---
title: "Material of the Month: Nylon 12CF - AdvancedTek"
description: If you are looking for a true metal replacement thermoplastic look no further than Nylon 12CF from Stratasys. First released on the Fortus Series 3D printers back in 2017, this material combines the superior chemical resistance, toughness, and Z layer strength of FDM Nylon 12 with the stiffness, heat-resistance, wear-resistance and ESD properties of carbon […]
image: https://info.advancedtek.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/CF_10_MQ.jpg
---

Call Today [800-482-9005](tel:800-482-9005)

- [Contact Us](https://advancedtek.com/contact-us/)
- [Blog](https://info.advancedtek.com/blog)
- [Events](https://advancedtek.com/category/events/)
- [Request a Quote](https://advancedtek.com/request-a-quote/)

*close*

[![Advanced Tek](https://info.advancedtek.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/AdvancedTek_February2024/images/atLogo.jpg?width=210&height=34&name=atLogo.jpg "Advanced Tek")](https://advancedtek.com/)

- [Products](https://advancedtek.com/categories-products/) 
    - 3D Printers 
          - [Stratasys](https://advancedtek.com/series/stratasys-3d-printers/)
          - [EOS Metal](https://advancedtek.com/series/eos-metal-3d-printers/)
          - [Formlabs](https://advancedtek.com/series/formlabs-3d-printers/)
          - [UltiMaker](https://advancedtek.com/series/ultimaker/)
    - [Post Processing](https://advancedtek.com/categories-products/post-processing/) 
          - [PostProcess](https://advancedtek.com/categories-products/post-processing/postprocess/)
          - [DyeMansion](https://advancedtek.com/categories-products/post-processing/dyemansion-finishing-systems/)
          - [Oryx](https://advancedtek.com/categories-products/post-processing/oryx/)
          - [Onulis](https://advancedtek.com/categories-products/post-processing/onulis/)
    - Vacuum Forming Machines 
          - [Formech](https://advancedtek.com/categories-products/formech/)
    - Software 
          - [GrabCAD Print](https://advancedtek.com/categories-products/grabcad-print/)
          - [GrabCAD Print Pro](https://advancedtek.com/categories-products/grabcad-print-pro/)
          - [GrabCAD Shop](https://advancedtek.com/categories-products/grabcad-shop/)
          - [Stratasys Connectivity](https://advancedtek.com/categories-products/connectivity/)
          - [Materialise Magics 3D Print Suite](https://advancedtek.com/categories-products/categories-products-materialise-magics-3d-print-suite/)
- [Materials](https://advancedtek.com/categories-products/3d-printing-materials/) 
    - [FDM Materials](https://advancedtek.com/materials/stratasys-fdm-materials/)
    - [PolyJet Materials](https://advancedtek.com/materials/stratasys-polyjet-materials/)
    - [P3/DLP Materials](https://advancedtek.com/materials/stratasys-p3-dlp-materials/)
    - [SAF Materials](https://advancedtek.com/materials/stratasys-saf-materials/)
    - [EOS Metal Materials](https://advancedtek.com/materials/eos-metal-materials/)
    - Material Safety Data Sheets 
          - [FDM Material Safety Data Sheets](https://advancedtek.com/materials/stratasys-fdm-materials/fdm-material-safety-data-sheets/)
          - [PolyJet Material Safety Data Sheets](https://advancedtek.com/materials/stratasys-polyjet-materials/polyjet-material-safety-data-sheets/)
          - [Origin One P3 Material Safety Data Sheets](https://advancedtek.com/materials/stratasys-origin-one-materials/origin-one-p3-material-safety-data-sheets/)
          - [PostProcess Material Safety Data Sheets](https://advancedtek.com/postprocess/material-safety-data-sheets/)
          - [Oryx Material Safety Data Sheets](https://advancedtek.com/oryx/msds/)
- [3D Printing Applications](https://advancedtek.com/categories-products/3d-printing-applications/) 
    - [Concept Modeling](https://advancedtek.com/applications/concept-modeling/)
    - [Functional Prototypes](https://advancedtek.com/applications/functional-prototypes/)
    - [Manufacturing Tooling](https://advancedtek.com/applications/manufacturing-tooling/)
    - [End-User Parts](https://advancedtek.com/applications/end-user-parts/)
    - [Advanced Applications](https://advancedtek.com/applications/advanced-applications/)
- [Customer Stories](https://advancedtek.com/category/customer-stories/)
- [Services & Support](https://advancedtek.com/services-support/) 
    - Services 
          - [Customer Training](https://advancedtek.com/services/training/)
          - [Stratasys 3D Printer Repairs](https://advancedtek.com/services/repairs/)
          - [3D Printing Services](https://advancedtek.com/services/3d-printing-services/)
    - Support 
          - [Best Practices](https://advancedtek.com/services/3d-printing-best-practices/)
          - [Stratasys Product Life Cycle Classification](https://advancedtek.com/services/stratasys-product-life-cycle-classification/)
          - [Service Contracts](https://advancedtek.com/services/service-contracts/)
          - [Stratasys Recycling and Return Program](https://advancedtek.com/services/stratasys-returnrecycling-program/)
          - [3D Printing Webinars](https://advancedtek.com/category/3d-printing-webinars/)
- [Order Supplies](https://advancedtek.com/supplies/)
- [Why AdvancedTek?](https://advancedtek.com/why-advancedtek/) 
    - [About Us](https://advancedtek.com/why-advancedtek/about-advancedtek/)
    - [TekCenter](https://advancedtek.com/why-advancedtek/tekcenter-3d-printer-demo/)
    - [What Customers Are Saying](https://advancedtek.com/why-advancedtek/what-customers-are-saying/)

