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Filament type for in car / vehicle / camper van parts  

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stevQ
(@stevq)
Trusted Member
Filament type for in car / vehicle / camper van parts

I am currently searching for the right filament for parts that I would fit into a camper van. As I am not only planning to print really small caps or hooks but also parts to cover the seat belt for example (about 1m long and 20cm wide), which will be exposed to sunlight and heat (in European summer ~60-75°C), I am quite unsure what to take.
I have a MK3, which will be used for the printing and a housing around my printer (will prevent air drafts but is not able to heat up apart from normal heat bed).

Looking at prusas table, I would assume the best is probably Prusament PC Blend Carbon Fiber? As Prusa states high UV light resistance. But to be honest, I would more like to have a grey color instead of black.
Any hints to which filament to use? is PC Blend Carbon fiber really the best filament type for my application?

Posted : 22/04/2022 6:43 pm
SteevyT
(@steevyt)
New Member
RE: Filament type for in car / vehicle / camper van parts

I've got some black ABS parts in/on my car that have been going since late March of 2017.  Couple cupholder inserts, and then a couple small plugs up in the front bumper.  The car even goes through an automated carwash at least two or three times a year.  Plugs up on the front bumper don't look any worse for wear.

 

I've heard that ASA is UV stable and prints similarly to ABS, but I haven't printed in it so I have no real world experience with it myself.

Posted : 22/04/2022 9:20 pm
Peter H
(@peter-h)
Trusted Member
RE:

I have lots of printed parts in my camper.   The pieces which are not exposed to windscreen/window heat (drawer caps, hooks etc) in the camper are in PETG and after one Australian Summer are fine, however for the parts you describe I'd run with ASA, and I'd actually paint to match the surrounding  colour. 

My Dashboard parts are in ASA, sanded, filled and painted and look fantastic - they are exposed to direct sunlight beneath the windscreen and really haven't shown any sign of movement.    I printed with a "Lack" enclosure and a blanket over it to maintain a bit of extra heat, so had a cabinet temperature somewhere in the high forties mostly and it worked.   I would definitely recommend printing a high draft skirt to keep things attached to the plate.

https://www.printables.com/model/143896-oem-style-head-unit-hood-binnacle-for-vw-t5

Posted : 22/04/2022 9:53 pm
fuchsr
(@fuchsr)
Famed Member
RE: Filament type for in car / vehicle / camper van parts

I've had phone holders in my vehicles printed with PETG that held up pretty well in hot summer. However, if you expect the parts to be exposed to direct sunlight you're probably better off with ASA. 

Posted : 23/04/2022 12:41 am
languer liked
stevQ
(@stevq)
Trusted Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Filament type for in car / vehicle / camper van parts

Hi guys,

thanks for the answers. So it seems that ASA is the way to go to be safe "enough" and still "easy" to print with good results. That helped me a lot. I am mostly overengineering stuff (out of datasheet values), so getting real life experience is a good way to counter that instinct =)

Posted : 26/04/2022 7:06 pm
MakeItMakeItMakeIt
(@makeitmakeitmakeit)
New Member
RE: Filament type for in car / vehicle / camper van parts

You might want to give Taulman3D Alloy 910 some consideration.

Posted : 28/04/2022 1:29 am
gordonmetcalfes8
(@gordonmetcalfes8)
New Member
RE: Filament type for in car / vehicle / camper van parts

 

Posted by: @stevq

I am currently searching for the right filament for parts that I would fit into a camper van. As I am not only planning to print really small caps or hooks but also parts to cover the seat belt for example (about 1m long and 20cm wide), which will be exposed to sunlight and heat (in European summer ~60-75°C), I am quite unsure what to take.
I have a MK3, which will be used for the printing and a housing around my printer (will prevent air drafts but is not able to heat up apart from normal heat bed).

Looking at prusas table, I would assume the best is probably Prusament PC Blend Carbon Fiber? As Prusa states high UV light resistance. But to be honest, I would more like to have a grey color instead of black.
Any hints to which filament to use? is PC Blend Carbon fiber really the best filament type for my application?

which one did you choose?

Posted : 21/02/2023 8:26 pm
richnormand
(@richnormand)
Estimable Member
RE: Filament type for in car / vehicle / camper van parts

I have made bolt covers, pressure and hose adapters and various holders for the pool with black and orange PETG.

Most are over three years old and have been outside all year and a few under water in the skimmer close to the chlorine dispenser. That also implies full sun and snow in winter with temperatures from -30C (two weeks ago) to +30C in summer.

All are in pristine shape at this time. Sorry I cannot post a photo just now, they are under about a meter under snow and the cap in the skimmer under antifreeze, except for the pole hooks on the fence.

You might consider PETG first as it is easy to print with minimum fuss before moving to more esoteric material.

REPAIR, RENEW, REUSE, RECYCLE, REBUILD, REDUCE, RECOVER, REPURPOSE, RESTORE

Posted : 21/02/2023 9:55 pm
RandyM9 liked
stevQ
(@stevq)
Trusted Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Filament type for in car / vehicle / camper van parts

Oh, cool to hear. I did postpone my printing due to different circumstances and now am waiting for the prusaXL, as some parts would be easier to do with the big print bed size ^^'

Hopefully will be able to start working on it then in April/May (yes, my hopes are still up)

Posted : 21/02/2023 10:47 pm
Peter H liked
gordonmetcalfes8
(@gordonmetcalfes8)
New Member
RE: Filament type for in car / vehicle / camper van parts

 

Posted by: @richnormand

I have made bolt covers, pressure and hose adapters and various holders for the pool with black and orange PETG.

Most are over three years old and have been outside all year and a few under water in the skimmer close to the chlorine dispenser. That also implies full sun and snow in winter with temperatures from -30C (two weeks ago) to +30C in summer.

All are in pristine shape at this time. Sorry I cannot post a photo just now, they are under about a meter under snow and the cap in the skimmer under antifreeze, except for the pole hooks on the fence.

You might consider PETG first as it is easy to print with minimum fuss before moving to more esoteric material.

it is cool

Posted : 24/02/2023 7:33 pm
Miters Frigers
(@miters-frigers)
Active Member
RE: Filament type for in car / vehicle / camper van parts

Although PC Blend Carbon Fiber can provide good UV resistance, other filament options can be considered. 

Posted : 04/07/2023 8:07 am
tech sk
(@tech-sk)
Member
RE: Filament type for in car / vehicle / camper van parts

thanks for the answers.

Posted : 05/07/2023 9:57 am
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