Xometry.pro
en – UK
Knowledge & Community
Quote & source your parts
Europe Europe
English Deutsch Français Italiano Español
Türkiye Türkiye
English Türkçe
United Kingdom United Kingdom
English
Global Global
English

Get Instant Quote

Use our Instant Quoting Engine to easily quote and source your parts online

Get a Quote
Back
 Profile
Menu
Materials Library
Manufacturing Stories & Cases
Articles
E-Books & Guides
Free Tools
Webinars
Free Courses
Community Discussions
Create Topic
Quote & Source Your Parts
Get a Quote

Edit topic

Home Xometry Community Materials & Finishes Why are my SLS PA 12 3D prints so brittle?

Why are my SLS PA 12 3D prints so brittle?

0
A
6

Hello, community! I have recently printed functional prototypes for snap-fit components using SLS with PA 12. The parts need to withstand repeated flexing without breaking. I noticed that the parts I’ve recently printed seem unusually brittle compared to previous batches and tend to crack or snap even under moderate stress. I haven’t made any design changes or material swaps between batches. Could this brittleness be caused by processing parameters or material degradation? Thnaks

Link copied
Solved by DanML

I see, then that is most likely the root cause of the issue, you need to mix in at least 50% fresh powder with SLS printers and 20% for MJF printers.

    • A

      Hello, community! I have recently printed functional prototypes for snap-fit components using SLS with PA 12. The parts need to withstand repeated flexing without breaking. I noticed that the parts I’ve recently printed seem unusually brittle compared to previous batches and tend to crack or snap even under moderate stress. I haven’t made any design changes or material swaps between batches. Could this brittleness be caused by processing parameters or material degradation? Thnaks

      0
      Reply
    • D

      Considering that you have not made any changes to the material or the design, it is indeed likely that some processing parameters or material degradation is the culprit. Are you using recycled powder in these recent prints and if so how much new powder do you usually mix in?

      0
      Reply
      Link copied
      • A
        DanML

        Yes I am using recycled powder, I don’t usually mix the new powder into the old powder, I usually take the old powder and just top it up with a small amount of new powder.

        0
        Reply
        Link copied
      • D
        Axl Hemmingway

        I see, then that is most likely the root cause of the issue, you need to mix in at least 50% fresh powder with SLS printers and 20% for MJF printers.

        0
        Reply
        Link copied
    • A

      Another potential cause is moisture ingress. PA 12 (Nylon) readily absorbs moisture, especially if it’s in powder form, you need to store your powder in a completely dry environment.

      0
      Reply
      Link copied
      • A
        Alex Bolt

        If I have left the powder exposed to a humid environment how can I go about drying the material out? Can I use an oven?If I have left the powder exposed to a humid environment how can I go about drying the material out? Can I use an oven?If I have left the powder exposed to a humid environment how can I go about drying the material out? Can I use an oven?

        0
        Reply
        Link copied
      • A
        Axl Hemmingway

        The material can be dried provided it has not absorbed too much moisture. I would advise against putting it in an oven to dry, you will most likely cause the powder to melt and bond together. The safest is to dry small batches using a desiccant dryer.

        0
        Reply
        Link copied
Why are my SLS PA 12 3D prints so brittle?
Your information:




Suggested Topics

Topic
Replies
Views
Activity
Uniform surface finish on aluminum sheets
Materials & Finishes
Hello, I need an aluminum sheet with a perfectly even surface finish since the final look is really important. The problem is, the sheets I’ve used so far have darker stripes or uneven patterns,... read more
M
v
1
6
Jan 17
Best process to 3D print electronic card casing
Materials & Finishes
Hey , we’re looking for advice on achieving waterproof electronic card casings, since we’ve faced a few challenges lately. We've iterated several manufacturing processes: SLA, which resulted in warping due to thin walls, and... read more
M
R
3
25
Jan 13
Polypropylene
Materials & Finishes
I'm looking for a material with the same flexibility as polypropylene in FDM printing.I need to make clip-on supports, therefore the flexibility allows to keep the shape and deform without breaking. read more
D
4
36
Jan 08
Best process to achieve antique brass finish
Materials & Finishes
Hello Community, I’m looking for a finish that closely resembles antique brass—rich, aged tones with some depth and texture, for aluminum parts for a decorative lighting fixture. I’m not sure which method (Electroplating or... read more
B
a
M
4
103
Dec 13
On Metal Protection
Materials & Finishes
Hello,I am making railings and wrought iron outdoors with S235 steel. The products will be electrostatically painted. What treatment is required for these products not to rust and the paint not to peel off... read more
S
H
1
111
Nov 18

Edit topic