3d printing and solar…
Im getting into the solar train wagon, and i was tinking, how can 3d print be used on solar? what are your toughs about diferent materials for external use, resistance to the elements? anyone know for how long ABS, Nylon, PETG and other materials last in mid sun?? just something i guess is kinda missing on the 3d printing comunity right now, for how long your prints are gona last, use and abuse.
You can sometimes find the heat distortion temperature on high temperature materials. For example taulman3D lets consumers know its guidl!ne filament has a heat distortion temperature of 70c. You shouldn’t have too much of a problem with heat distortion as long as you don’t use low temp materials like PLA. ABS should do decently in the sun and PETG would do even better. The best I can think of for you application would be Alloy 910 which would hold up to 82C but PETG should be fine.
ASA filament has been on the market for a little while too. It is a UV stabilized plastic similar to ABS for outdoor use
Black ABS will last practically forever outside, since it’s usually colored with carbon/soot, which absorbs UV light. I’ve had several black parts sitting outside in direct sunlight and weather for several years and am not seeing any sort of degradation yet.
ok I print using Honeycomb Drone ABS, it prints at 265 C using Black ABS, i supose (im guessing on this one) that the heat distortion limit will increase, so even if outside its @ 40 C outside it might last longer, will try some prints and see how they behave in the next couple of days.