Polylactic Acid (PLA) is a popular 3D printing material, lauded for its ease of use and biodegradability. Many car enthusiasts and hobbyists are drawn to PLA for creating custom car parts due to its user-friendly nature and appealing finish. However, when considering materials for parts of car, especially those exposed to sunlight or heat, PLA falls short.
My personal experience highlights this limitation. I attempted to print sun visor hinge pins for a car using PLA. Even though these parts were not in direct sunlight and the ambient temperature was mild (around 29 °C or 85 ˚F), the PLA pin deformed after just one day in the sun. This was merely a test for form fitting. The final, functional pin was eventually printed using PETG, a more heat-resistant material. Even PETG showed slight deformation under intense car heat.
While components positioned lower in the car might experience slightly less heat, it’s crucial to consider the temperature fluctuations inside a vehicle, especially under direct sunlight. Temperatures can easily exceed 50 °C (122 °F) in many locations, which is beyond PLA’s recommended operating range.
For durable and heat-resistant parts of car, consider materials like Nylon (Polyamide, PA), ABS, or high-temperature co-polymers such as Amphora HT5300. These materials offer significantly better thermal performance.
According to technical data sheets, PLA is explicitly “not suitable for applications where the printed part is exposed to temperatures higher than 50 °C (122 °F).” Similarly, Nylon is not recommended for temperatures exceeding 80 °C (176 °F).
Here’s a general guideline for material temperature resistance for parts of car:
- 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 non-load-bearing, interior parts of car that remain cool, it’s not a reliable choice for components exposed to heat. For parts of car that need to withstand typical in-car temperatures, especially during summer or under direct sunlight, opting for materials like PETG, ABS, Nylon, or other high-temperature filaments is essential for longevity and functionality. Always prioritize material properties based on the specific requirements and environment of the Part Of Car you are creating.
