PA12 (Nylon 12) vs PEI (Ultem): 0% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
PA12 (Nylon 12) vs PEI (Ultem)
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
PA12 (Nylon 12)
Polyamide 12 — the long-chain polyamide with the lowest moisture absorption of all PA grades (0.1-0.15% vs PA6: 1.5%). Excellent dimensional stability in humid environments. Best chemical resistance among polyamides (oils, fuels, hydraulic fluids). Lowest density of all PA (1.01 g/cm³). Also the dominant 3D printing (SLS/MJF) material. Trade names include Rilsamid (Arkema), Grilamid L (EMS), TECAMID 12 (Ensinger), Vestamid L (Evonik). Used for fuel lines, brake lines, pneumatic tubing, cable sheathing, and 3D-printed functional parts.
PEI (Ultem)
Polyetherimide — high-performance amorphous thermoplastic. Similar properties to PEEK at lower cost but lower impact strength and use temp. Transparent amber color. Tg 217°C, inherent flame resistance (UL94 V-0 at 0.4mm), very low smoke. Hydrolytically stable (2000+ autoclave cycles). Trade name Ultem (SABIC). Used for aerospace interior panels, medical sterilizable devices, electrical insulators, semiconductor handling, and 3D-print build plates.
| PA12 (Nylon 12) | PEI (Ultem) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 10350 | ISO 10350 |
Chemical composition (wt%) — Pro
| Element | PA12 (Nylon 12) | PEI (Ultem) | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polylaurolactam (from laurolactam/12-aminolauric acid) | 99–99.9% | — | — |
| Base Polymer (Polyetherimide) | — | 99–99.9% | — |
Mechanical properties — Pro
| Property | PA12 (Nylon 12) | PEI (Ultem) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 45–60 | 85–105 | MPa |
| Yield Strength | 40–50 | 85–100 | MPa |
| Elongation | 100–300 | 50–60 | % |
| Elastic Modulus | |||
| Density | |||
| Melting Point | |||
| Water Absorption (24h) | |||
| Glass Transition Temp (Tg) | |||
| Continuous Use Temp |
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PA12 (Nylon 12) and PEI (Ultem) have significantly different compositions (0% overlap). These materials are not interchangeable and serve different application areas.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PA12 (Nylon 12) the same as PEI (Ultem)?
PA12 (Nylon 12) and PEI (Ultem) have a 0% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace PA12 (Nylon 12) with PEI (Ultem)?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (0% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between PA12 (Nylon 12) and PEI (Ultem)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. PA12 (Nylon 12) is a Polymers grade, while PEI (Ultem) is a Polymers grade.
Related Comparisons
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Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.