UV resistant filament other than ASA.
Hi all,
I have searched a lot on the web for UV-resistant filament. I do solely practical outdoor prints and would like something other than ASA, as heating one enclosure is OK, however the power consumption of multiple enclosures becomes expensive. PETG would be ideal, however, I would need a brand that guarantees UV resistance for at least a couple of years in full sun. I see Eolas Prints has an option, however, it is not a great color range. Any suggestions?
Based in Australia BTW.
Thanks in advance.
RE: UV resistant filament other than ASA.
Polycarbonate should be pretty stable. Not sure what the modifiers are in some versions. There’s the polymer and then the pigment, and then the interaction of both, and the specific formulation and additives.
There is always painting the prints also…
RE: UV resistant filament other than ASA.
Being in a hot climate, I would be concerned about the melting temperature of the material. I have seen many plastics melt in the sun where I live on a 30+ day. I print with ASA in my enclosure and have not had many issues with less than a year experience. My enclosure is heated by the print bed with ambient temp at 19.5 the enclosure printing PETG is 29.8. Insulate your enclosure to retain more of the heat.
RE: UV resistant filament other than ASA.
I did a little test with some test temperature towers I created and put them on my bed while it was printing PETG. After about 6 minutes, I could deform them with my fingers. Enclosure temp was just under 30 degrees. Not 100% what the bed temp was at the time but it was at the lowest default Prusa PETG temp.
I should have said plastic temperature, not melting temperature. That is the limit for outdoor use. Not sure where you are in Australia but from what I have read, you get some really hot temperatures.
RE: UV resistant filament other than ASA.
PCTG could also be an option, fairly similar to PETG but just a tad higher temperature stability.
Mk3s MMU2s, Voron 0.1, Voron 2.4
RE: UV resistant filament other than ASA.
PCTG, which is very comparable to PETG but has a somewhat greater temperature stability, is another possibility.
RE: UV resistant filament other than ASA.
PETG filament is UV resistant to some degree, but prolonged exposure to UV light can cause it to degrade over time. It is not as UV resistant as some other plastics such as ASA or polycarbonate.