Imagine a 3D printed part that starts to melt or warp when it gets even a little warm. Frustrating, right? Many makers face this problem when their creations are exposed to heat, whether it’s from the sun, a hot engine, or even just a warm room. Choosing the right heat-resistant filament can feel like navigating a maze. You want something strong and reliable, but the sheer number of choices can be confusing, and knowing which one is best for your project is a challenge.
But what if you could confidently pick a filament that stands up to heat, keeping your prints strong and looking great? This blog post is here to help. We’ll break down what makes a filament heat-resistant and guide you through the different types available. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of which filament is perfect for your needs, saving you time and preventing those disappointing meltdowns. Let’s dive in and discover the world of heat-resistant 3D printing!
Our Top 5 Heat Resistant Filament Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Heat Resistant Filament Detailed Reviews
1. Polymaker ASA Filament 1.75mm Black
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of 3D prints that can’t handle the sun or heat? The Polymaker PolyLite ASA Filament in black is your answer! This 1.75mm, 1kg spool of ASA filament is built tough. It’s like ABS, but even better for the outdoors. You can print parts that need to stay strong and look good, even when left outside.
What We Like:
- It stands up to the weather! This filament resists UV rays and won’t crack easily from being outside.
- Your prints can handle the heat. It stays strong up to 100°C (212°F).
- It’s tough and won’t break easily, just like ABS filament.
- The spool and box are made from recycled cardboard, which is good for the planet.
- Polymaker offers lifetime technical support to help you get perfect prints.
What Could Be Improved:
- Printing ASA can be a bit tricky. You’ll need a nozzle temperature around 250°C and a bed temperature of 90°C.
- For the best results, especially with larger prints, you’ll need an enclosed 3D printer to stop warping.
- Printing speed is recommended at 50mm/s, which might be slower than some users are used to.
For anyone needing durable, weather-resistant 3D prints, this Polymaker ASA filament is a solid choice. It’s a great material for projects that face the elements.
2. SUNLU PA6-CF 3D Filament 1.75mm 1KG
Rating: 9.0/10
Take your 3D printing projects to the next level with the SUNLU PA6-CF 3D Filament. This powerful filament is made from 80% PA Nylon and 20% Carbon Fibers, making it incredibly strong, stiff, and resistant to heat. Its frosted black texture looks great on finished prints. If you need to create parts that can handle tough conditions and high temperatures, this filament is a fantastic choice.
What We Like:
- Super Strong and Stiff: The 20% carbon fiber blend makes prints exceptionally rigid and durable, perfect for demanding applications.
- Impressive Heat Resistance: With a heat deflection temperature up to 209°C, it can handle jobs that would melt other filaments, like car parts or pot handles.
- Ideal for Industrial Parts: It’s built for tough jobs like gears, helmets, and bicycle components, where strength and durability are key.
- Smooth Printing Experience: Features a stable diameter of +/- 0.03mm for reliable performance across most 1.75mm FDM 3D printers.
- Comes Ready to Print: Vacuum-sealed packaging with a desiccant pack ensures the filament stays dry and performs its best right out of the box.
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires Specific Nozzles: Due to the carbon fiber content, it can wear down standard brass nozzles, so hardened steel nozzles are recommended.
- Drying is Essential: Like many nylon filaments, it needs to be dried thoroughly before printing to achieve optimal results and prevent issues.
- Annealing Recommended: To get the absolute best heat resistance, you’ll want to anneal your printed parts, which adds an extra step to the process.
This SUNLU PA6-CF filament is a high-performance material that excels in strength and heat resistance. It’s a great option for anyone needing robust parts for industrial or demanding everyday uses.
3. OVERTURE ABS Filament 1.75mm
Rating: 8.6/10
The OVERTURE ABS Filament 1.75mm is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to create strong and durable 3D prints. This filament boasts impressive heat resistance, making it perfect for projects that need to withstand high temperatures. Plus, it gives your prints a smooth, glossy finish that looks really professional.
What We Like:
- It handles heat really well, so your creations can be used in warmer places.
- Your prints will have a shiny, smooth surface that looks super polished.
- The filament is very accurate in size, meaning your prints will come out just as you designed them.
- The spool is designed to be easy to use. It has helpful markings to see how much filament is left and a large hole to help the filament feed smoothly.
- It’s made to print without too much warping, which is a common problem with ABS.
- Overture offers good customer support and a decent shelf life for the filament if you store it properly.
What Could Be Improved:
- ABS filament generally requires a heated bed and sometimes an enclosure to print best, which adds to the setup.
- ABS can produce fumes when printing, so good ventilation is a must.
