For automotive enthusiasts and professionals looking to create durable and functional car parts using 3D printing, selecting the right filament is crucial. The ideal material must withstand the harsh conditions of a vehicle environment, including heat, UV exposure, and mechanical stress. While numerous filaments are available, a few stand out as superior choices for 3D printing car components. Let’s explore the best options, focusing on their properties and suitability for automotive applications.
When it comes to robust and reliable 3D printed car parts, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and its enhanced variant, Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA), are top contenders. ASA is often considered a “better ABS” due to its improved characteristics. Notably, ASA exhibits superior resistance to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and sunlight, which is a critical factor for parts exposed to the elements. Furthermore, ASA tends to warp less during the printing process compared to ABS, making it somewhat easier to work with. Like ABS, ASA requires proper ventilation during printing due to fumes and benefits from a controlled temperature environment, such as an enclosure. However, successful prints can be achieved without a full enclosure, even using a simple cardboard box to minimize drafts and maintain a warmer ambient temperature.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), specifically the non-glycol modified version (often just referred to as real PET), presents another compelling option. While PET filament can be harder to source compared to PETG, and its initial heat resistance might be moderate straight off the printer, its ability to be annealed sets it apart. Annealing, a heat treatment process, can significantly boost PET’s heat resistance to 100°C (212°F) or even higher, with minimal dimensional changes. While annealing can technically be performed on Polylactic Acid (PLA), achieving successful results without significant deformation is challenging, often requiring 100% infill and embedding the print in materials like sand or salt during the annealing process. It’s important to note that Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified (PETG) is specifically engineered to resist crystallization during annealing, thus negating this heat resistance enhancement, and it also softens and melts at lower temperatures than PET.
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) offers a unique set of advantages for certain car part applications. TPU does not have a glass transition temperature within typical automotive operating ranges. While technically its glass transition temperature is extremely low, for practical purposes, it remains stable and does not permanently deform until approaching its printing temperature. This inherent heat resilience allows TPU to withstand moderate heat without issue. For example, it can be used as molds in ovens at temperatures like 80°C (175°F) without degradation. Printing with TPU can present different challenges compared to ABS/ASA. Extruders not optimized for flexible filaments might require slower print speeds, or experience jamming with retraction. However, TPU eliminates the warping issues associated with ABS and can be printed even on a cold bed. Ventilation is less critical with TPU, though caution is always advised, especially around pets sensitive to fumes.
Although TPU is known for its flexibility, it can achieve considerable rigidity when printed with high infill percentages and rigid infill patterns like triangles or cubic structures, or when printed solid (100% infill). Furthermore, TPU filaments are available in varying degrees of hardness, typically up to 95A durometer, and sometimes even reaching 98A for more rigid applications.
In conclusion, for selecting the Best 3d Printing Filament For Car Parts, ABS, ASA, annealed PET, and TPU each offer distinct benefits. ASA and ABS provide a balance of strength, UV resistance, and printability, making them versatile choices. Annealed PET excels in heat resistance, while TPU offers flexibility and durability in a wide temperature range. The optimal choice will depend on the specific requirements of the car part, considering factors like heat exposure, mechanical loads, and desired flexibility.
