3 Years Later: Exposure testing 3D printing filaments outdoors.

[@HomoSapiensSomos]

this video is gold

[@3DPT]

Thank you, the 7th year video is in the works now!

[@AM-pq1rq]

My OCD definitely kicked in when you started skipping a few, but overall really informative and interesting

[@3DPT]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm finalizing the 7 year video now. It will have chapters based on material instead of trying to go through the individual brands, because their is almost 50 samples on the board! I did move some off the board due to damage.

[@SamuelRowan]

Planning on making an ambitious geocache. This video has been very useful

[@3DPT]

Let me know how that works. Right now the samples have been exposed in the air with this setup, but it would be interesting to see how PLA handles in the ground. Bear in mind that PLA is suppose to biodegrade, but if my test is any indication you should be fine for at least 6-12 months in the ground. Try printing the walls 2-3 layers to compensate.

[@SamuelRowan]

@@3DPT Based on what I saw and have read online I think I'm going to use PETG and see how that does. I think I'll throw out a PLA one for science as well.

[@Malaphor]

I'm 6 months late, but I highly recommend using a cheap enclosure and printing with ASA. It handles UV and moisture very very well.

[@3DPT]

5 year update is filmed and editing now!

[@SamuelRowan]

@@3DPT Awesome! I'll be excited when it is released!

[@DevinTheDude93]

Really interested in a hardness/strength test. Even an informal one just to get a general idea of the weakest/strongest. Also I wonder how they would hold up if they were either sealed or painted.

[@3DPT]

I only printed one set for outdoor use and the controls, so I've been hesitant to do a destructive test. Sealing would help with the color, but a lot of prints are not sealed or treated after they are done. I can see a few PLA's being weaker.

[@NullHyp]

If you’re printing structural stuff for outside, don’t use PLA, I printed a hundreds odd clips to use in the garden and regretted it 4months later once the parts had all turned brittle and snapped. I turned to using PETG and it’s worked fine ever since.

[@3DPT]

5 year update is filmed and editing now!

[@3DPT]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYm6lJqoZsZ5j5o

[@washingtonarg]

thank you for taking the time to do this test and for sharing the info, it is super valuable, thanks again, great video

[@3DPT]

Glad it was helpful!

[@3DPT]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYm6lJqoZsZ5j5o

[@freedom_aint_free]

Man, congratulations for you test, it takes a heck of a lot of work to do that !

[@3DPT]

Thank you! I have a 3,5, and 7 year video reflecting on this, and the samples will be at RMRRF this year!

[@davidmalawey]

Nice dedication! Thanks for sharing. Definitley want to see if you can demonstrate the brittleness of the aged samples by snapping them, although you only get one shot at it =). Would be worth it for the community.

[@3DPT]

I've been meaning to film a 4-5 year review. Others have asked for a destructive test. I can tell just by the ones that have broken they are more brittle than the controls. I'll leave the board up as long as possible, I'd like to have this up as a long term demonstration of how 3D prints stand the outdoors.

[@3DPT]

5 year update is filmed and editing now!

[@3DPT]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYm6lJqoZsZ5j5o

[@cmon132456]

Great experiment, thank you :)

[@3DPT]

Glad you liked it!

[@GlennBrian]

great experiment! Thanks for the info!

[@3DPT]

Thanks for watching!

[@micahlanghammer3022]

love the video! what mayerial would you say was the most durable ? like no warping or anything

[@3DPT]

TPU, coPETG's, carbon fiber warped the least. It's almost 8 years and this is still going on!

[@parvariramin]

Thanks for the great video. What type of filament do you recommend for the car's decorative parts that are strong and last long in the sun?

[@3DPT]

TPU is durable, but I know ASA is made for automotive work. I have not tried ASA though.

[@bowstobourbon]

this is awesome, thanks! I've been flip flopping on asa vs petg for some outdoor projects

[@3DPT]

Glad I could help!

[@shirishjadav1462]

what material do you suggest, if I want to use some filament for on Road uses? I am working on project and for prototyping I would require to develop a product that seats on Road under sun under rain, walked over by people. so what material do you suggest.

