Nylon PA 11

Nylon PA11 is a premium technical thermoplastic, offering superior performance for a wide range of applications. With greater flexibility and impact resistance than PA12, it is characterised by better chemical resistance and a more environmentally friendly approach than other technical thermoplastics.

We produce your PA11 creations using HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing. The parts are 100 % full and require no substrates, allowing designers to explore complex designs without the limitations typical of other production processes.

Pros

Rapid Production: MJF (Multi Jet Fusion) technology makes nylon PA11 extremely efficient for rapid production. This technology makes it possible to produce from single prototypes to large series of parts in remarkably short times. The ability to print quickly and accurately makes PA11 an ideal choice for projects requiring short production times without compromising quality.

Strength and Durability: Nylon PA11 is characterised by its exceptional impact resistance and flexibility. These properties make it an ideal material for industrial applications where strength and reliability are paramount. Its ability to absorb shocks and maintain structural integrity under stress makes it suitable for mechanical components, machine parts and objects that are subjected to regular stress.

Excellent Chemical Resistance: PA11 shows superior resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including oils, greases, hydrocarbons and solvents. This characteristic makes it particularly suitable for use in sectors such as the chemical industry, where materials are frequently exposed to aggressive substances. In addition, it is in great demand in the automotive and medical equipment industries, where chemical resistance is essential to ensure the safety and durability of components

Environmentally friendly: Nylon PA11 is not only a high-performance material, it is also environmentally friendly. Derived from renewable resources such as castor oil and sugar cane, its production process has a significantly lower environmental impact than traditional petroleum-derived thermoplastics. This characteristic makes it a preferable choice for companies and designers concerned about the sustainability and environmental impact of their products.

Cons

Higher Tolerances: One of the characteristics of Nylon PA11 is that it can have slightly higher dimensional tolerances than PA12. This is especially important in applications where dimensional accuracy is crucial. Larger tolerances may require more accurate and careful design to ensure that 3D-printed parts meet specific requirements. In some cases, it may be necessary to make design adjustments or consider post-print finishing processes to achieve the desired dimensions. This is particularly relevant in industries such as aerospace and automotive, where tight tolerances are often a necessity.

Slightly Hygroscopic: Nylon PA11 is slightly hygroscopic, which means that it tends to absorb moisture from the environment. This characteristic requires special care when storing and handling the material prior to printing. It is important to store PA11 in humidity-controlled environments or in sealed containers to prevent moisture absorption, which could adversely affect its printing properties and the quality of the finished product. In addition, it may be necessary to dry the material before printing to ensure that moisture does not affect the quality of the print. This is crucial to maintain the optimum consistency and mechanical properties of PA11 in final applications.

Applications of Nylon 11

Aerospace: Used to produce lightweight yet strong components, such as fairings and internal structural parts of aircraft. Its impact resistance and light weight make it ideal for this sector.

Oil and gas industry: Due to its excellent chemical resistance, PA11 is often used to make hoses and equipment components resistant to oil, gas and other corrosive fluids.

Automotive: In the automotive industry, PA11 is used for the production of interior and exterior vehicle parts, including engine components, linings and gaskets. Its impact and chemical resistance makes it suitable for these applications.

Sports: PA11 is used in the production of sports equipment, such as tennis rackets, gym equipment and bicycle components, due to its combination of strength and flexibility.

Electronics: Used as an insulating and protective material for cables, connectors and housings of electronic devices, due to its resistance to temperature and chemicals.

Fashion: Used for strong and lightweight accessories, such as belt buckles, glasses and shoe parts.

Comparison with other materials

Resin: Nylon PA11 outperforms resin in several crucial aspects, particularly in terms of strength and flexibility. While resin can offer a smooth surface finish and fine detail, it tends to be more brittle and less impact resistant than PA11. This makes PA11 nylon a better choice for parts that must withstand high loads, frequent impacts or wear over time. Its resilience makes it ideal for applications where durability is a priority.

ABS: ABS is another popular material in 3D printing, known for its strength and durability. However, nylon PA11 has the advantage of offering superior abrasion and chemical resistance. This makes it more suitable for applications in aggressive environments where materials may be exposed to chemicals or abrasion. In addition, PA11 tends to retain its shape and dimensions better, offering superior dimensional stability compared to ABS, especially under thermal stress.

Nylon PA12: Although PA11 and PA12 are chemically similar, they have significant differences in their properties and applications. PA11, being derived from renewable resources, has a lower environmental impact. It offers superior performance in terms of heat resistance, light stability and flexibility, making it suitable for applications requiring these characteristics. On the other hand, PA12, with its higher stiffness and crack resistance, is ideal for applications requiring resistance to extreme temperatures and long-term durability. The decision between PA11 and PA12 depends on the specific requirements of the project. PA11 is the best choice for applications requiring high impact resistance, flexibility and a low environmental footprint. PA12, on the other hand, is more suitable for products that need resistance to drastic temperatures and cracking. Both materials offer unique advantages, and the choice should be based on a careful evaluation of the specific needs for strength, durability, environmental impact and other properties required for the final application.

Conclusion

In conclusion, nylon PA11 emerges as an exceptionally versatile and high-performance material in the field of 3D printing. With its distinctive advantages in terms of fast production, superior impact resistance, flexibility, chemical resistance and environmental sustainability, it is positioned as an excellent choice for a wide range of applications. Its ability to outperform materials such as resin and ABS in key aspects such as abrasion resistance and chemical stability makes it particularly suitable for demanding industrial environments and applications requiring long-term durability and reliability.

Comparison with PA12 further highlights its uniqueness, offering greater flexibility and reduced environmental impact while maintaining excellent mechanical properties. This combination of features makes PA11 not only a pragmatic choice for manufacturers and designers, but also a step towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly production solutions.

All in all, nylon PA11 establishes itself as a material at the forefront of 3D printing, suitable to meet the needs of a wide variety of sectors, from industrial manufacturing to aerospace, from automotive to fashion. Its versatility, combined with its superior properties, makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a material that combines innovation, performance and environmental responsibility.