BEST 3D PRINTER FOR CAR PARTS
With so many great 3D printers to choose from, lets review what you need to consider before picking your next 3D printer for printing car parts…
SO IS IT POSSIBLE TO 3D PRINT CAR PARTS?
For DIYer’s looking to 3D print at home, 3D printed car parts are 100% possible to print; from interior dashboard accessories, custom gauges, and even trim pieces.
Other car parts like fuse covers, plastic clips, or other plastic replacement engine bay parts are perfect for 3d printing too.
You can even print engine bay items as long as they don’t get too close to excessive engine heat.
HOWEVER, FILAMENT CHOICE FOR PRINTING CAR PARTS IS HIGHLY IMPORTANT…
Testing PLA vs ABS vs PETG 3D Printed Car Parts In Sun
WHAT IS THE BEST MATERIAL FOR 3D PRINTING CAR PARTS?
BEFORE selecting a 3D printer, be aware that commonly used PLA filament will not work for 3D printed car parts. You need a filament that’s not going to melt on a hot summer day inside your car.
PLA MAY BE A POPULAR CHOICE, BUT IT’S SUSCEPTIBLE TO HEAT...
On a 50 degree Fahrenheit day, PLA started to sag inside a sunny and warm car during our tests.
BMW E30 3d Printed PLA Custom Vent Gauge Sagging
Instead of PLA, you’ll want to try 3D printing car parts with filaments like ABS.
ABS can withstand heat up to 80-87c or 176-188 degrees Fahrenheit.
PETG can only withstand up to 65-69c or 149-156 degrees Fahrenheit.
ASA/PC can withstand heat above 100c or 212 degrees Farhenheit.
If you want additional heat resistance check out ASA, PC, or carbon fiber reinforced nylon filaments. Just be careful to check for water absorption rates. Bambu Lab has a super nice comparison of different filaments here.
Bambu Lab Filament Properties
WHAT IS THE BEST 3D PRINTER FOR CAR PARTS?
ABS and other types of higher heat resistant filaments require a printer that can handle much higher heat settings. Another challenge can be warping of your 3d printed part while printing it.
WHEN LOOKING FOR A 3D PRINTER, GET ONE WITH AN ENCLOSURE…
The enclosure will help maintain heat within the confines of the object being printed which reduces warping. Also note, some filaments are very toxic, so an enclosure can also help redirect and filter toxic fumes.
Two of the best printers you can buy for 3d printing car parts at home are the Bambu Lab P1 vs Creality K1C. Both come with an enclosure and both are less than $800. Here’s some key differences between the Bambu Lab P1 and the Creality K1C:
So how long does it take to 3d print a car part? The Bambu Lab and Creality K1 Max are fast when it comes to print speed. Both these printers can print at speeds of 500 mm/s with high speed filament.
3d printers a few years ago at topped out around 100 mm/s meaning both the Bambu and Creality can print same items 5x the speed. Print time will also depend on how large your part is, but expect anywhere from 30 minutes to 10 hours.
If you’re looking to 3D print slightly larger car parts, then check out the Creality K1 Max or the QUDI Plus4
K1 Max print size: 300x300x300mm
QIDI Plus4 print size: 305x305x280mm
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