Sculpteo launches PA12 S: a high performance material for industrial 3D printing

Sculpteo has announced the launch of PA12 S (S for ‘smooth’), a new polyamide material designed for 3D printing for industrial applications. Manufactured in France by Arkema, this material combines mechanical precision, a smooth finish, and is manufactured in Europe, offering a competitive alternative to existing materials and accelerating the manufacturing process for European countries.

Thanks to HP Multi Jet Fusion technology, PA12 S is characterised by a surface that is finer and more uniform than the polyamides used until now. The result is more aesthetically pleasing and net as it consists of a powder that is more spherical than other polyamides. PA12 S boasts particularly sought after qualities for demanding sectors such as aeronautics, automotive, electronics and even smart devices.

Alessandro D'Orsetti, CEO of Sculpteo, said: ‘This new material, with its outstanding mechanical and aesthetic properties, is a genuine alternative to injection moulded plastic parts for short to medium production runs and it is even more environmentally friendly. In fact, PA12 S has generated considerable interest due to its potential to create a lot less waste powder than alternative polyamides. With the launch of PA12 S, 3D printing continues to prove its vital role in Europe’s ongoing reindustrialisation, offering practical solutions for fast and efficient manufacturing.’

PA12 S is entirely produced in France, on the site of Arkema in Mont (Pyrénées-Atlantiques). Sculpteo’s commitment to local production aligns with France’s reindustrialisation strategy, the drive to reduce carbon emissions, and the need to secure supply chains in Europe. Additionally, the company offers a solution for recycling unused parts in PA12 S through the RE-cycleo programme.

Already widely used for functional prototypes, the PA12 S material now makes it possible to consider the production of finished objects with high value parts thanks to its rapid turnaround times and without the need for heavy machinery. It enhances Sculpteo's offering in terms of manufacturing on-demand, serving industries in search of flexibility, high performance, and more sustainable solutions.