
Stratasys Direct has introduced Nylon PA12 GF, a 40 per cent glass bead-filled material, to its Selective Absorption Fusion (SAF) material portfolio.
According to the company, the material is designed for applications requiring high stiffness, heat resistance, and dimensional stability, offering enhanced performance for demanding industrial use cases.
The company states that the addition of glass beads to Nylon 12 improves the material’s mechanical properties by combining the stiffness and heat resistance of glass with the toughness and processability of the polymer.
Stratasys Direct highlights that this composite achieves a higher temperature performance, making it suitable for applications under significant stress and heat.
In terms of performance, Stratasys Direct reports that Nylon PA12 GF exhibits increased tensile and flexural modulus values, indicating robust resistance to deformation under stress.
The material’s heat deflection properties also outperform other SAF materials, particularly under higher load conditions.
Testing reportedly showed that Nylon PA12 GF offers stability at elevated temperatures due to the inclusion of glass beads, making it a strong candidate for applications requiring both strength and thermal resistance.
The material is also described as providing improved dimensional accuracy, attributed to reduced shrinkage during the SAF 3D printing process.
Stratasys Direct conducted tests measuring over 3,000 data points across various dimensions and orientations, with reported tolerances of 0.010” or 0.002 inch-per-inch, ensuring consistent performance for complex designs requiring tight tolerances.
The company identifies several potential applications for the material, including functional prototyping and pre-commercialisation testing.
Stratasys Direct shared an example of Nylon PA12 GF being used to replace a load-bearing hinge in its own facility, with the component reportedly performing as expected after six months of operation.
Additionally, Stratasys Direct suggests that the material’s high heat deflection and durability make it well-suited for automotive applications, such as coolant hose brackets.
The material is said to support complex, support-free geometries, which the company claims enable innovative design solutions.