Tooling and gauges
Positioning fixtures and inspection gauges for assembly lines.
3D Printing · Custom parts
MJF 3D printing
of PA12 GB.
Stiffer and more stable than PA12. We print tooling, brackets, and housings that cannot give way in PA12 with glass beads.
Get your quoteQuote in 24 h · Engineering review
- From
- 1 unit
- Delivery from
- 5 working days
- Material
- PA12 GB 3D printing
01 / Why choose this material
Properties and uses
of PA12 GB.
PA12 filled with 40% glass microbeads. It is 40% stiffer than PA12 and at 1.82 MPa withstands 114 °C before deforming, versus 95 °C. In return, it stretches only 10%: it is not suitable for clips or hinges.
PA12 GB is PA12 with 40% glass microbeads. The glass increases stiffness by 40% and reduces warping, which is why it suits long parts, tooling, and brackets near a heat source. In return, it stretches only 10% before breaking.
Learn about the MJF 3D printing process ↗PA12 GB properties
Reference · HP 3D HR PA 12 Glass Beads
- Indicative density
- 1.30 g/cm³
- Tensile strength · ref.
- 30 MPa
- Elastic modulus
- 2,5 GPa
- Elongation at break
- 10 %
- HDT · 1.82 MPa
- 114 °C
- Technology
- Multi Jet Fusion
Reference: HP 3D HR PA 12 Glass Beads, measured in XY. At 0.45 MPa the HDT is 174 °C. These are not continuous use temperatures.
Property reference: HP · PA12 Glass Beads ↗
- Rigid
- Dimensionally stable
- Withstands higher temperature under load
- Light gray surface
PA12 GB applications
Rigid housings
Housings that have to keep their shape when screwed together.
Brackets next to motors
Brackets and covers that work near motors or heat sources.
Long flat parts
Long flat parts where warping is critical.
02 / A choice based on usage
Choose PA12 GB
based on your part.
These criteria help define the material, geometry, and working conditions before manufacturing.
01
Stiffness
For fixtures, gauges, and brackets that must not flex under load. It is the MJF material that deforms the least.
02
Heat under load
At 1.82 MPa it withstands 114 °C before deforming, versus 95 °C for PA12. This is not a continuous use temperature.
03
What it does not do
Do not use it for clips, hinges, or parts that take impacts: the glass makes it more brittle. For that, PA11.
The part's function is the starting point.
Indicate loads, temperature, environment, and appearance needed. If the drawing requires a specific grade, include it in the request.
03 / Finishing also counts
Finishes and appearance
of PA12 GB.
Define visible surfaces and the required result for your part. Requested treatments are included in the quote.
Matte and slightly granular surface typical of the process. Orientation and geometry influence the result.
The image could not be loaded. Try a different finish.
Reference images: material, geometry, and surface preparation influence the outcome. Special finishes are quoted upon request.
04 / From design to quote
MJF 3D printing
of PA12 GB.
Multi Jet Fusion printing builds the PA12 GB part layer by layer on a powder bed. Afterward, it cools, the powder is removed, and the specified post-processing is performed. The design must allow for cleaning internal cavities.
Upload a 3D model per part, for example in STEP or STL. SLDPRT, X_T, X_B, IPT, CATPART, PRT, SAT, and 3DM files are also accepted. Add a PDF drawing with functional dimensions and assembly requirements.
Upload your file and request a quotePart tolerances
Printing tolerances depend on geometry, orientation, and material. Indicate assembly dimensions on a drawing for the team to confirm feasibility. CNC machining tolerances are not automatically applied.
Quantity and cost per part
The price per part usually varies little with quantity. Producing more units does not imply the volume savings achievable with machining or molds.
Quote in 24 hours
Parts from 5 working days after confirming the order. The quote specifies the lead time based on geometry, material, finish, and quantity.
How much it costs to manufacture
The price of your part
in PA12 GB.
The price of printing PA12 GB depends on material volume, geometry, build orientation, and post-processing. Quantity usually reduces the unit cost only slightly.
Check the catalog example to compare materials. To know the cost of your design, request a quote with your 3D file.
Frequently asked questions
Before manufacturing
in PA12 GB.
Properties, applications, and manufacturing: answers to prepare your request.
What is PA12 GB and what are its properties?
PA12 filled with 40% glass microbeads. It is 40% stiffer than PA12 and at 1.82 MPa withstands 114 °C before deforming, versus 95 °C. In return, it stretches only 10%: it is not suitable for clips or hinges. Reference: HP 3D HR PA 12 Glass Beads, measured in XY. At 0.45 MPa the HDT is 174 °C. These are not continuous use temperatures.
What parts can be manufactured in PA12 GB?
You can manufacture tooling and gauges, rigid housings, brackets next to motors, and long flat parts. Multi Jet Fusion printing allows validating complex shapes without manufacturing a mold. Define the loads, environment, and finish so we can review the application.
What does GB mean in PA12 GB?
GB stands for “glass beads”. The powder contains 40% microbeads that make the part stiffer and more stable. They are not fibers: that is why the part behaves the same in all directions.
PA12 GB or PA12 for tooling?
If the fixture has to be rigid and hold its dimensions, PA12 GB. If it has clips or areas that flex, PA12 or PA11. GB weighs 30% more than PA12.
Can PA12 GB be dyed black?
Yes. It is delivered in natural light gray or black dyed. Dyeing changes the color and keeps the granular texture of the process.
How much does it cost to 3D print a PA12 GB part?
The price of printing PA12 GB depends on material volume, geometry, build orientation, and post-processing. Quantity usually reduces the unit cost only slightly. Upload the 3D file to the Proto&Go! platform to receive a quote with cost and lead time.
What tolerances can I request for a PA12 GB part?
Printing tolerances depend on geometry, orientation, and material. Indicate assembly dimensions on a drawing for the team to confirm feasibility. CNC machining tolerances are not automatically applied.
What file do I need to manufacture a PA12 GB part?
Upload a 3D model per part, for example in STEP or STL. SLDPRT, X_T, X_B, IPT, CATPART, PRT, SAT, and 3DM files are also accepted. Add a PDF drawing with functional dimensions and assembly requirements.
Compare before choosing
Other options for your part.
Your next part
Shape it
in PA12 GB.
Upload the 3D file. We review feasibility and send you the quote.