When considering materials for your car parts, especially if you’re using 3D printing, heat resistance is a crucial factor. While PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a commonly used material for 3D printing due to its ease of use and biodegradability, it’s not always the ideal choice for automotive applications, particularly those exposed to sunlight and high temperatures.
PLA has a relatively low glass transition temperature, typically around 50-60°C (122-140°F). Car interiors, especially dashboards and parts near windows, can easily exceed these temperatures on a sunny day, even if the ambient temperature isn’t extremely high. This heat can cause PLA parts to soften, warp, and deform.
As one user experienced with sun visor hinge pins, even in moderate temperatures, PLA can deform. For car parts, especially those in direct sunlight, materials with higher temperature resistance are necessary.
Better alternatives include PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol), ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), Nylon (Polyamide), ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate), and PC (Polycarbonate). These materials offer significantly higher heat resistance. For instance, ABS can withstand temperatures up to around 85°C (185°F), ASA and enhanced co-polymers up to 100°C (212°F), and PC up to 110°C (230°F) or even higher, depending on the specific grade.
Here’s a general overview of temperature resistance for common 3D printing materials suitable for car parts:
- Basic Co-Polymers: Up to 70°C (158°F)
- ABS: Up to 85°C (185°F)
- Enhanced Co-Polymers and ASA: Up to 100°C (212°F)
- Polypropylene (PP): Up to 105°C (221°F)
- Polycarbonate (PC): Up to 110°C (230°F)
In conclusion, while PLA might be suitable for some low-stress, interior car parts not exposed to direct sunlight and heat, for most automotive applications, especially those in hotter climates or direct sun, it’s best to choose more heat-resistant materials like PETG, ABS, Nylon, or ASA. Always check the technical data sheets for specific filaments to ensure they meet the temperature requirements for your car parts. Selecting the right material is crucial for the longevity and functionality of your 3D printed car parts.
Source: Ultimaker PLA Datasheet
Source: Ultimaker Nylon Datasheet
