3DPrinting

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3DPrinting is a place where makers of all skill levels and walks of life can learn about and discuss 3D printing and development of 3D printed parts and devices.

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Melting 3D Printed eReader cases on my deck. (programming.dev)

submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by the16bitgamer to c/[email protected]

29 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I made a 3d printable eReader case for my wife. Wanted to test what would happen if we water logged them and left them in the sun to dry.

Two of the cases are made from PLA while the other is made from PETG. They are all held together by thread and leather.

The test here is to see if moving from PLA to PETG was the right move since the last time I did this, the case turned into a banana.

My eventual plan once I've finished with my testing is to sell these cases and make their designs available for others to print.

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[–] [email protected] 29 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (20 children)

Yes, PLA creeps ridiculously fast in hot conditions it is unsuitable for use in any environment over 35C tbh.

PETG is better but will still warp/fade over time if it's exposed to the sun, and likely need replacing.

You need to be printing in ABS or ideally ASA if you want all-weather resistant cases. Which means now your printer needs an enclosure and ventilation...

[–] [email protected] 11 points 1 year ago (7 children)

I printed a sprinkler to stick on the end of my watering can out of PLA.

Its been outside in all weather, including direct sunlight, for three years now. And water runs through it almost every day for 8 months of the year. It's a little faded, but that's it.

IMO the things people say about PLA regarding exposure are vastly over stated.

[–] the16bitgamer 5 points 1 year ago

I think it depends on the usage. If the size/shape doesn't matter or is mated to metal, then PLA is more than fine in colder climates (i.e. not Texas), but as soon as the average temp of it's operating environment is within the Glass Temp range then PLA isn't good.

In your sprinkler's case, the water is chilling it bellow glass temp when operating.

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