When it comes to car parts, especially those within the interior, material selection is crucial. Many car enthusiasts and DIYers consider 3D printing for custom Parts Of A Car, but it’s essential to understand the limitations of different materials, particularly concerning temperature resistance. This guide will help you choose the right materials for your 3D printed car components, focusing on heat sensitivity and durability.
The Problem with PLA in Car Interiors
Polylactic Acid (PLA) is a popular 3D printing material due to its ease of use and biodegradability. However, PLA is not suitable for parts of a car that might be exposed to heat. Even on moderately warm days, the interior of a car, especially the dashboard and areas in direct sunlight, can reach surprisingly high temperatures.
Consider a simple example: sun visor hinge pins. Even when printed with PLA for a car interior component not directly in the sun, these pins can deform in relatively mild conditions. One user experienced deformation in printed PLA pins after just one day in temperatures around 29°C (85°F). This demonstrates PLA’s low heat tolerance, making it unreliable for most car parts that can be exposed to sunlight or enclosed cabin heat.
Best Materials for Heat-Resistant Car Parts
For car parts that need to withstand higher temperatures, you should consider materials beyond PLA. Several alternatives offer improved heat resistance and durability:
- Nylon (Polyamide, PA): Nylon offers significantly better temperature resistance than PLA. It can withstand higher temperatures before deforming, making it a more robust choice for interior car parts. Even PETG, which is an improvement over PLA, can still slightly deform in very hot car interiors, highlighting the need for materials like Nylon for critical components.
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): ABS is another common 3D printing material known for its higher temperature resistance compared to PLA. It’s often used in automotive applications due to its durability and ability to withstand heat.
- Co-Polymers (e.g., Amphora HT5300): A wide range of co-polymers, like those based on Amphora HT5300, are engineered for high-temperature applications. These materials often bridge the gap between standard filaments and engineering-grade plastics, offering a balance of printability and performance.
For non-load-bearing and low-stress parts like covers or bushings, PLA might be considered if the part is in a shaded, cool area of the car. However, for any component that could experience heat build-up, it’s always safer to choose a more temperature-resistant material.
Material Temperature Resistance Overview
To help you select the appropriate material, here’s a general overview of temperature resistance for common 3D printing filaments:
- 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)
- Nylon: While the provided data sheet mentioned 80°C (176°F), some Nylon formulations can withstand higher temperatures, but it’s crucial to check specific data sheets.
Conclusion
Choosing the right material is paramount when 3D printing parts of a car. While PLA is convenient, its low heat resistance makes it unsuitable for most car interior applications. Opting for materials like Nylon, ABS, or high-temperature co-polymers will ensure your 3D printed car parts can withstand the heat and maintain their functionality and form over time. Always consult the technical data sheets for specific filaments to verify their temperature ratings and suitability for your intended car part application.
