Introduction
The advent of HP Jet Fusion 3D Printing Technology has significantly altered the landscape of digital manufacturing, providing industries with a highly efficient, cost-effective, and scalable solution for producing high-performance parts. Unlike traditional 3D printing methods, HP’s Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) process enables voxel-level control, allowing for superior mechanical properties, fine detail resolution, and batch consistency. However, the true strength of HP Jet Fusion technology lies in its versatile material portfolio, which includes polyamide (Nylon), polypropylene, and polyurethane-based elastomers.
This article provides a detailed technical analysis of these materials, including their mechanical properties, processing advantages, applications, and sustainability factors. By understanding the characteristics of each material, manufacturers can make informed decisions when selecting the optimal polymer for prototyping, functional parts, and end-use production.
Polyamide (Nylon) Family of Materials: Strength, Versatility, and Dimensional Stability
HP 3D High Reusability PA 12: High-Performance Engineering Polymer
Nylon 12 (PA 12) is one of the most widely used thermoplastics in industrial additive manufacturing, owing to its high strength, fine resolution, and chemical resistance. It is particularly well-suited for functional prototypes and end-use parts that require toughness, dimensional accuracy, and repeatability.
One of PA 12’s most significant advantages is its low moisture absorption rate (0.6%), ensuring long-term dimensional stability in humid environments. Additionally, PA 12 demonstrates exceptional chemical resistance, particularly to oils, greases, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and weak acids. This makes it ideal for applications in automotive, aerospace, and medical industries, where exposure to harsh operating conditions is common.
Mechanical Properties of PA 12 (ASTM D638, ASTM D256, ASTM D648):
- Tensile Strength: 48 MPa
- Elongation at Break: 20%
- Flexural Modulus: 1,650 MPa
- Impact Strength (Notched Izod): 4.5 kJ/m²
- Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) @ 0.45 MPa: 175°C
These properties make PA 12 an excellent choice for enclosures, housings, and complex assemblies, especially when watertight properties are required without additional post-processing.
HP 3D High Reusability PA 12 Glass Beads (PA 12 GB): Enhanced Stiffness and Thermal Stability
PA 12 Glass Beads (PA 12 GB) is a 40% glass bead-filled composite, engineered for applications that require higher stiffness, reduced warping, and improved dimensional repeatability. Unlike unfilled PA 12, the addition of glass beads significantly increases the material’s rigidity, making it ideal for structural components and tooling applications.
PA 12 GB exhibits a higher flexural modulus (2,900 MPa) than standard PA 12, making it particularly well-suited for automotive brackets, jigs, fixtures, and high-load mechanical components. The material also benefits from a high heat deflection temperature (184°C at 0.45 MPa), allowing it to withstand higher operating temperatures without deformation.
Key Mechanical Properties (ASTM D638, ASTM D790):
- Tensile Strength: 48 MPa
- Elongation at Break: 10%
- Flexural Modulus: 2,900 MPa
- Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) @ 0.45 MPa: 184°C
Given its high stiffness and minimal shrinkage, PA 12 GB is widely used in aerospace, industrial, and electronics enclosures, where precision and high mechanical integrity are required.
HP 3D High Reusability PA 11: High-Ductility and Renewable Material Source
Unlike PA 12, PA 11 is derived from renewable castor oil, making it a more sustainable alternative. However, its primary advantage lies in its superior ductility and impact resistance, which allow it to withstand high-strain environments.
PA 11 exhibits an elongation-at-break of 40%, compared to PA 12’s 20%, making it a preferred choice for snap-fits, prosthetics, living hinges, and sports equipment. Its superior impact resistance also enhances its use in applications such as wearable devices and dynamic structural components.
Mechanical Properties of PA 11 (ASTM D638, ASTM D790):
- Tensile Strength: 45 MPa
- Elongation at Break: 40%
- Flexural Modulus: 1,400 MPa
- Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) @ 0.45 MPa: 180°C
Given its biocompatibility and environmental sustainability, PA 11 is a leading choice for medical applications, including orthotic insoles and lightweight prosthetics.
Polypropylene (PP): Chemical Resistance and Cost Efficiency
Polypropylene (PP) is a widely used thermoplastic in fluid handling, automotive, and medical applications due to its excellent chemical resistance, weldability, and low cost.
Unlike polyamides, PP absorbs virtually no moisture (0.03%), making it an ideal material for piping, fluid reservoirs, and medical trays. Additionally, HP’s 3D High Reusability PP offers up to 90% powder reusability, minimizing material waste and production costs.
Mechanical Properties of PP (ASTM D638, ASTM D256):
- Tensile Strength: 30 MPa
- Elongation at Break: 15%
- Flexural Modulus: 1,200 MPa
- Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) @ 0.45 MPa: 160°C
PP is also fully weldable, meaning that parts produced via HP Jet Fusion can be seamlessly integrated with traditionally injection-molded polypropylene components.
Polyurethane-Based Elastomers: Flexibility and High Impact Absorption
1. ESTANE® 3D TPU M95A: High-Rebound and Abrasion Resistance
ESTANE® 3D TPU M95A is a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) powder engineered for high elasticity, impact absorption, and wear resistance. This material is ideal for soft-touch components, protective padding, and automotive seals.
Key Performance Metrics (ASTM D638, ASTM D624):
- Tensile Strength: 20 MPa
- Elongation at Break: 300%
- Shore Hardness: 95A
2. BASF Ultrasint® TPU01: High-Durability and UV Resistance
BASF’s Ultrasint® TPU01 is a multi-purpose polyurethane elastomer designed for shock-absorbing applications. Its UV and hydrolysis resistance extend its lifespan in outdoor applications, making it a preferred material for protective sports gear and vibration dampeners.
Conclusion: Selecting the Right HP Jet Fusion Material
Each material in the HP Jet Fusion portfolio is optimized for specific applications, offering a balance of strength, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. Whether it’s PA 12’s high mechanical strength, PA 11’s ductility, PP’s chemical resistance, or TPU’s elasticity, manufacturers can select the ideal polymer for their needs.
RapidMade specializes in precision 3D printing using HP Jet Fusion technology, delivering high-performance prototypes and end-use parts for diverse industries. Our expert team ensures optimized designs, material selection, and scalable production.
Contact RapidMade today to learn how we can bring your designs to life with advanced 3D printing solutions.
For more information, visit RapidMade.com.