If you need strong, heat-resistant prints with a great finish, this Overture ABS filament is a solid performer. It’s a reliable partner for your 3D printing adventures.
4. ELEGOO ABS Filament 1.75mm Black 1KG
Rating: 9.2/10
The ELEGOO ABS Filament 1.75mm Black is a strong and reliable choice for your 3D printing projects. This black ABS filament is built tough, meaning your creations can handle bumps and everyday use. It’s great for making things like drone parts, protective cases for your gadgets, or even tools you might use outside. Plus, it doesn’t mind getting a little warm or wet, which is perfect for parts that need to work in different conditions.
What We Like:
- Super strong and won’t break easily.
- Can handle heat up to 85 °C and resists water.
- Prints smoothly without getting tangled.
- Comes in a sealed bag to keep it dry.
- Works with most enclosed 3D printers.
What Could Be Improved:
- You really need an enclosed 3D printer for the best results.
- It’s a good idea to dry it out before you start printing.
If you need durable, heat-resistant prints, this ELEGOO ABS filament is a solid option. Just make sure you have an enclosed printer to get the most out of it.
5. Polymaker ABS Filament 1.75mm Black 3D Printer Filament 1.75mm Heat Resistant 1kg – PolyLite ABS 3D Printing Filament 1.75mm
Rating: 8.7/10
The Polymaker PolyLite ABS Filament in Black is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to create strong, durable 3D prints. This 1.75mm filament boasts impressive heat resistance, making it ideal for functional parts that need to withstand higher temperatures. Its dimensional accuracy of +/- 0.03mm ensures your prints come out precisely as intended, and its enhanced stability means fewer printing headaches. Polymaker also prioritizes a great user experience with moisture-free packaging and an eco-friendly cardboard spool.
What We Like:
- Impact and Heat Resistant: This filament can handle high temperatures (Vicat Softening Temperature of 104˚C) and is built tough for durable parts.
- Enhanced Stability: Made with a special ABS resin that has less volatile content, leading to smoother printing.
- Moisture-Free Packaging: Comes sealed in a bag with desiccant to keep it dry and ready for perfect prints.
- Eco-Friendly Spool: Uses a recycled cardboard spool and box, which is better for the environment.
- Dimensional Accuracy: Prints with a tight tolerance of +/- 0.03mm for precise results.
What Could Be Improved:
- Warping Potential: Like most ABS, it can warp, especially on larger prints. Using a heated bed and slowing down the first layer helps.
- Odor: The printing process releases a stronger odor than PLA, so good ventilation is needed.
- Tangling Risk: Remember to feed the filament through the designated hole after printing to prevent knots.
Polymaker’s PolyLite ABS offers a reliable and high-quality printing experience for those who need strong, heat-resistant parts. Just be mindful of its warping tendencies and the printing odor.
Choosing the Best Heat Resistant Filament for Your 3D Prints
Are you tired of your 3D prints melting or warping when they get a little warm? Then you need heat resistant filament! This special kind of plastic can handle higher temperatures than regular filament. This guide will help you pick the perfect heat resistant filament for your next project.
Why Do You Need Heat Resistant Filament?
Regular 3D printing plastics, like PLA, can start to soften and lose their shape when they get around 60°C (140°F). That’s not very hot! If you want to make things that will sit in a car on a sunny day, be near a heat vent, or even have a motor inside that gets warm, you need filament that can take the heat. Heat resistant filament can often handle temperatures well over 100°C (212°F).
1. Key Features to Look For
High Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT)
This is the most important feature. The HDT tells you how hot something can get before it starts to bend or change shape under a small load. Higher HDT means it can handle more heat.
Strength and Durability
Good heat resistant filament should also be strong. It shouldn’t break easily after printing. Look for filaments that are tough and can withstand some stress.
Ease of Printing
Some heat resistant filaments can be tricky to print. Check if the filament needs a special heated bed, an enclosure, or specific printing temperatures. You want a filament that you can actually use with your printer.
Chemical Resistance
Some heat resistant filaments also resist chemicals. This is useful if your print will come into contact with oils, solvents, or other substances.
2. Important Materials
Different materials offer different levels of heat resistance. Here are some common ones:
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
ABS is a popular choice. It’s stronger and more heat resistant than PLA. It can handle temperatures around 100°C (212°F). However, ABS can warp during printing and needs good ventilation because it releases fumes.
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
PETG is a good middle ground. It’s easier to print than ABS and offers better heat resistance than PLA. It can handle temperatures up to about 70-80°C (158-176°F). PETG is also quite strong and doesn’t warp as much as ABS.