[![Advanced Tek](https://info.advancedtek.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/AdvancedTek_February2024/images/mobile-title.png?width=164&height=27&name=mobile-title.png "Advanced Tek")](https://advancedtek.com/)

close

- [Products](https://advancedtek.com/categories-products/) 
    - 3D Printers 
          - [Stratasys](https://advancedtek.com/series/stratasys-3d-printers/)
          - [EOS Metal](https://advancedtek.com/series/eos-metal-3d-printers/)
          - [Formlabs](https://advancedtek.com/series/formlabs-3d-printers/)
          - [UltiMaker](https://advancedtek.com/series/ultimaker/)
    - [Post Processing](https://advancedtek.com/categories-products/post-processing/) 
          - [PostProcess](https://advancedtek.com/categories-products/post-processing/postprocess/)
          - [DyeMansion](https://advancedtek.com/categories-products/post-processing/dyemansion-finishing-systems/)
          - [Oryx](https://advancedtek.com/categories-products/post-processing/oryx/)
          - [Onulis](https://advancedtek.com/categories-products/post-processing/onulis/)
    - Vacuum Forming Machines 
          - [Formech](https://advancedtek.com/categories-products/formech/)
    - Software 
          - [GrabCAD Print](https://advancedtek.com/categories-products/grabcad-print/)
          - [GrabCAD Print Pro](https://advancedtek.com/categories-products/grabcad-print-pro/)
          - [GrabCAD Shop](https://advancedtek.com/categories-products/grabcad-shop/)
          - [Stratasys Connectivity](https://advancedtek.com/categories-products/connectivity/)
          - [Materialise Magics 3D Print Suite](https://advancedtek.com/categories-products/categories-products-materialise-magics-3d-print-suite/)
- [Materials](https://advancedtek.com/categories-products/3d-printing-materials/) 
    - [FDM Materials](https://advancedtek.com/materials/stratasys-fdm-materials/)
    - [PolyJet Materials](https://advancedtek.com/materials/stratasys-polyjet-materials/)
    - [P3/DLP Materials](https://advancedtek.com/materials/stratasys-p3-dlp-materials/)
    - [SAF Materials](https://advancedtek.com/materials/stratasys-saf-materials/)
    - [EOS Metal Materials](https://advancedtek.com/materials/eos-metal-materials/)
    - Material Safety Data Sheets 
          - [FDM Material Safety Data Sheets](https://advancedtek.com/materials/stratasys-fdm-materials/fdm-material-safety-data-sheets/)
          - [PolyJet Material Safety Data Sheets](https://advancedtek.com/materials/stratasys-polyjet-materials/polyjet-material-safety-data-sheets/)
          - [Origin One P3 Material Safety Data Sheets](https://advancedtek.com/materials/stratasys-origin-one-materials/origin-one-p3-material-safety-data-sheets/)
          - [PostProcess Material Safety Data Sheets](https://advancedtek.com/postprocess/material-safety-data-sheets/)
          - [Oryx Material Safety Data Sheets](https://advancedtek.com/oryx/msds/)
- [3D Printing Applications](https://advancedtek.com/categories-products/3d-printing-applications/) 
    - [Concept Modeling](https://advancedtek.com/applications/concept-modeling/)
    - [Functional Prototypes](https://advancedtek.com/applications/functional-prototypes/)
