Toray Develops Spherical PA12 Powder for Powder Bed Fusion — Targets Smoother, Stronger 3D Printed Parts

Toray Industries, the Japanese materials giant, has developed Toraypearl polyamide (PA) 12, a truly spherical powder designed specifically for powder bed fusion (PBF) 3D printing. The new material aims to deliver superior surface finish and impact strength in 3D-printed parts.

The Problem with Conventional PA12

PA12 powders dominate the polymer PBF market, accounting for approximately 70% of feedstock. However, conventional PA12 powders typically consist of irregularly shaped particles, which creates two key problems:

• Rough surfaces: Irregular particles pack unevenly, resulting in parts that require post-processing such as polishing
• Micro-voids: Gaps between particles generate internal voids, reducing density and limiting mechanical properties including impact strength

Toraypearl PA12 Solution

Leveraging proprietary polymer particle engineering technology developed through years of polyamide polymerization and resin processing R&D, Toray created truly spherical PA12 particles. This enables:

• More uniform powder packing
• Significantly smoother surfaces (targeting Ra 7 μm)
• Higher density parts with fewer internal voids
• Improved impact strength (targeting 50 kJ/m² Charpy)

Toray has already supplied spherical PA6 particles (Toraypearl PA6) for 3D printing applications including automotive components, office chairs, and power tools. The new PA12 extends this technology to the most widely used polymer PBF material.

Why This Matters

For industrial users of PBF 3D printing, surface finish and mechanical properties are critical. The ability to print parts with smoother surfaces reduces or eliminates the need for post-processing, while improved impact strength expands the range of functional applications. This development positions Toray as a key materials supplier for the growing industrial 3D printing market.