Nylon
Nylon is very strong and can handle high temperatures, often over 100°C (212°F). It’s also flexible and durable. However, nylon absorbs moisture, so you need to keep it dry. It can also be a bit challenging to print.
Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate is one of the strongest and most heat-resistant filaments available. It can handle very high temperatures, often above 120°C (248°F). PC is also tough and impact-resistant. It usually requires very high printing temperatures and a heated bed.
Composites (e.g., Carbon Fiber Filled)
Some filaments are mixed with other materials like carbon fiber. These composites often have improved strength and heat resistance. For example, carbon fiber-filled ABS or PETG can handle more heat and are stronger than the base material alone.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Filament Quality
The purity and consistency of the plastic matter. High-quality filament has a consistent diameter and fewer impurities. This leads to smoother prints and better results.
Printing Settings
Correct printing temperature, bed temperature, and cooling fan speed are crucial. If these settings are wrong, even the best heat resistant filament might not perform well. Too much cooling can cause layers to not stick together well, while not enough heat can lead to poor layer adhesion.
Printer Setup
A heated bed is often necessary for heat resistant filaments to prevent warping. Some filaments also benefit from an enclosure to keep the print warm and stable during printing.
Storage
Many filaments, especially nylon, can absorb moisture from the air. This moisture can cause popping sounds during printing and weaken the final print. Storing filament in a dry place or a sealed bag with desiccant is important.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Heat resistant filament is perfect for many practical applications. You can print parts for your car that might get warm, like dashboard components or under-the-hood parts. It’s also great for electronics enclosures that house warm components, or for functional parts in a workshop that might be near tools or machinery. Think about printing brackets, gears, or custom tools that need to last and withstand some heat.
Ease of Use
Some filaments are easier to print than others. ABS can be a bit smoky and prone to warping. PC needs very high temperatures. PETG is a good balance of heat resistance and printability. Composites can sometimes clog nozzles if not used with the right settings.
Durability
Prints made with heat resistant filament are generally more durable. They resist deformation and cracking when exposed to warmth. This means your printed objects will last longer and work better in demanding situations.
Conclusion
Choosing the right heat resistant filament depends on your needs. Consider the temperature your print will face, your printer’s capabilities, and how easy you want the printing process to be. With the right filament, you can create strong, reliable 3D prints that can handle the heat!
Frequently Asked Questions about Heat Resistant Filament
Q: What is the main difference between regular filament and heat resistant filament?
A: Regular filament, like PLA, softens at lower temperatures. Heat resistant filament can stay solid and keep its shape at much higher temperatures.
Q: Which heat resistant filament is the easiest to print with?
A: PETG is generally considered one of the easiest heat resistant filaments to print. It offers a good balance of properties without being too difficult.
Q: Do I need a special 3D printer for heat resistant filament?
A: Many heat resistant filaments require a heated bed. Some, like Polycarbonate, need very high printing temperatures and might need an enclosure.
Q: Can I print functional parts with heat resistant filament?
A: Yes! Heat resistant filament is excellent for printing functional parts that need to be strong and withstand heat, like mechanical components or enclosures.
Q: How do I know if a filament is heat resistant?
A: Look for its Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) on the product packaging or description. A higher HDT means it can handle more heat.
Q: Will heat resistant filament melt in my car on a hot day?
A: Most heat resistant filaments will not melt in a car on a hot day. They are designed to withstand much higher temperatures than a car’s interior typically reaches.
Q: Is ABS a heat resistant filament?
A: Yes, ABS is considered a heat resistant filament. It can handle higher temperatures than PLA, but it can also be more challenging to print.
Q: What are fumes, and do I need ventilation for heat resistant filament?
A: Fumes are gases released when plastic is heated. Some filaments, like ABS, release stronger fumes that require good ventilation for safety.
Q: Can I paint or finish prints made with heat resistant filament?
A: Yes, you can usually paint or finish prints made with heat resistant filament. However, always check the specific filament’s properties and any recommended finishing techniques.
Q: How should I store heat resistant filament to keep it in good condition?
A: Store heat resistant filament in a dry place, ideally in a sealed bag with desiccant packets to prevent moisture absorption, especially for materials like Nylon.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
My name is Gareth Lewis, and I’m the voice behind CampingGuider.com.. I created this space to share my passion for camping and the great outdoors. With years of experience and countless adventures under my belt, I aim to inspire and guide fellow enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a curious beginner, my goal is to provide you with practical tips, honest reviews, and insights to help you make the most out of your outdoor escapades. Join me on this journey, and let’s explore the beauty of nature together!