select
navigate
switch tabs
Esc close

Fuel-resistant material for 3D printing

0
A
3

Hi! I’m restoring an older two-stroke motorcycle and need to replace a worn-out venturi nozzle that draws in fuel-air mix. I’m considering having it 3D printed, but I’m unsure which material would best hold up to long-term gasoline exposure and engine heat (ambient temps around 70–90°C, possibly higher during load). Mechanical stress is low, but it needs to be tough—not brittle—and resistant to swelling or degradation over time. Thanks

    • A

      Hi! I’m restoring an older two-stroke motorcycle and need to replace a worn-out venturi nozzle that draws in fuel-air mix. I’m considering having it 3D printed, but I’m unsure which material would best hold up to long-term gasoline exposure and engine heat (ambient temps around 70–90°C, possibly higher during load). Mechanical stress is low, but it needs to be tough—not brittle—and resistant to swelling or degradation over time. Thanks

      0
    • M

      So you need a polymer that won’t swell with gasoline, but also one that survives at temperatures that are above most “common plastics” melting points.

      What 3D printing technologies are available to you from local service providers? The available technologies will also limit the materials that are available to you. My best guess for a good material would be something like Nylon 12 with an SLS printer.

      A more accessible option may be to find a specialized resin for stereolithography (SLA). Unfortunately resins tend to be brand-specific, but there are a number of options for flame-retardant or glass-filled resins that should work.

      0
      Reply
    • Depending on how valuable a long service life is to you (whether replacing the part in a year or two is a problem), you could consider going with something cheaper like ABS on a FDM printer. Your expected service temperature is maybe a bit close to the recommended upper service temperature of ABS, so you may risk a shorter service life. If you do try this route, just be sure that the service provider knows how to print with ABS and can avoid the warping and adhesion issues.

      0
      Reply
      • R
        John90

        Rather use polypropylene if you can – great thermal and chemical resistance, but needs a specialized printer.

        0
        Reply
Fuel-resistant material for 3D printing
Your information:




Suggested Topics

Topic
Replies
Views
Activity
Effect of zinc flake coating thickness on bolt performance
In an automotive subframe project using M12 class 10.9 bolts, exposed to salt spray and vibration, I’m looking into zinc flake coatings for corrosion protection. Curious if doubling the coating thickness—from 8 µm to... read more
B
n
T
2
48
Jun 26
direct metal laser sintering
I need to obtain hole/channel sizes of 0.65 mm. will this be obtainable with a 40-60 layer thickness in tool steel?
j
1
66
Jun 13
SLA material for outdoor indicator lenses
hi,  I'm recreating two small indicator lenses for a 1980s motorcycle restoration. These need to be clear, UV-stable, and able to handle exposure to sun and rain long-term. I’m planning to go with SLA... read more
R
R
V
2
184
Jun 24
Steel Advice
HelloI would like to request a quote for cold cutting tools (no temperature problems). I usually work with high-speed steels, for their hardness and the relative ease of re-sharpening, but none is offered in... read more
m
P
1
150
Apr 30
MJF material with the best low-temp resistance
Hello, I need to produce a small housing component for an outdoor sensor unit. I thought MJF could be a good fit for prototyping and potentially low-volume production. The part needs to handle exposure... read more
J
T
4
210
Jun 24