PA12 (Polyamide 12)

What is PA12 (Polyamide 12)?

Unlike other polyamides, such as PA6 and PA66, PA12 is minimally affected by moisture, making it ideal for precision components and sensitive technical applications.

Important properties of PA12

• Extremely low water absorption – Retains its mechanical properties even in humid environments.
• High chemical resistance – Resistant to oils, greases, fuels and solvents.
• Flexible but strong – Has a good balance between toughness and stiffness.
• Good impact resistance – Withstands mechanical stress without cracking.
• Good electrical insulation properties – Suitable for electronic and electrical components.
• Dimensionally stable during temperature changes – Retains its dimensions even with temperature fluctuations.
• Excellent processability – Easy to injection mold, extrude and 3D print.
• Lightweight and durable – One of the most widely used lightweight materials in engineering plastics.

Different types of PA12 and their uses

• Industrial pipes and hoses – PA12 is used in hydraulic and pneumatic systems thanks to its chemical resistance and flexibility.
• Vehicle components – Used in fuel systems, cable protection and undercarriage components.
• Electronics and insulation materials – Due to its low water absorption, PA12 is used in cable sheaths and contact insulation.
• Sports and leisure equipment – The material is used in ski racks, bicycle parts and other high-performance plastic parts.
• Medical devices – PA12 is used in catheters, surgical instruments and sterile medical components.
• 3D printing – PA12 is one of the most popular materials for SLS and MJF printing due to its high impact strength and dimensional stability.

How do we use PA12 in our production?

We use PA12 in several industrial and high-tech applications where low weight, chemical resistance and dimensional stability are important.

Some of the most common uses are:

• Hydraulic and pneumatic hoses – PA12 is used in piping systems where flexibility and chemical resistance are required.
• Fuel system – Due to its oil resistance, PA12 is used in pipes and fittings in vehicle fuel systems.
• Protective covers and cable insulation – The material is used in the electronics industry to protect cables and connectors.
• Precision components – Thanks to its dimensional stability, PA12 is used in gears, bearings and machine parts.

Why do we choose PA12?

PA12 is a high-performance plastic that offers a unique combination of chemical resistance, low water absorption and flexibility. It is an ideal material for demanding industrial applications where other polyamides are not sufficiently stable.

To optimize PA12 for specific needs, it can be modified with:

• Fiberglass reinforcement – For increased rigidity and durability.
• UV stabilizers – For outdoor applications with prolonged exposure to sunlight.
• Antistatic treatment – For electronic and medical applications where static electricity is a risk.

In summary, PA12 is one of the highest-performing engineering plastics and is used in advanced industrial, medical and technical solutions.