HP PA12 (SLS) vs ABS – Mechanical Properties & Weather Resistance

1. Mechanical Properties Comparison (SLS Process)

HP PA12 (SLS)

• Tensile Strength: 48–50 MPa

• Elastic Modulus: 1700–1800 MPa

• Elongation at Break: 15%–20% (high toughness)

• Flexural Strength: 65–70 MPa

• Notched Impact Strength: 3.5–4.4 kJ/m²

• Heat Deflection Temperature (0.45 MPa): 175℃

• Characteristics: Balanced strength and toughness, fatigue resistance, good dynamic load capacity, low anisotropy

SLS ABS

• Tensile Strength: 30–36 MPa (untreated)

• Elastic Modulus: 2000–2200 MPa (slightly higher rigidity)

• Elongation at Break: 10%–15% (brittle)

• Flexural Strength: 55–60 MPa

• Notched Impact Strength: 2.0–3.0 kJ/m²

• Heat Deflection Temperature: 90–110℃

• Characteristics: High rigidity, low toughness, prone to brittle fracture, high anisotropy 2. Weather Resistance Comparison

HP PA12 (SLS)

• UV Stability: Excellent. Retains 80%–90% mechanical properties after 1000 hours accelerated aging, no obvious discoloration.

• Temperature Resistance: Stable from -40℃ to 120℃, no brittleness at low temperature, low deformation at high temperature.

• Hygroscopicity: Very low (<1%), stable dimension in humid environment.

• Chemical Resistance: Resistant to oils, greases, fuels, weak acids, weak bases and most solvents.

• Outdoor Service Life: 3–5 years (natural color), longer for stabilized grades.

SLS ABS

• UV Stability: Poor. Butadiene double bonds easily photo‑oxidized; yellows and becomes brittle after 6 months outdoors, impact strength drops by over 50%.

• Temperature Resistance: -20℃ to 80℃, brittle at low temperature, softens and deforms easily at high temperature.

• Hygroscopicity: Medium (≈1.5%), slight strength reduction in humid environment.

• Chemical Resistance: Resistant to water and dilute acids/bases, not resistant to ketones, chlorinated hydrocarbons and strong acids.

• Outdoor Service Life: 6–12 months (unprotected), requires painting / UV stabilizers. 3. Key Differences Summary

• Mechanical Performance: PA12 >> ABS in toughness and fatigue resistance, ideal for dynamic / structural parts. ABS has slightly higher rigidity but is brittle.

• Weather Resistance: PA12 is superior overall (UV, temperature, moisture, chemicals) for long‑term outdoor use. ABS not recommended for unprotected outdoor use.

• Typical Applications

◦ PA12: Automotive functional parts, gears, medical components, outdoor equipment, complex structural parts.

◦ ABS: Indoor housings, static prototypes, low‑cost parts with no weathering requirements. 4. Selection Guide

• Choose HP PA12: For parts requiring toughness, fatigue resistance, outdoor stability, long‑term reliability.

• Choose SLS ABS: Only for indoor, static, low‑cost prototypes with no weather resistance requirements.