Chloe Zhang
Heat resistance is a highly desirable property in 3D printing materials. While some plastics are more heat resistant than others, no plastic filament will withstand extremely high temperatures. However, there are advanced materials with the highest heat resistance among plastics, and certain metals can also be used for heat-resistant 3D printing. The choice of material depends on the specific temperature requirements and other desired properties, such as flexibility, ease of printing, and cost.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Heat resistance | PETG, ABS, PP, Nylon, PA, ULTEM, Aluminium AlSi10Mg, Stainless steel 316L, CE 221 resin, and Inconel 718 are some materials with varying levels of heat resistance. |
| Ease of use | Some materials, like PETG and PA, are beginner-friendly, while others, like PP, are notoriously difficult to print with. |
| Applications | Heat-resistant materials are used in automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, military equipment, and medical industries. |
| Temperature range | The heat deflection temperature (HDT) of materials varies from 50°C to 150°C or higher. |
| Other properties | Some materials offer additional benefits like UV resistance, impact resistance, stiffness, flexibility, and chemical resistance. |
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What You'll Learn
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is a common thermoplastic polymer. Its glass transition temperature is approximately 105 °C (221 °F). ABS is amorphous and has no true melting point. The proportions of its components can vary from 15% to 35% acrylonitrile, 5% to 30% butadiene, and 40% to 60% styrene. The result is a long chain of polybutadiene crisscrossed with shorter chains of poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile).
ABS is derived from acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. Acrylonitrile is a synthetic monomer produced from propylene and ammonia; butadiene is a petroleum hydrocarbon obtained from steam cracking; styrene monomer is made by dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene, a hydrocarbon. Acrylonitrile and styrene make ABS stiff, while butadiene particles make it impact-resistant.
The properties of ABS depend on the ratio of its components. A high butadiene concentration results in good impact resistance, while high styrene concentrations improve processability. High acrylonitrile concentrations improve chemical resistance, heat resistance, hardness, and rigidity. ABS polymers are resistant to aqueous acids, alkalis, concentrated hydrochloric and phosphoric acids, alcohols, and animal, vegetable, and mineral oils. However, they are swollen by exposure to glacial acetic acid, carbon tetrachloride, and aromatic hydrocarbons and are attacked by concentrated sulfuric and nitric acids.
ABS can be modified to improve its heat resistance. For example, fibers (usually glass fibers) and additives can be mixed with the resin pellets to raise the maximum operating temperature to 80 °C (176 °F). ABS is also used with other materials to create strong, resilient products. For instance, it can be combined with Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) to enhance UV resistance for outdoor products.
ABS is commonly used across various sectors, including automotive, construction, and retail. It is used for automotive body parts, electronic housings, pipe fittings, and toy bricks due to its rigid and sturdy structure, toughness, and durability. It is also recyclable, making it a sustainable choice for manufacturers and customers.
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Polyamide (PA)
The melting point of PA varies depending on the type, typically ranging from 220°C to 260°C. PA 6 and PA 66 have good thermal properties, enabling them to withstand temperatures from -40°C to +120°C (or higher) without significant loss of mechanical integrity. This makes them ideal for environments with fluctuating temperatures. PA 6.6 generally exhibits better heat deflection than PA 6, retaining its strength and shape at higher temperatures. Aromatic polyamides, such as PA 6-3-T, can be processed at temperatures between 280°C and 300°C but are more expensive.
The versatility of PA extends beyond temperature resistance. It offers excellent chemical resistance, making it suitable for environments with various chemicals. PA is also oil resistant and has good insulation properties, making it useful in electrical applications. The strength and stiffness of PA can be enhanced by adding fillers such as glass fibres or carbon fibres. This adaptability makes PA an excellent metal substitute in applications such as automotive parts, industrial valves, and insulation for railway sleepers.
However, one challenge with using PA is its tendency to absorb water, which can affect the quality of 3D printing. To mitigate this, it is essential to ensure that the filament is dry before starting the printing process and to maintain dryness during long print sessions. By addressing this issue, users can take advantage of PA's unique capabilities in 3D printing, combining high strength, toughness, and heat resistance.
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Polypropylene (PP)
One of the key features of polypropylene is its temperature range, which allows it to maintain its structure even when exposed to higher temperatures. This characteristic, combined with its low cost and ease of production, has made polypropylene a widely used material. The foundation of polypropylene's heat resistance lies in its molecular makeup. Each molecule of polypropylene consists of long chains of propylene monomers, which are organized in a way that provides a high degree of crystallinity. This crystalline structure gives polypropylene its high melting point, ensuring that it does not easily melt or deform when exposed to elevated temperatures.
