Alternative to PLA  

RE: Alternative to PLA

All PLAs if annealed will withstand very high temperatures,

But the annealing process will cause the print to shrink a little and sometimes distort too.  You would need to make a sacrificial print, anneal, measure the change and calibrate the working print accordingly.

Cheerio,

RE: Alternative to PLA

I did some research.  I have to admit that PLA+ did not occurred  to me.  I have only printed 1-2 rolls.  If you can get past the shrinkage mentioned by @diem, it might just work.  It is easy to print and it softens at 140F or 60C.   It is a little more expensive, but I would give it a try.    

RE: Alternative to PLA

@Gonper (and all), what, if anything, do you know about the material that Ultimaker calls 'Tough PLA'?

I got about half of a spool of this with a printer I bought about six months ago, but the only thing I remember printing with it was a calabration cube.  I installed a conversion kit on the primary extruder to use the more common 1.75mm filament so I have not used it since.

Is this similar to the 'PLA Plus' filaments?

RE: Alternative to PLA

@jsw

Yes I believe that PLA Tough is another of the PLA+ family.
Like I said each manufactures makes their own mixes... and names...
I have not try that one but by its name is probably one of the PLAs that have enhanced impact strength.

NOTE: The annealing post-process is only required if you need the parts to withstand very high temperatures.

RE: Alternative to PLA

@cwbullet

I have a small 3D printed R2D2 inside the car just behind the windshield and has not deformed or degraded in any manner after 3 years (maybe more) I live in the south of Spain and trust me the temperatures in that area of the car for sure passes 70ºC and it receives direct sun light as well. (Will try to make a picture, so you get an idea...)
It was printed with Volcano PLA from Fromfutua and it was not annealed.

RE: Alternative to PLA

@gonper

Thanks.  I would change my recommendation to ToughPLA or PLA+.  I am going to try this stuff for my rocket parts.  

RE: Alternative to PLA

@john-6

Please have a look at the latest "Prusa Live" video on Youtube.

They announced a new Prusa filament, fiber reinforced Polycarbonate, coming soon.

The sample prints they showed seemed to be extremely stiff.

Also, it is said that Polycarbonate is very resistant aginst creep.

So if there is a permanent force on the instrument (from a string), this might be a good choice.

I also remember ESUN showed a 3D-printed violin on their website made of carbonfiber nylon.

RE: Alternative to PLA

Posted by: @stefan-6

@john-6

Please have a look at the latest "Prusa Live" video on Youtube.

They announced a new Prusa filament, fiber reinforced Polycarbonate, coming soon.

The sample prints they showed seemed to be extremely stiff.

Also, it is said that Polycarbonate is very resistant aginst creep.

So if there is a permanent force on the instrument (from a string), this might be a good choice.

I also remember ESUN showed a 3D-printed violin on their website made of carbonfiber nylon.

Good spotting. The resonance seems very good. Can’t wait for it to arrive.