Choosing the right material is crucial when creating car parts, especially if you’re using 3D printing. While PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a popular and easy-to-print material, it’s definitely not among the Best Parts Car enthusiasts should consider for many automotive applications, particularly those exposed to heat. Let’s dive into why PLA falls short and explore better alternatives for durable and reliable car components.
One user’s experience perfectly illustrates PLA’s limitations in a car environment. They printed sun visor hinge pins from PLA, a part not even in direct sunlight. Despite the ambient temperature being a mild 29°C (85°F), the PLA pin deformed after just one day in the sun. This highlights a critical issue: temperatures inside a car, even on moderately warm days, can rise dramatically. Areas within the cabin, especially dashboards and enclosed spaces, can easily exceed 50°C (122°F).
The user wisely reprinted the pin in PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified), a more temperature-resistant material. However, even PETG showed slight deformation under intense heat inside the car. This real-world example underscores that for anything beyond purely decorative, low-stress interior parts, PLA is simply not robust enough for car applications where heat is a factor.
So, what are the best parts car builders should use instead of PLA? For components that need to withstand the heat and stress of a car environment, consider these superior materials:
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Nylon (Polyamide, PA): Nylon offers excellent temperature resistance and durability, making it a top choice for many automotive parts. However, it’s worth noting that even nylon is generally not recommended for prolonged exposure above 80°C (176°F).
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ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): ABS is another well-regarded option in the automotive industry due to its higher heat resistance compared to PLA and good impact strength. ABS can typically handle temperatures up to around 85°C (185°F).
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Advanced Co-Polymers (like Amphora HT5300): These specialized co-polymers are engineered for high-temperature performance and can withstand even more demanding conditions. They often offer a good balance of strength, heat resistance, and ease of printing.
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ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate): ASA is similar to ABS in terms of properties but offers superior UV resistance, making it a better choice for parts exposed to direct sunlight over extended periods. ASA can also handle temperatures around 100°C (212°F).
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Polypropylene (PP): Polypropylene offers good chemical resistance and fatigue resistance, with a temperature threshold around 105°C (221°F).
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Polycarbonate (PC): For the ultimate in heat resistance and strength, Polycarbonate is an excellent, albeit more challenging to print, option. PC can handle temperatures up to approximately 110°C (230°F).
To put these temperature ranges into perspective, consider this general guideline for material temperature limits in car applications:
- 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)
When selecting materials for the best parts car projects, especially those made with 3D printing, it’s crucial to consider the operating environment and temperature demands. While PLA is convenient, its low heat resistance makes it unsuitable for most car parts that experience any significant temperature increase. Opting for materials like PETG, ABS, Nylon, ASA, or Polycarbonate will ensure your 3D printed car components are durable, reliable, and can withstand the heat inside your vehicle. Always consult material datasheets for precise temperature ratings to make the most informed decision for your specific application.
