I have a question about PETG-HF for the materials people out there.
I’ve been printing with ABS and ASA for over 6 months now with relatively few issues (mostly for electronics components and objects that need high heat tolerance) on my X1C.
I’m starting on a little side project that will be some fun objects mounted on cars, so I need good outdoor weather and heat resistance, the only thing is that there are not a lot of color choices for ABS or ASA.
PETG-HF seems to be recommended by Bambu (when you can find it) for outdoor use, but don’t want to take their word for it before asking those that have used it for a while (never printed anything PETG). I live in the Southwest USA (so desert, and hot). Any caveats?
Either ABS or ASA work well for those type of applications. ASA is a little better than ABS in some areas. So its really up to you and what colors you are looking for as to which filament you wish to use. Both are great for use with car parts that might require high temp and chemical resistance.
ASA is my go-to for anything exposed to UV/sunlight. ASA is much like ABS, but with UV-resistant properties not present in ABS (and PETG). Nylon has slightly-higher temperature tolerance than ABS/ASA, but doesn’t fare well in UV light. So for example, if making accessories/parts for a car, ABS and Nylon are good in areas like the interior of a car like a cupholder, or a hot engine compartment, like a fusebox, but if it’s going to be out in the sun, like a bike-rack bracket or a license-plate frame, ASA is all I’d use.
”ABS and ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate) are similar, not just in their name, but in their chemistry. The difference comes down to swapping the butadiene (“B”) in ABS with a butyl acrylate (“A”) in ASA. This means that the UV-susceptible part of ABS is replaced by a tougher and UV-resistant alternative. This swap has major implications on the suitable applications for ASA parts.
ASA provides superior weather and UV resistance, thus being a best-in-slot for parts constantly exposed to outdoor elements. ASA resistance extends to water, oil, and other chemicals as well. While ASA is similar in strength to ABS, ASA will far outmatch ABS when exposed to the elements.”
Use ASA, you are familiar with it and it is more UV resistant than PETG, so it will look good longer than PETG.
I do have a PETG sign and a PETG bird feeder outside in direct sunlight that look like new after 18 and 24 months. I used PETG only because I did not have ASA on hand.
You will find people who say they have PLA or PETG planters that have lasted for years.
If you put PLA or PETG inside a car during hot weather, the plastic will begin to petrify.
ASA is designed to work with far greater ultraviolet radiation, heat and other factors for the outside.
PETG is a 3D printable version of the sane PET used in food and drink packaging. Those can be left outside, but also breakdown over time. Warning labels on some beverages include concerns that the liquid will be contaminated by the PET breakdown if you exceed the use by dates.
The last exterior replacement car trim piece I bought (not printed) was a chrome ABS, as was the OEM part it was replacing. It has held up pretty well so far.