PA11 is a nylon powder made from castor oil, a renewable plant source. Compared with PA12, it stretches and bends further before breaking, so it's tougher under impact. SLS and MJF printers fuse layers of fine powder with a laser or heat. The surrounding powder supports the part while printing, so complex shapes need no support structures.
What Nylon PA11 is good at
- Very impact resistant: Tougher than PA12 under sudden force.
- More flexible: Ideal for clips, hinges, and flexing parts.
- Renewable source: Made from castor beans rather than petroleum.
Where it falls short
- Costs more than PA12: And fewer shops offer it.
- Grainy surface: Same textured finish as PA12.
Is Nylon PA11 right for my project?
It's usually a good fit if your item:
- must survive impacts
- flexes during use
- is needed in quantity
For stiffer parts at lower cost, choose PA12.
Common questions
PA11 or PA12? PA12 is the standard, stiffer, and more affordable. PA11 is tougher and more flexible.
Find Nylon PA11 near you
Ready to get something made? Find shops that offer Nylon PA11 near you, or upload your file for a quote. Not sure which material to choose? Choose by what you're making or ask a local shop.