When it comes to modifying or repairing your vehicle, especially with the growing trend of 3D printing custom components, selecting the right material is crucial. For those considering using 3D printed parts in their cars, a common question arises: Is PLA (Polylactic Acid) a suitable material for Parts Of An Car? The short answer, particularly for components exposed to sunlight or heat, is no.
PLA, a popular material for 3D printing due to its ease of use and biodegradability, unfortunately, falls short when it comes to temperature resistance. Cars, even on moderately warm days, can experience significant temperature increases, especially inside the cabin and on parts exposed to direct sunlight. Temperatures inside a car parked in the sun can easily exceed 50°C (122°F), and locally, areas can get even hotter.
Consider a practical example: a sun visor hinge pin printed with PLA. Even without direct sunlight exposure and in a climate that rarely exceeds 29°C (85°F), a PLA pin deformed after just one day in the sun inside a car. This demonstrates PLA’s susceptibility to heat deformation, even in seemingly mild conditions within a vehicle. While the replacement pin was eventually printed in PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol), even this more resilient material showed slight deformation in extreme heat inside the car, highlighting the challenging thermal environment of a vehicle.
For parts of an car, especially those that are load-bearing or located in areas prone to heat exposure, materials with higher temperature resistance are necessary. Better alternatives to PLA include Nylon (Polyamide, PA), ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), and various high-temperature resistant co-polymers like Amphora HT5300. These materials are designed to withstand higher temperatures without deforming or losing structural integrity, making them much more suitable for automotive applications.
While PLA might be considered for non-load-bearing, unstressed components like covers or bushings in cooler areas of the car, it’s generally advisable to avoid it altogether for car parts. Choosing a more temperature-resistant material from the outset eliminates the risk of part failure due to heat exposure.
To make informed decisions about material selection for parts of an car, it’s essential to consult the technical data sheets provided by filament manufacturers. These sheets detail the temperature limitations of each material. For instance, PLA is generally not recommended for applications exceeding 50°C (122°F), while Nylon is unsuitable for temperatures above 80°C (176°F).
Here’s a general overview of temperature thresholds for common 3D printing materials in automotive contexts:
- Basic Co-Polymers: Up to 70°C (158°F)
- ABS: Up to 85°C (185°F)
- Enhanced Co-Polymers and ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate): 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 is a versatile material for many 3D printing projects, its low heat resistance makes it unsuitable for most parts of an car, especially those exposed to sunlight or elevated temperatures. For durable and reliable automotive components, opt for materials like ABS, Nylon, or high-temperature co-polymers that can withstand the demanding thermal conditions within a vehicle. Always prioritize material properties to ensure the longevity and functionality of your 3D printed car parts.
