Home / Materials / Formlabs Nylon 11 Powder
Formlabs Nylon 11 Powder
PA11PowderSLS (Fuse series)Formlabs
Quick answer
Formlabs Nylon 11 Powder is a bio-based PA11 for the Fuse series, built for parts that bend or take impact: 49 MPa tensile strength, 1600 MPa modulus and 40% elongation at break (X/Y) per the Formlabs technical data sheet — the most ductile powder in the Formlabs range.
Nylon 11 Powder is Formlabs' high-ductility option. Where Nylon 12 Powder is the balanced default, Nylon 11 is specified when parts must flex, snap or survive drops: its 40% elongation at break is in a different class from the 11% of its PA12 sibling.
Formlabs describes it as a high-performance, bio-based nylon for functional prototyping and small-batch production, and lists thin-walled ducts, enclosures, snaps, clips and hinges among its applications — the classic PA11 use profile.
Properties (manufacturer datasheet)
| Property | Value | Test method / note |
|---|---|---|
| Ultimate tensile strength | 49 MPa | ASTM D638-14 Type 1 |
| Tensile modulus | 1600 MPa | ASTM D638-14 Type 1 |
| Elongation at break (X/Y) | 40% | ASTM D638-14 Type 1; Z not published |
| HDT @ 1.8 MPa | 46 °C | ASTM D648-16 |
| HDT @ 0.45 MPa | 182 °C | ASTM D648-16 |
Values are reproduced from the manufacturer source(s) listed below, exactly as published. Properties the manufacturer does not publish are omitted rather than estimated — see the sourcing policy.
Processing notes
- SLS powder for Formlabs Fuse series printers.
- HDT is 46 °C at 1.8 MPa and 182 °C at 0.45 MPa (ASTM D648-16): under significant load its heat resistance is modest, which is the usual PA11 trade-off.
- The data sheet gives no Z-direction elongation figure, so only the X/Y value is published here.
Typical applications
- Impact-resistant prototypes, jigs and fixtures
- Thin-walled ducts and enclosures
- Snaps, clips and hinges
- Orthotics and prosthetics (e.g. insoles)
Frequently asked questions
Why choose Nylon 11 Powder over Nylon 12 Powder?
Ductility. At 40% elongation at break versus 11%, PA11 bends and absorbs impact where PA12 cracks. Strength and stiffness are similar, so the choice is about failure mode, not load capacity. See the PA11 vs PA12 guide for the full picture.
Is Nylon 11 Powder bio-based?
Yes — PA11 is derived from castor oil, and Formlabs markets the powder as bio-based. As with all PA11, that describes the feedstock; the printed polymer is a durable engineering nylon, not a biodegradable plastic.
What is the catch with PA11?
Heat under load: HDT at 1.8 MPa is only 46 °C, and the powder typically costs more than PA12. For hot or purely static parts, PA12 is usually the better value.
Sources
Last updated: November 2026