Filament suggestions for outdoor use, that doesn't need a heated print enclosure?

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Beer
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Joined: Sun Aug 28, 2016 9:27 pm

Filament suggestions for outdoor use, that doesn't need a heated print enclosure?

Post by Beer » Sun Aug 21, 2022 5:14 pm

Hi. So far I have only used PLA on my M2. Can anyone recommend a good filament that maintains its strength in high heat outdoors (direct sunlight, hot climate) that doesn't need a heated enclosure to print? I occasionally need to print items intended for outdoor use and it can get extremely hot where I live.

I thought I had my mind made up on Polymax PC or Prusament PC Blend, until I learned that a heated enclosure is more or less necessary for proper layer adhesion and strength. I've also read that PETG is only marginally better at heat resistance than PLA.

I mainly just print little things for around the house, and I don't have a workshop or even a dedicated space for my printer at the moment, so an enclosure is out of the question for the time being. And I don't think Makergear offers a premade kit enclosure or anything either, which is unfortunate.

Something easy to work with like PLA, but with better heat resistance would be ideal. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!

airscapes
Posts: 594
Joined: Wed Jan 31, 2018 11:36 pm

Re: Filament suggestions for outdoor use, that doesn't need a heated print enclosure?

Post by airscapes » Sun Aug 21, 2022 7:11 pm

PETG is much better than PLA for heat and it is a bit more flexible without breaking. I have surveillance camera mounts I designed, which are outside in full sun, east coast summer/winter, going on 4 years now, no issue.

Gwhite
Posts: 372
Joined: Tue Jul 11, 2017 3:38 pm

Re: Filament suggestions for outdoor use, that doesn't need a heated print enclosure?

Post by Gwhite » Mon Aug 22, 2022 12:36 pm

PETG is also UV resistant. I've used PETG for some fence brackets, and they've held up just fine.

theboz1419
Posts: 101
Joined: Sun Jul 17, 2016 1:54 am
Location: Puyallup, WA

Re: Filament suggestions for outdoor use, that doesn't need a heated print enclosure?

Post by theboz1419 » Sun Aug 28, 2022 11:55 am

I too recommend PETG. Its all I use, now. Esun works really good. There is a simplify3d file for Esun PETg on the forums I use to print.
Builder of custom wifi BBQ temperature controllers

Phil
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Joined: Mon Sep 19, 2016 7:49 pm

Re: Filament suggestions for outdoor use, that doesn't need a heated print enclosure?

Post by Phil » Wed Aug 31, 2022 4:58 pm

theboz1419 wrote:
Sun Aug 28, 2022 11:55 am
There is a simplify3d file for Esun PETg on the forums I use to print.
Would you mind giving us the link? I have my own S3D file, but would like to compare. There is a thread here for sharing those files, but it has been so long, I have forgotten. Insta's something-or-other?

theboz1419
Posts: 101
Joined: Sun Jul 17, 2016 1:54 am
Location: Puyallup, WA

Re: Filament suggestions for outdoor use, that doesn't need a heated print enclosure?

Post by theboz1419 » Tue Dec 13, 2022 2:01 am

Phil wrote:
Wed Aug 31, 2022 4:58 pm
theboz1419 wrote:
Sun Aug 28, 2022 11:55 am
There is a simplify3d file for Esun PETg on the forums I use to print.
Would you mind giving us the link? I have my own S3D file, but would like to compare. There is a thread here for sharing those files, but it has been so long, I have forgotten. Insta's something-or-other?
viewtopic.php?t=2593

Better late then never, lol. Sorry just saw this today..
Builder of custom wifi BBQ temperature controllers

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