Creating custom car parts using 3D printing is becoming increasingly popular, offering solutions for replacements and unique modifications. However, when considering materials for your 3D printed car part, it’s crucial to understand temperature limitations, especially if the part will be inside a car. Polylactic Acid (PLA), a common 3D printing filament, might seem like a convenient option, but it’s often unsuitable for automotive applications due to heat sensitivity.
PLA starts to deform at relatively low temperatures, typically around 50°C (122°F). Consider the environment inside a car, particularly when parked in the sun. Even on moderately warm days, interior car temperatures can quickly exceed this threshold, leading to warping, sagging, or complete failure of PLA parts. Personal experience highlights this issue: a sun visor hinge pin printed in PLA, even when not in direct sunlight, deformed after just one day in the sun, despite ambient temperatures remaining below 29°C (85°F). While a replacement pin printed in PETG fared better, even PETG showed slight deformation under intense heat within the car.
For car parts, especially those exposed to potential heat, materials with higher temperature resistance are necessary. Nylon (Polyamide, PA), ABS, and specialized high-temperature co-polymers offer significantly improved heat tolerance. For instance, basic co-polymers can withstand temperatures up to around 70°C (158°F), ABS up to 85°C (185°F), and enhanced co-polymers and ASA can handle temperatures up to 100°C (212°F). Materials like Polypropylene (PP) and Polycarbonate (PC) offer even greater resistance, reaching 105°C (221°F) and 110°C (230°F) respectively.
While PLA might be considered for non-load-bearing, minimally stressed components like covers or bushings, it’s generally a risky choice for any car part that could experience heat buildup. It’s always advisable to prioritize temperature resistance when selecting a filament for automotive applications. Consulting technical data sheets for different filaments is crucial. For example, PLA data sheets explicitly state its unsuitability for applications exceeding 50°C (122°F), while Nylon is limited to around 80°C (176°F). Choosing a material with adequate heat resistance ensures the longevity and functionality of your 3D printed car part.
