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HP 3D High Reusability PA 12
PA12PowderMJFHP
Quick answer
HP 3D High Reusability PA 12 is the standard nylon for Multi Jet Fusion: 54 MPa tensile strength, 2150 MPa tensile modulus and 18% elongation at break in XY (10% in Z), with a density of 1.02 g/cm³, per HP's technical data sheet. "High Reusability" refers to HP's powder-refresh economics: surplus powder is recovered and reused at a set refresh ratio.
PA 12 is the default MJF material and the grade most MJF service bureaus run. Compared with SLS PA12 grades, HP publishes unusually uniform figures: tensile strength and modulus are the same in XY and Z in the current data sheet, which reflects MJF's near-isotropic positioning.
Elongation still shows the powder-bed pattern — 18% in XY versus 10% in Z — so ductility-critical features should still be oriented with the layer structure in mind, even though the anisotropy is milder than in SLS.
Properties (manufacturer datasheet)
| Property | Value | Test method / note |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 54 MPa | Per HP data sheet; same value listed for XY and Z |
| Tensile modulus | 2150 MPa | Per HP data sheet; same value listed for XY and Z |
| Elongation at break (XY) | 18% | Per HP data sheet; Z: 10% |
| Density | 1.02 g/cm³ | Per HP data sheet |
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
- MJF powder for HP Jet Fusion systems; unfused powder is recovered and refreshed with virgin material at the ratio HP specifies for the system.
- HP does not list an HDT value in the current data sheet (document 4AA8-5029ENW), so no heat-deflection figure is published here — see the sourcing policy on omitted values.
- Raw MJF parts are grey from the fusing agent and are commonly dyed black.
Typical applications
- Functional prototypes and end-use production parts
- Housings, enclosures and ducting
- Jigs, fixtures and assembly aids
- Balanced general-purpose MJF work where PA 11 ductility is not required
Frequently asked questions
What does "High Reusability" mean?
It is HP's name for its powder economics: after a build, the unfused PA 12 is recovered and blended with a defined proportion of virgin powder (the refresh ratio) for the next build. This keeps material cost per part lower than processes that discard aged powder.
HP PA 12 or HP PA 11?
PA 12 is the balanced, economical default. PA 11 is the ductility upgrade for clips, hinges and impact-loaded parts — the same choice as in SLS, covered in the PA11 vs PA12 guide. (HP's current PA 11 datasheet could not be re-verified at publication time, so this database does not yet list its values.)
Is MJF PA 12 stronger than SLS PA12?
On paper the tensile figures are similar (54 MPa vs 48-50 MPa for EOS/Formlabs grades), and HP lists equal XY and Z strength. Test methods differ between manufacturers, so compare the full table on each material page rather than a single number.
Sources
Last updated: November 2026