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BASF Forward AM Ultrasint PA6
PA6PowderSLSBASF Forward AM
Quick answer
Ultrasint PA6 is BASF Forward AM's unfilled PA6 powder for laser sintering — the high-temperature, high-stiffness alternative to PA12 powders. Per BASF's TDS (v14.2): 66 MPa tensile strength and 3700 MPa modulus (X, dry), HDT of 103 °C at 1.8 MPa, and a 220 °C melting temperature — but only 2.0% elongation at break when dry.
Where PA12 powders optimise for balance, Ultrasint PA6 optimises for stiffness and heat: its dry tensile modulus of 3700 MPa is more than double EOS PA 2200's, and its HDT at 1.8 MPa (103 °C) is in a class PA12 powders do not reach. BASF targets engine-compartment parts, fluid reservoirs and media-flow components.
The PA6 caveats are written into the same datasheet. Dry elongation at break is just 2.0%; conditioned (moisture-equilibrated) specimens reach 16% but tensile strength falls from 66 to 47 MPa and modulus from 3700 to 1700 MPa. PA6 absorbs more moisture than PA12, and its properties move with it — the datasheet's dry/conditioned column pairs are the honest picture of the material.
Properties (manufacturer datasheet)
| Property | Value | Test method / note |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength (X, dry) | 66 MPa | ISO 527-2 at 23 °C; conditioned: 47 MPa; Z dry: 56 MPa |
| Tensile modulus (X, dry) | 3700 MPa | ISO 527-2 at 23 °C; conditioned: 1700 MPa |
| Elongation at break (X, dry) | 2.0% | ISO 527-2 at 23 °C; conditioned: 16% |
| HDT @ 1.8 MPa | 103 °C | ISO 75-2 (HDT/A) |
| HDT @ 0.45 MPa | 192 °C | ISO 75-2 (HDT/B) |
| Density (printed part) | 1.15 g/cm³ | DIN EN ISO 1183-1 |
| Melting temperature | 220 °C | ISO 11357 |
Values are reproduced from the manufacturer source(s) listed below, exactly as published. Properties the manufacturer does not publish are omitted rather than estimated — see the sourcing policy.
Processing notes
- SLS (laser sintering) powder; printed part density 1.15 g/cm³ (DIN EN ISO 1183-1) per the TDS.
- Melting temperature 220 °C (ISO 11357) — a hotter process window than PA12 powders.
- Values below are X-direction, dry as printed, unless the note says otherwise; conditioned values are given in the notes because PA6 is unusually moisture-sensitive.
Typical applications
- Engine compartment parts
- Jigs and fixtures
- Piping and media flow / storage parts
- Fluid reservoirs
- Multi-purpose industrial goods
Frequently asked questions
Why does the datasheet give dry and conditioned values?
PA6 absorbs significant moisture, and moisture plasticises it: conditioned specimens are weaker and less stiff but far more ductile (elongation rises from 2.0% to 16%). Parts in service equilibrate toward the conditioned state, so BASF publishes both.
Ultrasint PA6 or a PA12 powder?
PA6 when stiffness and heat resistance dominate and the environment is controlled; PA12 when balanced properties, ductility and moisture stability matter more. They are not drop-in substitutes — PA6 also runs a hotter process window (220 °C melting temperature).
Is Ultrasint PA6 filled?
No — this is the unfilled grade. BASF also sells Ultrasint PA6 MF, a mineral-filled variant with still higher modulus; it is a different product with its own datasheet and is not covered by the values on this page.
Sources
Last updated: November 2026