Formlabs, a global leader in the 3D printing field, has announced a new high-performance material for SLS 3D printing suitable for prototyping and end-product manufacturing, featuring excellent rigidity and thermal safety.


Formlabs announced on the 2nd that it is adding a new 'Nylon 12 GF Powder' to its materials library for SLS (selective laser sintering).

Nylon-based high-performance glass-filled material, 'Nylon 12 GF Powder,' is suitable for producing rigid functional prototypes or end-product parts where structural rigidity and thermal stability are important. Users can use Nylon 12 GF Powder on the Formlabs SLS 3D printer 'Fuse 1' to print parts with high thermal stability that maintain dimensional accuracy under load. Nylon 12 GF powder is one of several materials that Formlabs plans to release for the Fuse 1 printer, expanding the diversity of powder materials and reaffirming Formlabs' position as a provider of complete solutions for end-product 3D printing.

Historically, many companies have been unable to undertake industrial SLS 3D printing due to high costs and complex workflows.

On the other hand, thanks to the simple processes of the FUSE1 ecosystem, the cost accessibility of industrial 3D printing has increased, and ease of use has become greater than ever.

In particular, materials are important for expanding the application fields of 3D printing, and glass-filled nylon 12 was developed as a solution for environments requiring highly stable and functional parts that must withstand loads at high temperatures while maintaining dimensional accuracy.

Following the release of Nylon 11 and Nylon 12 powders, Nylon 12 GF powder is the latest material added to the Formlabs SLS material library for Fuse 1, expanding the functionality of Fuse 1. Users can print highly durable and long-lasting end-use parts themselves.

Chris Haid, Formlabs SLS Product Manager, explained, “Formlabs’ materials, hardware, and software are developed and validated together to provide the best performance while optimizing the cost per part.”

In addition, it was stated, “The new Nylon 12 GF powder, a new addition to the nylon material product family, builds upon the existing capabilities of Fuse 1 to provide manufacturers, engineers, and product designers with the ability to design, custom-manufacture, and produce parts capable of withstanding sustained loads and high temperatures.”