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Why Engineers Choose PA 2200

PA 2200 is not the cheapest SLS material. It costs more than standard PA 12. But for production parts, not just prototypes, the mechanical properties justify it.

The powder granularity is finer than standard PA 12, which means better surface detail and tighter tolerances. Parts come out accurate. The material is impact-resistant and dimensionally stable over time, which matters when you’re making something that actually needs to function.

It’s also biocompatible. PA 2200 meets ISO 10993-1 and USP Class VI standards, making it suitable for medical devices and food-contact applications when processed correctly.

Where it falls short: the natural surface finish is slightly rough. You can fix that with polishing or vapor smoothing, but that’s an extra step. It also discolors with prolonged UV exposure, so outdoor applications need a coating or UV-stable alternative.

Key Advantages of PA 2200

• Exceptional Strength and Durability

PA 2200 parts are tough, impact-resistant, and stable over time—perfect for end-use components that need to stand up to stress.

• Lightweight but Rigid

Despite being strong, PA 2200 remains lightweight, making it a great option for functional parts in aerospace, automotive, and consumer products.

• High Accuracy and Dimensional Stability

The fine powder allows for precise detail and tight tolerances, which means your part prints exactly as designed.

• Biocompatible and Food Safe (Under Certain Standards)

PA 2200 meets ISO 10993-1 and USP Class VI standards, meaning it can be used for medical devices and food-contact applications (with proper processing).

Common Applications of PA2200

• Functional prototypes — fit, function, and assembly testing before production
• End-use components — strong enough for final parts, not just test pieces
• Medical and orthopedic devices — biocompatibility meets the relevant standards
• Automotive — clips, brackets, housings, interior parts
• Consumer products — eyewear frames, sports gear, lightweight enclosures

Limitations of PA 2200

While PA 2200 is one of the best materials for production parts, it has a few considerations:

• Surface Finish: Naturally slightly rough (though it can be improved with polishing or vapor polishing).

• UV Sensitivity: Prolonged exposure to sunlight may cause discoloration.

• Cost: A premium material—slightly more expensive than PA 12 but delivers higher performance.

PA 2200 vs. PA 12: What’s the Difference?

Both are nylon-based SLS powders. Both offer good strength and flexibility. The difference is resolution and mechanical performance.

PA 2200 uses finer powder, which translates to better surface detail and more accurate parts. If you’re printing prototypes and PA 12 is doing the job, it’s fine. If you’re printing production parts where tolerances and surface quality matter, PA 2200 is the better call.

Design Guidelines for PA 2200

• Minimum Wall Thickness: 1.0 mm (basic); 1.5–2.0 mm (load-bearing)
• Clearance for Moving Parts: 0.3–0.5 mm to prevent fusing
• Engraved Text Depth: 1.0 mm minimum for readability
• Embossed Text Height: 1.0 mm minimum to read clearly

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PA 2200 food safe?

PA 2200 meets ISO 10993-1 and USP Class VI biocompatibility standards. Whether a specific part qualifies as food-safe depends on post-processing and application — confirm with your print provider.

What colors does PA 2200 come in?

Parts print white. JawsTec offers dyeing in multiple colors as a finishing option.

What’s the minimum wall thickness for PA 2200?

1.0 mm for standard walls; 1.5–2.0 mm for anything load-bearing.

Can PA 2200 be used for end-use parts?

Yes. It’s strong enough for production components, not just prototypes. It’s widely used in automotive, medical, and consumer product applications.

How does PA 2200 compare to PA 12?

PA 2200 has finer powder, better surface detail, and stronger mechanical properties. PA 12 is adequate for prototyping. PA 2200 is the better choice for finished, production-grade parts.

Printing PA 2200 at JawsTec

JawsTec prints PA 2200 on industrial SLS machines with finishing options including dyeing, polishing, and vapor smoothing. Upload a file to the Instant Quote Engine to get pricing and lead time.