PA12 Sheet — Thicknesses, Sizes & Stock Forms
PA12 sheet is flat plate stock produced from Polyamide 12 (Nylon 12). Its defining advantages are low moisture absorption and excellent dimensional stability — flat components machined from PA12 sheet hold their dimensions in humid operating environments where PA6 or PA66 sheet would require conditioning or could experience dimensional drift.
At a glance:
- Thickness range: 0.125" to 4.0"
- Standard sheet sizes: 24" × 48" and 48" × 96"
- Thickness tolerance: ±10% (typical)
- Material: Polyamide 12 (PA12, Nylon 12) — extruded
- Color: Natural (off-white/ivory or translucent)
Standard Thickness Table
PA12 sheet is stocked in the following standard thicknesses:
| Thickness | Standard Sheet Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.125" | 24" × 48" | Thin precision liners, light panels |
| 0.250" | 24" × 48" & 48" × 96" | General machining plate |
| 0.375" | 24" × 48" & 48" × 96" | Structural precision panels |
| 0.500" | 24" × 48" & 48" × 96" | Medium wear plates |
| 0.750" | 24" × 48" & 48" × 96" | Thick structural plates |
| 1.000" | 24" × 48" & 48" × 96" | Precision machined components |
| 2.000" | 24" × 48" | Blocks for complex machined parts |
| 4.000" | 24" × 48" | Heavy-section precision components |
Ready Plastics offers cut-to-size service for non-standard dimensions.
Mechanical Properties
PA12 sheet offers a balance of mechanical performance and dimensional stability that makes it ideal for precision applications:
| Property | Notes |
|---|---|
| Dimensional stability | Excellent — low moisture absorption minimizes swelling |
| Mechanical strength | Good for structural and load-bearing panels |
| Impact resistance | Good flexibility under dynamic loads |
| Chemical resistance | Resists fuels, oils, and many solvents — suited for industrial environments |
| Machinability | Excellent — produces clean edges and fine finishes |
| Flammability (UL 94) | HB |
Full numeric specifications are available in the PA12 material datasheet.
Typical Applications
PA12 sheet is preferred for:
- Precision machined panels — where close tolerances must be maintained in variable humidity
- Fuel and fluid system components — chemical resistance to fuels, oils, and hydraulic fluids
- Equipment housings — stable, lightweight structural panels in industrial and automotive systems
- Wear liners in chemical environments — resists degradation where other nylons may absorb process fluids
- Aerospace and automotive jig plates — consistent dimensional behavior supports precision tooling
Machining PA12 Sheet
PA12 sheet is highly machinable with standard milling, routing, and sawing operations. Sharp carbide tooling produces clean edges and fine surface finishes. Because PA12 absorbs very little moisture, parts can be machined and fitted directly without extended conditioning times — a significant workflow advantage over PA6 sheet in humidity-sensitive environments. Light mist coolant is recommended for extended machining runs.
Related
- PA12 Material Line Card
- PA12 Rod — round bar for turned components
- PA12 Tube — hollow stock for precision sleeves