    - [Manufacturing Tooling](https://advancedtek.com/applications/manufacturing-tooling/)
    - [End-User Parts](https://advancedtek.com/applications/end-user-parts/)
    - [Advanced Applications](https://advancedtek.com/applications/advanced-applications/)
- [Customer Stories](https://advancedtek.com/category/customer-stories/)
- [Services & Support](https://advancedtek.com/services-support/) 
    - Services 
          - [Customer Training](https://advancedtek.com/services/training/)
          - [Stratasys 3D Printer Repairs](https://advancedtek.com/services/repairs/)
          - [3D Printing Services](https://advancedtek.com/services/3d-printing-services/)
    - Support 
          - [Best Practices](https://advancedtek.com/services/3d-printing-best-practices/)
          - [Stratasys Product Life Cycle Classification](https://advancedtek.com/services/stratasys-product-life-cycle-classification/)
          - [Service Contracts](https://advancedtek.com/services/service-contracts/)
          - [Stratasys Recycling and Return Program](https://advancedtek.com/services/stratasys-returnrecycling-program/)
          - [3D Printing Webinars](https://advancedtek.com/category/3d-printing-webinars/)
- [Order Supplies](https://advancedtek.com/supplies/)
- [Why AdvancedTek?](https://advancedtek.com/why-advancedtek/) 
    - [About Us](https://advancedtek.com/why-advancedtek/about-advancedtek/)
    - [TekCenter](https://advancedtek.com/why-advancedtek/tekcenter-3d-printer-demo/)
    - [What Customers Are Saying](https://advancedtek.com/why-advancedtek/what-customers-are-saying/)

- [Contact Us](https://advancedtek.com/contact-us/)
- [Blog](https://info.advancedtek.com/blog)
- [Events](https://advancedtek.com/category/events/)
- [Request a Quote](https://advancedtek.com/request-a-quote/)

[![LinkedIn](https://info.advancedtek.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/AdvancedTek_February2024/images/linkedin.jpg?width=37&name=linkedin.jpg "LinkedIn")](https://www.linkedin.com/company/advancedtek/)

![Material of the Month: Nylon 12CF](https://info.advancedtek.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/CF_10_MQ.jpg)

# Material of the Month: Nylon 12CF

[AdvancedTek](https://info.advancedtek.com/blog/author/advancedtek) 09/23/2020

## Material of the Month: Nylon 12CF

![Stratasys Nylon 12CF Drill Jig](https://info.advancedtek.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/CF_10_MQ.jpg?width=263&height=247&name=CF_10_MQ.jpg)If you are looking for a true metal replacement thermoplastic look no further than **[Nylon 12CF](https://advancedtek.com/material_categories/fdm-materials/high-performance-thermoplastics/)** from Stratasys. First released on the Fortus Series 3D printers back in 2017, this material combines the superior chemical resistance, toughness, and Z layer strength of [FDM Nylon 12](https://advancedtek.com/material_categories/fdm-materials/engineering-thermoplastics/) with the stiffness, heat-resistance, wear-resistance and ESD properties of carbon fiber. Stratasys includes an industry high 35% chopped carbon fibers in its filament, which leads to better stiffness and material properties than those with a lower percentage of chopped carbon fibers CF.