[@3DPT]

ASA is designed for automotive use (Though not on the board) TPU is good for soft parts like handles...

[@3DPT]

7th year video is in the works...

[@AgmonTheDigimon]

Thank you! This is super helpful! I’m going to be making white fence caps and know I’ve got an idea of what type of plastic i can look at.

[@3DPT]

Glad it was helpful! Let us know how they turn out!

[@3DPT]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYm6lJqoZsZ5j5o

[@eliasmora715]

what material did u use for that project? i need to make some caps to cover some bolts for exterior..what do you recomend for long lasting? ( they will me painted) thanks

[@3DPT]

TPU, PETG or Carbon composites held up the best so far.

[@geo11211]

Hi i saw your video and i started reading the comments. I am making something for my dad at the jersey shore for under his awning on the deck and it will be white PLA and will stay on the awning under it. The sun will beat down on it but be blocked by the awning i was going to use ABS+ but i dont have the correct ventilation its in my room and i dont want it to stink can i also spray it with UV weather spray will that help? thanks

[@3DPT]

If it's in the shade that will help, and a UV treatment can help to, but I'd look at PETG instead if this will be outside for years.

[@geo11211]

@@3DPT thank you

[@geo11211]

@@3DPT I talked to a friend of mine who works a machine shop and he is going to make it out of aluminum thank you for the response back

[@ucuniversity2869]

Nice job man this is why i love KZbin. You really didn't go over it but which filament do you think had the least warpage?

[@3DPT]

PLA's, TPU's, and many of the mixed ones (carbon fiber/PLA, composites) warped the least of all. Warping has not been a major issue with the prints, it's been color shift and a few accidental breaks. I zip tied the board to the fence after the squirrels knocked it off a couple times.

[@3DPT]

5 year update is filmed and editing now!

[@3DPT]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYm6lJqoZsZ5j5o

[@omniicore]

Should have done the same color for a more equal test, appreciate the work either way

[@3DPT]

I ran with what the companies sent.

[@throttlescience3639]

Please can you tell me which filament can handle heat impact water damage and uv rays.

[@3DPT]

TPU, PET, PETG, and composites like carbon fiber all seem to hold up the best so far. PLA's are brittle and faded the most.

[@throttlescience3639]

Tanks alot bro

[@throttlescience3639]

Now if I would have any query then I will ask to you

[@throttlescience3639]

Keep it up

[@3DPT]

5 year update is filmed and editing now!

[@vsarnaud]

Hi! I'm new to 3D printing and I was wondering which filament is good for outdoor use if you look at strength and deformation. I wouldn't mind the color fading but the pieces need to be able to last quite some time. I was thinking about PLA if the piece would be in the shade most of the time. What are your suggestions?

[@GrishaSunflwrThalia]

Arnaud Van Steenkiste hi i’ve been searching for that too. PLA can stand in the sun as long as its not inside the car that can make it really hot. PLAN can stand up to 60c . PLA is easy to use unlike ABS but ABS have much tempreature resistance of upti 105c. PETG also is a good product but not that cheap. If you want to use PLA, just don’t put it inside your car or any closed area that makes it too hot. Under the should be fine. I did a lot of research about that. After this pandemic I’m gonna buy also 3d printers and will use PLA Filament as a starter. :) If ABS Filament you have to make sure your 3d printer is enclosed. I’ll give you the link ti watch and search the best for you :)

[@3DPT]

If it's in the shade PLA will work fine. If it's in more direct sun ABS, PETG, or CoPETG's will work fine. I have not run any strength test on these samples, so take that as you will. All the samples have kept their shape after 3 years of exposure. Depending on what you are printing and the purpose, PLA should be good for a few years outdoors. Use PETG or ABS if you are woried about flexibility and strength.

[@3DPT]

5 year update is filmed and editing now!

[@3DPT]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYm6lJqoZsZ5j5o

[@nikkojoson]

im planning on making a go pro mount for a helmet, which one should i use, im planning to buy a ender 3 printer, im on a tight budget :) please help me

[@3DPT]

PLA, TPU should work for go pro mounts. These samples have been outside for over 4 years, but for a helmet mount UV exposure is not an issue.

