and high detail
resolution, suitable for functional prototypes and end-use parts.
What are the advantages of using HP PA 12 in MJF printing?
Advantages include high detail resolution, excellent surface finish, balanced mechanical
properties, and high reusability of powder, leading to cost efficiency.
Is HP PA 12 suitable for functional parts and mechanical assemblies?
Yes, it is ideal for producing functional prototypes and end-use parts that require strength,
durability, and precise dimensions.
Can HP PA 12 parts be dyed or colored?
While the material is naturally black, further coloring is limited. However, the black color
provides a professional appearance without additional finishing.
Is HP PA 12 biocompatible?
HP PA 12 has not been certified for medical implants but may be suitable for external medical
devices. Consult the manufacturer's guidelines for specific applications.
Do HP PA 12 parts require support structures?
No, the MJF process fuses powder layers without the need for support structures, allowing
complex geometries and interlocking parts.
What layer thickness is used in MJF printing with HP PA 12?
Typical layer thickness is 80 microns, standard for HP's MJF technology.
Can I print moving assemblies with HP PA 12?
Yes, since no supports are needed, you can print moving parts and assemblies in one
build.
How does powder recycling work with HP PA 12?
HP's MJF technology allows for high powder reusability. Unfused powder can be recycled according
to HP's specifications, typically mixing fresh and used powder to maintain material
properties.
What are the environmental requirements for printing with HP PA 12?
MJF printers maintain controlled environments with specific temperature settings to ensure
proper fusion and part quality.
How can I improve the surface finish of HP PA 12 parts?
The surface finish is already excellent due to MJF technology, but additional methods like bead
blasting, polishing, or vapor smoothing can enhance it further.
Can HP PA 12 parts be painted or coated?
Yes, parts can be painted or coated, although the black base color may affect the final
appearance.
Is it possible to machine or drill HP PA 12 parts?
Yes, parts can be machined, drilled, or tapped using standard tools for plastics.
Can HP PA 12 parts be welded or bonded?
Yes, parts can be joined using ultrasonic welding, adhesives, or mechanical fastening
methods.
How do I seal the porous surface of HP PA 12 parts?
Applying sealants or coatings can reduce porosity and improve properties like water
tightness.
Why are my parts warping or deforming?
Warping is uncommon with MJF technology but can occur due to design issues. Ensure proper wall
thickness and part orientation.
What causes poor surface quality in HP PA 12 parts?
Factors include incorrect printer settings, old or contaminated powder, or improper fusion.
Verify machine calibration and material quality.
How do I prevent porosity in my parts?
Optimizing printing parameters and using fresh powder can minimize porosity, although some
inherent porosity is typical.
Why are small features not printing accurately?
MJF has high resolution, but ensure features meet the minimum printable size and adjust design
if necessary.
How do I reduce anisotropy in mechanical properties?
MJF technology provides isotropic mechanical properties, reducing the concern of anisotropy
compared to other methods.
Can HP PA 12 be mixed with additives to enhance properties?
HP offers different materials for MJF with specific properties. Mixing powders yourself is not
recommended due to potential inconsistencies.
Is HP PA 12 suitable for food contact applications?
It may meet certain regulations for food contact, but verification with the manufacturer and
compliance with local regulations are necessary.
How does moisture affect HP PA 12 parts?
Nylon can absorb moisture, which may affect mechanical properties. Drying parts or applying
sealants can mitigate this.
Can HP PA 12 parts withstand chemical exposure?
They exhibit good resistance to oils, greases, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and alkalies but are less
resistant to strong acids and oxidizing agents.
How should I store HP PA 12 powder and printed parts?
Store in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and direct sunlight to maintain material
properties.
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