**Nylon 12CF vs. Other High Performing Materials**

Other Stratasys high performing FDM thermoplastics such as [ULTEM 1010](https://advancedtek.com/material_categories/fdm-materials/high-performance-thermoplastics/) or [Polycarbonate (PC)](https://advancedtek.com/material_categories/fdm-materials/engineering-thermoplastics/) can provide the stiffness and heat resistance required for many applications, but Nylon 12CF is unique in that it has stronger layer-to-layer adhesion and possesses all the qualities needed for most demanding applications across functional prototypes, tooling, and end use components.  

![Stratasys Nylon 12CF Brake Pedal](https://info.advancedtek.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/BrakePedal01_MQ.jpg?width=263&height=247&name=BrakePedal01_MQ.jpg)At AdvancedTek, we generally use ULTEM for applications that require a heat deflection of 300 °F or higher or require ULTEM’s Flame, Smoke, and Toxicity (FST) ratings. When we have special cases where we need better outgassing or enhanced chemical resistance with ESD properties, we turn to Stratasys’ PEKK materials ([Antero800NA/ESD](https://advancedtek.com/material_categories/fdm-materials/high-performance-thermoplastics/)). What we find Nylon 12CF best suited for is high-demand applications that don’t require as high of a high heat deflection as ULTEM but still require high strength and durability.  We have also found in many cases that the carbon fiber in the material can provide ESD properties.

Another advantage of Stratasys’ Nylon 12CF is that it is the only high-performing material to use soluble supports, which gives you greater design flexibility without having to consider how supports will be removed.

The cost of Nylon 12CF is slightly higher than that of other Stratasys Engineering Grade materials such as PC, Nylon 12, PC-ABS, and ABS-ESD7, but is still a lower cost option than ULTEM or PEKK. 

![FDM Material by Cost](https://info.advancedtek.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/cost-of-FDM-Materials.png?width=683&height=274&name=cost-of-FDM-Materials.png)

**Building with Nylon 12CF**

Nylon 12CF is available on the following Stratasys systems with the upgraded hardened printhead and drive blocks: 

- Fortus 380mc Carbon Fiber Edition
- [Fortus 450mc](https://advancedtek.com/3d_printers/fortus-380-450mc/)
- Fortus 900mc/[Stratasys F900](https://advancedtek.com/3d_printers/stratasysf900/)

Nylon 12CF also requires a special hardened T20C tip that allows it to run in .010” slice.  Otherwise it uses the same Nylon build sheets and SR-110 soluble support as the other Stratasys nylon-based materials.

Check out how [Thule](https://marketing.advancedtek.com/acton/attachment/17578/f-b167c2ea-ad7b-486e-abfe-64d716f9753e/1/-/-/-/-/CS_FDM_CN_Thule_A4_0618a.pdf), an outdoor and transportation products manufacturer, uses Stratasys Nylon 12CF for their rigorous functional prototyping and production tooling and fixturing.

![Thule 3D printed concept validation part](https://info.advancedtek.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Thule.png?width=795&height=525&name=Thule.png)

Designers at Thule discuss concept validation for their Hull A Port XT kayak carrier.

---

***Pro Tip: *** If you need direct access to lower cost composite material solution(s), AdvancedTek now offers the MakerBot Method desktop printers.  The new **[Method X Carbon Fiber Edition](https://advancedtek.com/3d_printers/makerbot-method-carbon-fiber/)** offers more reliable and repeatable results than most desktop printers on the market today.   While it can’t match the speed and standards of the more capable Stratasys solutions and materials, the Nylon 6 based material has a 10% chopped carbon fiber fill and is a good budget offering for those who want to start experiencing the power of direct access to additive technologies or as a supplement to your industrial solutions.

