New to 3D printing (my printer didn’t even arrive yet) but I have a few projects I want to start with and I am unsure of the correct or best materials to use for them.
So here are three things I want to print for sure:
- Adjustable leg for IKEA BROR. This BROR rack already has a ton of stuff on it, likely in the 20 - 30 KG range so it would need to be a material that can stand that weight. It’s also a garage so the expected temperature range is something like 30 to -5C
- Some counter top containers to hold things. One of the things I want to hold are laundry detergents. These can be a bit heavy and some detergent can spill, not sure if this can react with the plastic. Indoor use only so the temp range is like 25 to 20C.
- Mount plate for a post cap light. I will be screwing these into the post and then the light will lock on to them. The post cap light itself is pretty light however it needs to be able to withstand the elements (snow, rain) and also animals like raccoons and squirrels that might try to pry them off. Temp. range is like 30C to -30C.
If anyone has any suggestions please let me know!
You must log in or # to comment.
If there’s any risk you might lose something you’ve printed while outside, it’s very good if the material is biodegradable!
I’ve read that while PLA is biodegradable it’s not compostable and require industrial composters to break down. So unless you are printing with chocolate or something weird, none of the materials are great for the environment.
I’d assumeits biodegradation takes 5 years instead of something like 10 000 years of conventional plastics
Generic PLA? That is what my makerspace uses mostly
I think the consensus from my research is that PLA sucks for practical prints. If you are going to put a constant load on it or if the location can get a bit hot then the print can fail. PLA is also very rigid which can be good but can also be a negative if you want some give. I’m probably only going to use PLA for more “show pieces” that will only be used indoors and will not take a beating. For things like plastic cases, it’s probably fine.
99% of what I print is PETG. I mostly do functional parts and appreciate the improved temp tolerance, UV resistance, and lower brittleness compared to PLA.
It’s only slightly harder to print than PLA, but it’s still pretty easy. It’s what I started with upon getting back into printing, and the main challenges are the importance of getting the flow factor (extrusion multiplier) dialed in correctly, and getting proper bed adhesion (a clean textured build sheet FTW). Be sure to use a rubber sock on your nozzle - PETG is really sticky.
You don’t NEED a filament dryer, but it’s highly recommended. They don’t cost an arm and/or a leg either. I use a Creality dryer, which holds two spools - The one I’m currently printing from, and the next roll up. The rest of my spools sit open on a shelf.
If you have a plastic tub roughly the size of a spool, you can flip it over on top of a spool and run your bed heater underneath it. Is it perfect? No. But you can get some of that drying capability for very little in terms of money.
Pla would be fine but petg is my default these days. Petg is a bit more strong and less brittle, which will help at lower temps.
Strength is just as much about design as it is about the filament choice.
I’ve read that PLA will sag over time pretty much no matter what you do. I assume it would be terrible for the first use case. I assume you can’t design around it but I’m happy to be proven wrong.
I almost exclusively use PLA and I’ve had no trouble but all my stuff is indoors. I’ve heard that it doesn’t do as well in the elements so for anything outside, I’l probably look at using petg which from what I’ve read, holds up pretty well outside.
I have had a PLA print holding my bike light working for about three years so I don’t think that’s a problem
