UV Resistance of Plastics: Best Materials for 3D Printing, CNC Machining, and Injection Molding

When designing products that need to stand up to the sun’s relentless UV rays, choosing the right materials can feel like navigating a maze. From agricultural pipes that crack under pressure to faded outdoor furniture, we’ve all seen what UV radiation can do. But don’t worry—this guide is here to simplify the science and give you practical tips for keeping your plastics durable and long-lasting. Whether you’re an engineer or manufacturer, mastering UV resistance can save your projects from an early demise.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can significantly degrade plastics, compromising both their appearance and structural integrity. At the molecular level, UV rays break down the chemical bonds in plastics, leading to discoloration, brittleness, and surface chalking. For instance, Xometry conducted an experiment where a white stereolithography (SLA) part was exposed outdoors for six months resulting in the part becoming yellowed and extremely brittle.

UV-resistant plastics are engineered to withstand such degradation, maintaining their properties under prolonged UV exposure. Common testing standards for assessing UV resistance include ASTM G154, which utilizes fluorescent UV lamps, and ISO 4892-2, employing xenon-arc lamps to simulate natural sunlight.

Watch UV-resistant plastics face their ultimate test in Xometry’s ‘Will It Fade’ UV radiation challenge:

Comprehensive UV Material Selection Reference Guide

Understanding UV Light and Its Impact

UV radiation is part of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths between visible light and X-rays, divided into three main types based on wavelength:

Natural vs Artificial UV Sources

Natural Sources: The sun is the primary natural source of UV radiation. Although UVC is mostly filtered by the atmosphere, UVA and UVB reach the Earth’s surface and are primary culprits in the degradation of exposed materials. 

Artificial Sources: Industrial and medical settings may use artificial UV sources. Black lights, welding arcs, and UV lamps for sterilization emit UV rays, primarily UVA and UVC, which can accelerate material breakdown in enclosed or high-exposure environments.

3D Printing Materials With UV Resistance

UV-resistant materials aren’t as widely available for 3D printing as they are for traditional methods like injection molding, but 3D printing brings some exciting advantages. With options like ASA, Polycarbonate, EPDM, and Silicone Rubber, it’s perfect for creating custom, lightweight, and complex UV-resistant parts in small quantities. Whether it’s intricate seals, gaskets, or architectural pieces, 3D printing lets you bring unique designs to life without the high costs of traditional manufacturing.

Formative Manufacturing Materials With UV Resistance

Formative manufacturing methods, such as injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding, offer the widest range of UV-resistant material options, making them the go-to choice for large-scale production. 

These processes are ideal for parts like outdoor furniture, automotive components, and chemical piping, where prolonged UV exposure is expected. While traditional methods lack the design freedom of 3D printing, they excel in delivering consistent quality and durability for high-volume applications.

CNC Machining Materials With UV Resistance

CNC machining offers a large selection of UV-resistant materials, making it a preferred choice for high-performance applications. Unlike other processes, CNC allows for tight tolerances and complex geometries in materials like Polycarbonate, PTFE, and UV-stable elastomers. This makes it ideal for producing durable components such as chemical seals, high-performance insulators, and automotive trims that endure harsh UV exposure.

Practical Guide to UV Protection for Plastics Parts in Manufacturing: Choose the Right Solution

UV protection for plastic parts produced with 3D printing, CNC machining or injection molding involves various approaches, including additives, stabilizers, surface coatings, and strategic design techniques. The best method depends on the component’s characteristics, environmental exposure, and performance requirements. Automotive components use PVD or UV-stabilized coatings for aesthetics and weather resistance, whereas construction materials benefit from co-extruded layers or pigmented solutions for durability.

To keep your SLA prints from turning brittle after UV exposure, a great solution is applying a lacquer finish. Not only does it protect the surface from harmful UV rays, but it also enhances durability and gives your parts a polished, professional look. It’s a simple yet effective way to extend the lifespan of your prints while maintaining their quality over time.

Below, we outline common use cases and corresponding solutions to help you choose the right UV-resistant strategy for your plastic parts.

1. Is your plastic component thick?
   Thick components risk UV penetration into their depth, causing material degradation over time. Use UV absorbers like benzotriazoles or carbon black pigments to block UV effectively.
2. Does your plastic component have thin walls?
   Thin-walled parts are more vulnerable to UV damage due to their smaller cross-section. Apply Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers (HALS) or use co-extrusion technology to enhance durability.
3. Will your part be exposed to outdoor conditions?
   Outdoor applications face constant sunlight and weathering, leading to discoloration and brittleness. Utilize carbon black pigments or traditional UV-resistant coatings with weatherproof properties for long-lasting protection.
4. Is aesthetic appearance your priority?
   Maintaining visual appeal while protecting against UV damage is crucial for decorative parts. Use Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) for a sleek finish or traditional UV-resistant coatings in clear or pigmented options.
5. Does your component need to remain clear or transparent?
   Clear parts must retain optical clarity while resisting UV degradation. Apply UV-resistant clear coatings or use UV absorbers for transparent polymers to maintain appearance and function.
6. Will your part endure extreme environmental conditions?
   Exposure to harsh climates, high temperatures, or humidity can accelerate UV-related damage. Use HALS or co-extrusion technology to ensure consistent performance.
7. Does your part need protection beyond UV resistance?
   When additional features like scratch, abrasion, or chemical resistance are required, choose multi-functional solutions. Opt for hybrid coatings that combine UV stabilizers with enhanced durability.

Environmental factors such as geographic location, seasonal temperature changes, atmospheric exposure, and mechanical stresses significantly influence the choice of protection methods. Manufacturers must account for these variables to ensure long-lasting performance.

Common Standards for Weathering and UV Testing

manufacturers select UV-stable polymers that meet application requirements by simulating real-world conditions with accelerated aging techniques like xenon-arc and fluorescent UV lamps. These tests provide critical insights, such as identifying materials prone to failure under real-world conditions, predicting service life in specific locations, and supporting cost-benefit analyses for UV protection strategies. By adhering to standardized methods, manufacturers can ensure reliable performance, backed by verifiable data for warranty and performance claims.

Key UV Testing Parameters

Testing parameters are calibrated to reflect real-world conditions, providing valuable insights into material performance and lifespan:

• UV Intensity: Adjusted based on geographic UV radiation levels to ensure materials can withstand local conditions, especially in regions with high UV exposure. 
• Temperature: Higher temperatures can accelerate the breakdown of many rigid and flexible polymers, making temperature control crucial.
• Humidity Cycles: Alternating wet and dry cycles replicate natural weather patterns, assessing materials’ resistance to combined UV and moisture stresses. 
• Exposure Timing: Light and dark cycles simulate the day-night transition, revealing whether materials recover between exposures or undergo cumulative degradation.
• Sample Orientation and Rotation: Rotating samples ensures consistent exposure to UV lights, as varying angles impact wear rates. 

Final Considerations for UV Resistant Plastics

When it comes to outdoor applications, UV resistance isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a crucial part of the design process. But balancing cost with performance can be tricky. If you’re weighing options, focus on what your project really needs. Do you need something that’ll last decades in harsh conditions, or is a short-term solution enough?

Whether your project involves 3D printing, injection molding, or CNC machining, explore the Xometry Instant Quoting Engine^® and our 3D Printing Wizard to find the right material for an application requiring varying levels of UV exposure.

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