---

Want to learn more about FDM Nylon 12CF from Stratasys and how it can be a game changer in replacing traditional metal components and other high-strength applications? Contact your AdvancedTek sales representative or give us a call at 651-489-6990.

David Kadlec, AdvancedTek Application Engineer

---

#### Share:

- [Follow us on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://info.advancedtek.com/blog/material-of-the-month-nylon-12cf)
- [Follow us on Linkedin](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://info.advancedtek.com/blog/material-of-the-month-nylon-12cf)
- [Follow us on Mail](mailto:?subject=Material%20of%20the%20Month:%20Nylon%2012CF%20&%20body=https://info.advancedtek.com/blog/material-of-the-month-nylon-12cf)

---

#### [AdvancedTek AE Pro Tips: Controlling Spacing on FDM Trays with GrabCAD Print Previous Post](https://info.advancedtek.com/blog/advancedtek-ae-pro-tips-controlling-spacing-fdm-trays)

#### [AdvancedTek AE Pro Tips: Adaptive Slice for FDM Next Post](https://info.advancedtek.com/blog/advancedtek-ae-pro-tips-adaptive-slicing)

### Popular Posts

02/02/2026

[What's Printing with Lauryn: Surgical Cutting Guides](https://info.advancedtek.com/blog/whats-printing-with-lauryn-surgical-cutting-guides)

01/25/2023

[Ask a 3D Printing Expert: Can Stratasys F123 Series build trays be reused?](https://info.advancedtek.com/blog/ask-a-3d-printing-expert-can-f123-series-build-trays-be-reused)

03/15/2023

[Ask a 3D Printing Expert: What Stratasys materials are most similar to PTFE, Polypropylene, and Delrin?](https://info.advancedtek.com/blog/ask-a-3d-printing-expert-what-stratasys-materials-are-most-similar-to-ptfe-polypropylene-and-delrin)

---

## Stay Connected! Join our email list.

## Explore

- [Request a Quote](https://advancedtek.com/request-a-quote/)
- [3D Printer Promotions](https://advancedtek.com/categories-products/3d-printers/3d-printer-promotions/)
- [Used and Demo 3D Printers for Sale](https://advancedtek.com/used-and-demo-3d-printers/)
- [Order Supplies](https://advancedtek.com/supplies/)
- [Contact Us](https://advancedtek.com/contact-us/)
- [Careers](https://advancedtek.com/advancedtek-careers/)
- [Terms & Conditions of Sale](https://advancedtek.com/terms-and-conditions-of-sale/)
- [AMFG User Agreement](https://advancedtek.com/amfg-software-user-terms-of-agreement/)

## Contact Us

AdvancedTek

255 E Roselawn Ave, Suite 45  
St. Paul MN 55117

[Get Map and Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/''/255+E+Roselawn+Ave,+Suite+45St.+Paul+MN+55117) [651-489-6990](tel:1651-489-6990) [800-482-9005](tel:1800-482-9005)

## Stay Connected

[![LinkedIn](https://info.advancedtek.com/hubfs/AdvancedTek_February2024/images/linkedin%20(1).jpg) Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/advancedtek/) [![Youtube](https://info.advancedtek.com/hubfs/AdvancedTek_February2024/images/youtube.jpg) Watch us on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/ADVTEK1)

- AdvancedTek© 2026. All Rights Reserved.
- [Privacy Policy](https://advancedtek.com/privacy-policy/)
- [Sitemap](https://advancedtek.com/sitemap/)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "AdvancedTek",
    "url" : "https://info.advancedtek.com/blog/author/advancedtek"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2025-01-14T20:57:06.920Z",
  "datePublished" : "2020-09-23T05:00:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "Material of the Month: Nylon 12CF - AdvancedTek",
  "image" : [ "https://info.advancedtek.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/CF_10_MQ.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://info.advancedtek.com/blog/material-of-the-month-nylon-12cf",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://info.advancedtek.com/hubfs/AdvancedTek_Logo_2%20Tone_RGB.png"
    },
    "name" : "AdvancedTek"
  }
}
```