The temperature range of polypropylene is vast, allowing it to maintain its integrity across a wide spectrum of temperatures. Its high melting point, when compared to other plastics, makes it a more reliable choice for applications that involve high temperatures. For example, in food packaging, polypropylene's superior heat resistance ensures that the container does not warp or melt when exposed to hot contents. Additionally, polypropylene's high tensile strength and resistance to high temperatures and chemicals make it ideal for chemical tanks, sheets, pipes, and Returnable Transport Packaging (RTP).
However, polypropylene does have some drawbacks. It is susceptible to impacts and scratches, and its heat-aging stability can be adversely affected by contact with metals. It also has poor paint adhesion and UV resistance. Despite these limitations, polypropylene's heat resistance, combined with its other properties, makes it a valuable material for a variety of applications.
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Polyetherimide (PEI)
The glass transition temperature of PEI is 217 °C (422 °F), and it has a continuous use temperature of 365 °F (180 °C). This high-performance engineering thermoplastic offers long-term heat resistance, dimensional stability, and good electrical properties. Its heat resistance and strength make it ideal for use in the automotive, aerospace, and energy industries.
While PEI is a popular choice for 3D printing due to its heat resistance, it is important to note that it has a tighter temperature range than similar plastics like PEEK. Additionally, PEI is prone to stress cracking in chlorinated solvents, so caution must be exercised when using it in certain chemical environments.
When compared to other commonly used 3D printing plastics like PLA and ABS, PEI offers superior heat resistance. PLA, for example, has an HDT of around 50 °C at 0.45 MPa, while ABS offers higher heat resistance than PLA but may still not match the performance of PEI. As a result, PEI is a preferred choice for applications requiring heat-resistant parts, such as molding to fabricate end-use products.
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Aluminium AlSi10Mg
While some plastics used for 3D printing offer higher heat resistance than others, they are limited in their ability to withstand high temperatures. For instance, PETG, a common 3D printing plastic, has a heat deflection temperature (HDT) of 65° C, which is considered high for this type of material. More advanced resins can achieve even higher heat resistance, but they are still not as heat-resistant as metals.
AlSi10Mg, on the other hand, is a lightweight, high-strength aluminium alloy with excellent heat resistance. It is composed of approximately 90% aluminium, 9% silicon, and 1% magnesium, with small amounts of other elements like iron, copper, and zinc. The addition of silicon and magnesium enhances the alloy's corrosion resistance, making it suitable for harsh environments. AlSi10Mg is widely used in the aerospace, automotive, and medical industries due to its unique combination of strength, lightweight, and corrosion resistance.
The alloy's high strength-to-weight ratio makes it ideal for producing lightweight components that require high strength, such as aircraft and automotive parts. Additionally, its excellent thermal conductivity makes it well-suited for heat transfer applications, such as heat sinks and cooling systems. AlSi10Mg can be machined, welded, and coated, and it is compatible with 3D printing processes, making it a versatile material for various applications.
However, there are some limitations to using AlSi10Mg. It can be expensive compared to other aluminium alloys, and it requires specialised equipment and expertise for production, which adds to the cost and complexity. Additionally, the mechanical properties of AlSi10Mg are affected by high temperatures. Studies have shown that the yield stress (YS) decreases, and the elongation increases at temperatures above 200°C. The ultimate tensile stress (UTS) also decreases continuously with temperature.
In summary, while 3D print plastics offer some level of heat resistance, they cannot match the heat resistance of metals like AlSi10Mg. This aluminium alloy is a versatile and high-performance material with excellent heat resistance, making it a preferred choice for applications requiring high strength, lightweight, and corrosion resistance.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the type of plastic used. Some plastics, like PLA, have low heat resistance, while others, like PETG, ABS, and PP, have higher heat resistance.
The HDT of PETG is 65° C.
PP GF30 has a high heat deflection temperature of 120° C and is also UV resistant, making it suitable for parts that need to withstand various weather conditions.
Nylon copolymer is widely used to print industrial and mechanical components due to its heat, abrasion, grease, and impact resistance. However, it is hydroscopic, which means it absorbs water, affecting the quality of the print.
Some highly heat-resistant materials for 3D printing include Inconel 718, ULTEM (polyetherimide), CE 221 resin, and PAHT CF15 (high-temperature polyamide carbon fiber reinforced).
