Influence of Ageing and Post-Processing on the Mechanical and Aesthetic Stability of PA12-Based 3D-Printed Components for Medical Devices

This study investigates the mechanical performance of polyamide 12 (PA12) components fabricated using Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and HP Multi Jet Fusion (HP MJF) technologies, with particular emphasis on the effects of DyeMansion post-processing techniques. The primary objective was to evaluate the long-term durability of additively manufactured parts intended for use in medical environments, with ageing simulated over a 12-month period. Experimental findings indicate that specimens produced via SLS exhibit superior resistance to physicochemical degradation processes compared with those manufactured using HP MJF. Moreover, industrial dyeing with the DM60 system was found to significantly contribute to the retention of mechanical properties over time. Notably, the SLS-processed PA2200 material demonstrated enhanced mechanical stability after 12 months, particularly in the dyed configuration. These results highlight the critical role of both manufacturing technology and post-processing strategies in ensuring the long-term reliability of PA12 components, especially in applications subject to stringent mechanical and environmental requirements, such as in the medical and industrial sectors.