Glass fiber reinforced nylon for industrial 3D printing
PA12 GB is a material for industrial 3D printing with high demands on dimensional stability, strength and heat resistance. It is often used in situations where plastic parts must withstand high mechanical loads or replace injection-molded plastic and metal.
At AM Printservice, we produce components in PA12 GB using HP's Multi Jet Fusion technology (MJF), which enables both functional prototypes and series production with high repeatability.
What is PA12GB?
PA12 GB is a variant of polyamide 12 that is reinforced with up to 40% glass fiber. This gives the material a modulus of elasticity of approximately 2900 MPa, making it significantly stiffer than regular PA12. The combination of high dimensional stability and good impact resistance makes it useful in technical environments where both mechanical and thermal impact occurs. The material also retains the polyamide's chemical resistance.
Properties and temperature resistance
The tensile strength is around 30 MPa, while the elongation at break is around 6.5%. The material can therefore handle load without cracking or deforming. At moderate loads, PA12 GB can withstand temperatures up to 173°C, and even at higher loads (1.82 MPa) it can withstand temperatures above 120°C. With a density of 1.30 g/cm³, it provides robust but still relatively light components.
Advantages of PA12 GB
The material's high dimensional stability makes it an excellent choice for functional parts where precision and repeatability are crucial. Since PA12 GB deforms very little during cooling, tolerances of ±0.3 mm or ±0.3% can be easily maintained. This makes it useful in the production of fixtures, mounting parts and holders, for example.
Production with HP MJF
When produced with HP's MJF technology, components in PA12 GB have a smooth surface, high detail resolution and consistent dimensions. Since the technology is not based on lasers, as in SLS, the process is both more energy efficient and produces less dust.
This enables a clean and controlled production environment. In addition, up to 70% of the unused powder can be reused without affecting the material properties – an advantage from both a cost and sustainability perspective.
Areas of application with PA12 GB
With a combination of high stiffness and good temperature resistance, PA12 GB is used in a variety of industrial applications. Examples include enclosures for electronics, assembly fixtures, holders, tools, and machine components in automation and vehicles. The material is also a good choice for functional prototypes that should mimic the strength of the final product. It is suitable for both single-piece production and series in the hundreds or thousands, with consistent quality throughout the entire production volume.
PA12 GB hos AM Printservice
AM Printservice specializes in printing in PA12 GB using HP Multi Jet Fusion. We offer technical advice, help with design adaptation for MJF technology, and quality-assured production with full traceability. Our production processes are adapted for both functional prototypes and series production, with short lead times and high flexibility.
You can easily get started by submitting your order online or contact us to discuss material selection and production in PA12 GB.
Frequently asked questions and answers
What is the difference between PA12 and PA12 GB?
PA12 GB is reinforced with glass fiber, which provides higher stiffness and better dimensional stability than regular PA12.
What environments is the material suitable for?
The material is suitable for environments with high temperature, vibrations or mechanical stress.
Can PA12 GB be used to replace metal?
Yes, in many applications PA12 GB can replace injection molded plastic or metal, especially where weight savings are desired.
