What is PA 12?
Polyamide 12 (PA 12) is a semi-crystalline engineering thermoplastic from the family of aliphatic polyamides. Compared with PA 6 and PA 66, PA 12 has the longest methylene chain between the amide groups, giving it very low water absorption, lower density and better dimensional stability. Liedtke stocks PA 12 as a natural-coloured semi-finished product for machining.
Because PA 12 absorbs very little moisture, its mechanical properties remain far more stable under changing climatic conditions than shorter-chain polyamides. It also offers excellent resistance to stress cracking and good impact strength even at low temperatures, plus good chemical resistance to many fuels, oils and alkalis.
Typical applications include sliding and guide elements, fuel and fluid lines, housing and insulating parts in vehicle construction, and components in textile machinery.
Technical Data
| Property | Value | Test Standard |
|---|---|---|
| General Properties | ||
| Density | 1.02 g / cm³ | DIN EN ISO 1183-1 |
| Water absorption | 0.8 % | DIN EN ISO 62 |
| Flammability (thickness 3 mm / 6 mm) | HB / HB | UL 94 |
| Mechanical Properties | ||
| Tensile strength | 50 MPa | DIN EN ISO 527 |
| Elongation at break | 200 % | DIN EN ISO 527 |
| Tensile modulus | 1800 MPa | DIN EN ISO 527 |
| Notched impact strength | 20.0 kJ / m² | DIN EN ISO 179 |
| Ball indentation hardness | 100 MPa | DIN EN ISO 2039-1 |
| Shore hardness | 78 scale D | DIN EN ISO 868 |
| Thermal Properties | ||
| Melting temperature | 178 °C | ISO 11357-3 |
| Thermal conductivity | 0.3 W / (m · K) | DIN 52612-1 |
| Specific heat capacity | 1.7 kJ / (kg · K) | DIN 52612 |
| Coefficient of linear expansion | 100 · 10<sup>-6</sup> / K | DIN 53752 |
| Long-term service temperature | -50 to 80 °C | guide value |
| Short-term service temperature (max.) | 140 °C | guide value |
| Heat deflection temperature (Method A) | 50 °C | DIN EN ISO 75 |
| Electrical Properties | ||
| Dielectric constant | 3.8 | IEC 60250 |
| Dissipation factor (50 Hz) | 0.04 | IEC 60250 |
| Volume resistivity | 10<sup>15</sup> Ω · cm | IEC 60093 |
| Surface resistivity | 10<sup>13</sup> Ω | IEC 60093 |
| Comparative tracking index (CTI) | 600 | IEC 60112 |
| Dielectric strength | 26 kV / mm | IEC 60243 |
PA 12 in detail
1What is PA 12?+
PA 12 is a semi-crystalline polyamide with very low water absorption, low density and excellent resistance to stress cracking - properties that distinguish it from PA 6 and PA 66.
2How does Liedtke machine PA 12?+
We mill, turn and drill PA 12 with the machine tools typically used for polyamides. Stock should be at room temperature before machining so internal stresses have relaxed.
3When should I choose PA 12?+
PA 12 pays off whenever low water absorption, high dimensional stability and good stress-cracking resistance are required, for example:
- Sliding and guide elements
- Fuel and fluid lines
- Housing and insulating parts in vehicle construction
- Textile machinery components
4What determines the price of a PA 12 part?+
The component price depends mainly on dimensions, machining effort, tolerances and quantity. We are happy to provide a binding quote based on your drawing.
5When is PA 12 not the right choice?+
PA 12 is less strong and stiff than PA 6 or PA 66 and only conditionally suitable for highly loaded, very rigid structures. Where maximum strength is required, PA 6 or PA 6 G are the better choice.
6Advantages and disadvantages of PA 12+
An honest trade-off:
- Advantage: Very low water absorption, resulting in high dimensional stability
- Advantage: Excellent stress cracking resistance
- Advantage: Good impact strength, even at low temperatures
- Advantage: Low density compared with other polyamides
- Advantage: Good chemical resistance to many fuels, oils and alkalis
- Disadvantage: Lower strength and stiffness than PA 6 or PA 66
- Disadvantage: Lower continuous service temperature than other engineering polyamides
- Disadvantage: Only conditionally suitable for highly loaded, rigid structures
Typical properties
- Very low water absorption
- High dimensional stability
- Excellent stress cracking resistance
- Good impact strength, even at low temperatures
- Low density
- Good chemical resistance
Typical industries
- Mechanical and plant engineering
- Automotive industry
- Fluid technology (fuel and fluid lines)
- Textile industry
Downloads for PA 12 natur
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A drawing or sample is enough. We calculate a concrete price and give you an honest recommendation on whether PA 12 is the optimal choice for your application or whether an alternative would make more sense.
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