Should I use PLA or ABS for my project?

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kentd
Posts: 28
Joined: Fri Oct 24, 2014 7:38 pm

Should I use PLA or ABS for my project?

Post by kentd » Fri Jan 30, 2015 7:59 pm

I have a boat accessory that I am going to make on my M2 machine, and I was planning to use PLA but recently I noticed on one of the posts that a member said PLA does not hold up well in the sun and warm temps.

My part that I am making will be exposed to normal summer weather conditions on a fishing boat.... so this post concerned me a bit.

Here is a picture of the assessor that I am making. ( the parts won't be put under heavy stress, but mainly I am worrying about plastic sagging or warping from the heat, and also concerned about fading, cracking )

Would ABS or other material be a better option for me?

The two round plates, along with the handle are the parts that will be printed on the M2.
The pole is aluminum.

This will be mainly used in the upper Midwest area of the country ( Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin ) so the sun doesn't get extremely hot in the summer..... Normal summer temp in the 85-95 degrees
Rod Holder.jpg
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insta
Posts: 2007
Joined: Tue Sep 16, 2014 3:59 am

Re: Should I use PLA or ABS for my project?

Post by insta » Fri Jan 30, 2015 9:27 pm

kentd wrote:I have a boat accessory that I am going to make on my M2 machine, and I was planning to use PLA but recently I noticed on one of the posts that a member said PLA does not hold up well in the sun and warm temps.

My part that I am making will be exposed to normal summer weather conditions on a fishing boat.... so this post concerned me a bit.

Here is a picture of the assessor that I am making. ( the parts won't be put under heavy stress, but mainly I am worrying about plastic sagging or warping from the heat, and also concerned about fading, cracking )

Would ABS or other material be a better option for me?

The two round plates, along with the handle are the parts that will be printed on the M2.
The pole is aluminum.

This will be mainly used in the upper Midwest area of the country ( Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin ) so the sun doesn't get extremely hot in the summer..... Normal summer temp in the 85-95 degrees
Rod Holder.jpg
If you can, use a UV-stable ABS for that (I sell some 8-) ). If you ever throw a tarp over your boat in the sun, you will melt your PLA.
Custom 3D printing for you or your business -- quote [at] pingring.org

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