Polyamide 12 (PA12), a semi-crystalline thermoplastic, has the lowest water absorption of all polyamides and impresses with high toughness and excellent chemical resistance. This makes it ideal for precise bearings and drive elements in humid environments. While polyamide 12 (PA12) does not quite match PA 6 or PA 6.6 in strength and hardness, a glass fiber-reinforced variant with 30% glass fibers (PA 12-GF30) can increase strength on request.
Polyamide 12 (PA12) can be processed by casting, in which laurinlactam units are polymerized to molten PA 12 G and then cast without pressure. This technique enables the production of semi-finished products and components in unusual sizes and wall thicknesses. The advantage of PA 12 G is its higher molecular weight, which improves stiffness and toughness, as well as its lower residual stress. PA 12 G is particularly suitable for overmolded steel parts (PA 12 G with steel core).