When it comes to modifying or repairing your car, especially with the rise of 3D printing, selecting the right materials for your car parts is crucial. You might be considering PLA (Polylactic Acid) for its ease of printing, but for many car applications, particularly those exposed to heat, PLA falls short.
PLA, a common 3D printing material, is known for being user-friendly and producing detailed prints. However, its weakness lies in its temperature sensitivity. Inside a car, especially under direct sunlight, temperatures can quickly exceed 50°C (122°F). Even in shaded areas within the car, temperatures can rise significantly, particularly during warmer months.
I learned this firsthand when I printed sun visor hinge pins from PLA for my car. Although these parts weren’t in direct sunlight, and the ambient temperature was only around 29°C (85°F), the PLA pin deformed after just one day in the car. This was a temporary fix for form fitting, and the final part was printed in PETG. Even PETG showed slight deformation under intense heat inside the car.
For car parts, especially those bearing any load or exposed to heat, materials like Nylon (Polyamide, PA), ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), or high-temperature resistant co-polymers are much better choices. These materials are designed to withstand higher temperatures without deforming, ensuring the longevity and reliability of your car parts. For less critical, non-load-bearing components like covers or bushings, PLA could be used, but it’s generally wiser to choose a more temperature-resistant material to avoid potential issues down the road.
Material datasheets clearly outline these limitations. For PLA, it’s explicitly stated that it’s “Not suitable for long term outdoor usage or applications where the printed part is exposed to temperatures higher than 50 °C (122 °F).” Nylon, while better, also has limitations, being “Not suitable for applications where the printed part is exposed to temperatures higher than 80 °C (176 °F).”
Here’s a general guideline for temperature limits of common 3D printing materials in car parts:
- Basic Co-Polymers: Up to 70 °C (158 °F)
- ABS: Up to 85 °C (185 °F)
- Enhanced Co-Polymers & ASA: Up to 100 °C (212 °F)
- Polypropylene (PP): Up to 105 °C (221 °F)
- Polycarbonate (PC): Up to 110 °C (230 °F)
Choosing the right material for your car parts is essential for durability and safety. While PLA might be tempting for its printability, opting for materials with higher temperature resistance like ABS, Nylon, or specific co-polymers will ensure your car parts can withstand the harsh conditions inside your vehicle.
