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Home Xometry Community Materials & Finishes Looking for advice: outdoor 3d printing materials

Looking for advice: outdoor 3d printing materials

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Hi, I need advice on 3D printing a part for outdoor installation that needs to be waterproof and weatherproof. Based on cost considerations, I’m deciding between FDM with ABS or PC, or SLS with Nylon. Which of these material + technology will ensure the part is both waterproof and weatherproof? Thank you, Tim

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Solved by Joao Clemencio

Hey Tim, PA12 on SLS should be a better option. You can improve it even more adding some post process like Vapour Smoothing to avoid any water gets inside the part. In addition, it also offers better UV resistance and durability compared to FDM ABS or PC.

    • T

      Hi, I need advice on 3D printing a part for outdoor installation that needs to be waterproof and weatherproof. Based on cost considerations, I’m deciding between FDM with ABS or PC, or SLS with Nylon. Which of these material + technology will ensure the part is both waterproof and weatherproof? Thank you, Tim

      0
      Reply
    • Xometry Engineer

      Hey Tim, PA12 on SLS should be a better option. You can improve it even more adding some post process like Vapour Smoothing to avoid any water gets inside the part. In addition, it also offers better UV resistance and durability compared to FDM ABS or PC.

      0
      Reply
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    • D

      Based on my experience, ABS worked quite good for outdoors, but for uv-resistance it will need additional paint

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Looking for advice: outdoor 3d printing materials
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