PA12 VS PC-ISO: Which Material is Better for Your Application?

In the world of 3D printing, the choice of material can have a significant impact on the performance and adaptability of the final product. At DuePiGreco, among others, we offer these two distinct materials: EOS‘s PA2200, also known as PA12, and Stratasys‘s PC-ISO. Both are biocompatible according to ISO10993 standards and suitable for medical applications in packaging and handling. However, despite their similar applications, these materials have unique properties that make them suitable for different contexts.

 

PA2200 by EOS

PA2200, also known as polyamide 12, is a sintered white PA12 material with excellent definition and surface uniformity. It offers a balanced property profile characterized by strength, rigidity, and good chemical resistance. With a tensile modulus of 1650 MPa and a tensile strength of 48 MPa, PA2200 is a durable and reliable material suitable for a variety of applications. Its melting temperature of 176°C makes it ideal for functional prototypes and serial production parts in various industries.

 

 

Applications:

Functional Prototyping: durable and reliable parts for functional prototypes.
Series Production: suitable for small-volume production in various industries.
Packaging and Handling: medical applications in packaging and handling.

PC-ISO by Stratasys

On the other hand, PC-ISO is a biocompatible polycarbonate thermoplastic compatible with Stratasys FDM printers. It is sterilizable and compliant with ISO 10993 and USP Class VI standards, making it ideal for medical, pharmaceutical, and food applications. PC-ISO offers excellent tensile strength, with 57 MPa compared to Nylon 12’s 46 MPa and ASA’s 33 MPa. Its heat deflection temperature (HDT) of 133°C makes it suitable for applications requiring high-temperature resistance.

 

 

Applications:

• Medical Applications: biocompatible and sterilized parts for the medical sector.
• Pharmaceutical and Food: ideal for applications requiring biocompatibility and sterilization.

 

Choosing the Right Material for Your Application

When deciding between PA2200 and PC-ISO for your 3D printing project, consider the specific requirements of your application. If you need parts with excellent definition, surface uniformity, and chemical resistance, PA2200 might be the ideal choice. However, if biocompatibility and sterilizability are crucial, PC-ISO offers superior performance in medical and pharmaceutical applications.

At DuePiGreco, we are committed to providing customized solutions for your 3D printing needs. Our experience, combined with our commitment to excellence, ensures that you receive components of the highest quality for your projects. Contact us today to learn more about our materials and capabilities and discover how we can support your production goals.