Flexible TPU
1. PETG
Poly
Ethylene-Glycol, and other similar co-polyesters are all suited greatly
for 3D printing prints for outdoor use. PETG is naturally UV resistant.
Its tensile strength is almost as good as ABS, but it is much easier to
print with due to lower printing temperatures. It is also a recyclable
and biodegradable plastic, unlike ABS and ASA.
While
PETG may demonstrate some discoloration over time under direct
sunlight, that is about the extent of damage that the sun would cause to
PETG parts.
2. ASA
ASA
(Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) is similar in mechanical as well as
general properties to ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), with one
major exception: UV resistance. ASA can withstand UV exposure much
better than ABS. As such, it can be used to print parts or objects to be
used in direct sunlight, rain, and wind without any issues like
increased deterioration or intense discoloration (only true for pure,
non-coloured ASA).
ASA
is considered to be slightly trickier to print with than ABS. But if
your part needs to bear the sun all day, the extra effort would pay off
by the assurance of a longer lasting and more reliable print.
3. Polycarbonate
On
most 3D printers, polycarbonate (PC) is considered to be a pain to
print with. This is mostly due to how differently PC behaves compared to
PLA or even ABS during extrusion. PC is an extremely durable plastic.
Its tensile strength and mechanical endurance put even ABS to shame. It
is also naturally UV resistant, which makes it a prime candidate for
printing strong all-weather functional 3D prints.
4. TPE
Thermoplastic Elastomer or TPE can
also be safely used in sunlight and outdoor conditions. TPE is also
recyclable and environmentally friendly. It is best known for its
rubber-like properties. Normally, only higher-end 3D printers will
produce useable TPE 3D prints though. So, don’t be surprised if a DIY
printer requires some major tinkering before printing with TPE.
5. ABS
Purchase ABS
ABS withstands the heat, but yellows when exposed to
the sun’s UV rays over time.
If
you don’t care about the color, or if you are finishing the 3D print by
painting it, ABS would still be a viable choice. Although, the other
materials are a little bit more easy to 3D print with a smaller risk of
warping.
ASA
ABS
have a reasonably high glass transition temperature as compared with
PLA. UV degradation is also not as pronounced as it is on PLA. ABS is
also well-known for its mechanical properties as an engineering-grade
plastic.
One
aspect that ABS parts cannot seem to escape however, is the
discoloration. ABS is notorious for its yellowing over time. This
yellowing is exacerbated and accelerated in direct sunlight due to the
direct UV light exposure.
ABS
also lose its structural strength with UV degradation. So, it is more
suited for prints that will only occasionally be used in direct sunlight
or would mostly sit in at least a somewhat shaded area.
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