[@3DPT]

5 year update is filmed and editing now!

[@3DPT]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYm6lJqoZsZ5j5o

[@Flagazz]

TPU, for sure! It is the best material for GoPro mounts! Super resistent. Make sure to get a semi-flex one cause it’s easier to print with bowden tubes, seach for TPUs with shore around 98A. 95A is possible too but need to low down speeds a litrle more. Check TPU tips and teicks video, from “3d maker noob” now called “Breaks n’ makes”. Take care with moisture with TPU (and also with nylons, PVAs and others… but those are the worst)

[@MassLox]

Great work!

[@3DPT]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@3DPT]

5 year update is filmed and editing now!

[@MassLox]

@@3DPT I look forward to seeing it :)

[@3DPT]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYm6lJqoZsZ5j5o

[@CapuletPoeChannel]

5 year update coming? what kind of weather?

[@3DPT]

I've been meaning to film an update, thanks for reminding me. In CO, hot dry summers, mild winters with occasional record-breaking 6 ft snowfalls. Air quality, smokey.

[@3DPT]

5 year update is filmed and editing now!

[@3DPT]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYm6lJqoZsZ5j5o

[@giogiobru5806]

Hi, I'm making a project for my university and I would like to know which of these do you think has biodegraded the most, by the video it's kind of hard to tell any difference other than colour, some warping and a few that broke with falling.

[@3DPT]

PVA disappeared in a few months as a soluble filament. PLA's have degraded the most IMO, followed by the composite woodfills. The metal composts have lost their luster but are still fairly solid. All others seem to be in good shape apart from color. TPU's are still flexible.

[@3DPT]

5 year update is filmed and editing now!

[@3DPT]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYm6lJqoZsZ5j5o

[@ZONIWANKENOBI]

What state you live in buddy? Awesome experiment

[@3DPT]

Read the description

[@SangNguyen-vy8ut]

How long is the lifespan of FDM Plastic? FDM figures ?

[@3DPT]

For most PLA's at least 7 years in these conditions. I did a follow up video for the 7 year results, but I have to discontinue the study. PETG, ABS or CoPetg's have survived the best along with TPU. Carbon Fiber and other composites don't look great but have survived as well. The life span for PLA's may be 20-50 years outdoors.

[@SangNguyen-vy8ut]

@@3DPT thank you

[@SilvianHiemesch]

Realy nice. Thank you. Can you do ASA?

[@3DPT]

ASA takes a printer in a well-ventilated area. I've heard it works great for auto applications, but I've not had a reason to print with it.

[@3DPT]

5 year update is filmed and editing now!

[@SilvianHiemesch]

@@3DPT wow nice. I look forward to it.

[@3DPT]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYm6lJqoZsZ5j5o

[@tangwoonthai]

And the title will be “100 year later: exposure testing 3d printing filament outdoors “

[@jgarmer]

Are any ABS? thanks joe

[@3DPT]

One of the lime green ones is. Other then fading it seems alright. I don't like to print in ABS though.

[@3DPT]

5 year update is filmed and editing now!

[@3DPT]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYm6lJqoZsZ5j5o

[@satori_mountian_station]

Thank you man!

[@3DPT]

No problem!

[@3DPT]

5 year update is filmed and editing now!

[@3DPT]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYm6lJqoZsZ5j5o

[@marlonjareck7367]

Haha nice thanks!

[@3DPT]

5 year update is filmed and editing now!

[@3DPT]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYm6lJqoZsZ5j5o

[@roxasparks]

Bleached is the term your looking for.

[@3DPT]

5 year update is filmed and editing now!

[@3DPT]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYm6lJqoZsZ5j5o

[@Foxfried]

Nice necklace.

[@3DPT]

it's really chunky for the control samples... but that's fashion...

[@3DPT]

5 year update is filmed and editing now!

[@3DPT]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYm6lJqoZsZ5j5o

[@protennis365]

Update

[@3DPT]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJzHiZWnlreEjJY