Material Comparison:
PLA (Polylactic Acid): PLA is a widely used and popular material due to its ease of use and affordability. It has a low melting temperature and is ideal for low-stress applications. It has poor UV resistance and is not recommended for outdoor use.
PLA+ (Improved version of PLA): PLA+ offers improved properties over standard PLA, including increased strength and temperature resistance. It still has limited UV resistance, so it is best used for indoor applications.
CF-PLA (Carbon Fiber reinforced PLA): CF-PLA combines the benefits of PLA with the added strength and rigidity of carbon fiber. It has improved temperature resistance and UV resistance compared to standard PLA, making it a great choice for outdoor applications.
PETG (Glycol-modified Polyethylene Terephthalate): PETG is a strong and flexible material that is resistant to impact, chemicals, and UV light. It is easy to print and has a low tendency to warp, making it a popular choice for many applications.
CF-PETG (Carbon Fiber reinforced PETG): CF-PETG offers improved strength and stiffness compared to standard PETG, thanks to the addition of carbon fiber. It has excellent temperature and UV resistance, making it a great choice for outdoor and high-stress applications.
Polycarbonate: Polycarbonate is a strong and durable material that is resistant to impact and high temperatures. It has good UV resistance, making it a popular choice for outdoor applications.
CF-Polycarbonate (Carbon Fiber reinforced Polycarbonate): CF-Polycarbonate offers the highest strength and rigidity of all the materials, making it ideal for high-stress applications. It has excellent temperature and UV resistance, making it the perfect choice for outdoor and high-stress applications where strength and durability are critical.
Glass Transition Temperature (Tg):
PLA: 60-65°C
PLA+: 70-75°C
CF-PLA: 70-75°C
PETG: 80-85°C
CF-PETG: 80-85°C
Polycarbonate: 113°C
CF-Polycarbonate: 113°C
Note: The above values are general guidelines and may vary depending on specific formulation and manufacturing processes of different materials. The glass transition temperature is the temperature at which a material changes from a solid to a rubbery state.