Material focus
Nylon 12 (PA12) selection, applications, and sibling resin routing on this page.
Nylon 12 (PA12)
Nylon 12 (PA12) Injection Molding: Properties, Applications and Design Guide
Nylon 12 (PA12) is a long-chain polyamide that absorbs much less moisture than PA6 or PA66, so it holds dimensions and properties better in humid or wet service.
Nylon 12 (PA12)
When to specify Nylon 12 (PA12)
How procurement and design teams use Nylon 12 (PA12) on injection molded programs.
Nylon 12 (PA12) is a long-chain polyamide that absorbs much less moisture than PA6 or PA66, so it holds dimensions and properties better in humid or wet service. It is chosen for fuel and fluid connectors, quick couplings, snap fits, and flexible clips where chemical resistance and toughness matter more than maximum stiffness or heat. PA12 costs more than PA6 and PA66 and is less stiff, so it is usually specified when moisture uptake or chemical exposure rules out the common nylons. At NetProto, programs run from first-article validation through production on one hardened steel tool with no minimum order quantity. Upload CAD on the instant quote platform for DFM feedback before tooling release.
Key traits
Why buyers specify Nylon 12 (PA12)
Engineering and sourcing highlights. No NetProto processing numbers on this page.
Sourcing
Grade and compliance context travels with CAD on the instant quote platform.
Program fit
First articles through production on one steel tool, no MOQ.
NetProto platform
Instant CAD quoting and DFM feedback before tooling release.
Tooling lead time
Hardened steel tool build in about 10 business days on qualified programs (part complexity dependent).
Common grades
Common Nylon 12 (PA12) grades by use case
Pick one of these on the instant quote, or name any other commercial grade in the RFQ notes.
| Use case | Example grade | Typical parts |
|---|---|---|
| Unfilled | Grilamid L 25 | Tubing, cable, and general low moisture nylon parts |
| Flexible / transparent | Grilamid TR 90 | Flexible hinges, sports, and consumer soft-touch parts |
| 30% glass fiber | Rilsamid AZM 30 | Stiff structural parts with lower moisture uptake than PA6/66 |
| 30% glass fiber | Grilamid LV-3H | High stiffness industrial and automotive components |
Applications
Where this resin shows up on BOMs
Typical molded parts and what to specify on the purchase order.
| Application | Why this resin | Specify on the PO |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel and fluid line connectors | Chemical resistance and low moisture uptake | Fluid list, service temperature, PA12 grade |
| Quick couplings and snap fits | Toughness and dimensional stability in humidity | Snap feature geometry and cycle count |
| Flexible clips and cable parts | Flexibility compared with PA6 / PA66 | Plasticized or unplasticized grade |
Routing
PA6, PA66, or PA12
Choose the nylon by moisture, heat, and chemical exposure.
| Need | Start with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tough general parts at lower cost | Nylon 6 | Good toughness and easy processing |
| Higher heat and stiffness | Nylon 66 | Higher melting point |
| Humid service, fuels, and chemicals | Nylon 12 | Low moisture uptake and chemical resistance |
RFQ
Ready to quote? Have this information ready
Prepare these details, then upload CAD on the instant quote platform.
Humidity or water exposure in service
Fuel, oil, or chemical media the part will contact
Flexibility vs stiffness target, or a reference part
Glass fiber content, or unfilled grade
Heat requirement in service
Commercial grade, or the use case to match (30% GF, flexible vs rigid, fuel or fluid contact, low moisture uptake)
Expected annual volume (helps cavity and tool planning)
Next step
Upload CAD for an instant quote
Grade not finalized? Note Nylon 12 (PA12) on the RFQ and attach environment notes.
Compare and explore
Related guides
Pairwise comparisons and sibling material pages.
Nylon 6 vs nylon 66
Toughness vs heat routing.
Nylon 6 vs nylon 66Nylon hub
Polyamide family overview.
Nylon hubNylon 6
Tougher, easier processing.
Nylon 6Nylon 66
Higher heat and stiffness.
Nylon 66Acetal (POM)
Low moisture alternative for gears.
Acetal (POM)Materials library
Browse all resin guides.
Materials libraryReading a material datasheet
What the TDS (Technical Data Sheet) values mean for a molded part.
Reading a material datasheetSpecify resin grade on an RFQ
How to write grade, color, and fillers so the quote matches the part.
Specify resin grade on an RFQFAQ
Nylon 12 (PA12) injection molding FAQ
How is PA12 different from PA6 and PA66?
PA12 absorbs far less moisture and resists many fuels and chemicals better, while PA6 and PA66 are stiffer, handle more heat, and cost less. At NetProto, state the humidity and fluid exposure on the RFQ so DFM can confirm which nylon fits.
Does PA12 need drying?
PA12 absorbs less water than other nylons, but most grades still need drying before molding per the supplier TDS. At NetProto, we follow the datasheet for the selected grade rather than publishing a drying recipe on this page.
When is PA12 worth the higher resin cost?
When moisture would change PA6 or PA66 dimensions too much, or when fuels and chemicals attack the common nylons. At NetProto, we suggest comparing against PA6, PA66, and acetal during DFM before committing to PA12.
What is the minimum order quantity for molded parts at NetProto?
NetProto has no minimum order quantity on molded parts from your production tool. Upload CAD on the instant quote platform to scope tooling and part pricing for your volume.
How do I quote this resin without a final grade selected?
List the resin family on the RFQ, attach environment and compliance notes, and upload CAD. At NetProto, engineers use DFM review to narrow grades before tooling release.
Does NetProto publish processing parameters for Nylon 12 (PA12)?
No. Processing windows and shrink values come from your supplier TDS for Nylon 12 (PA12). At NetProto, attach the grade datasheet to your project after DFM review.
Next step
Quote Nylon 12 (PA12) parts with your CAD
Upload geometry and list Nylon 12 (PA12) or the target grade on the instant quote platform.