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Finished 3D model placed outdoors

Finished 3D model placed outdoors

With the common and application of 3D printing technology, people in the consumer market also have a better understanding of 3D printing technology. Of course, there are stricter and clearer requirements for 3D printing filament and printed finished models. For example, after consumers use 3D filament to print a finished model of their favorite, they hope that this model can not be deformed for a long time and can be used for a long time, and can be UV resistant outdoors, etc. Then UJOYBIO3D will make a detailed description on how 3D filament and finished models can be UV resistant filament.

Which 3D printing filaments are UV resistant?

The common filaments in the 3D printing market are PLA, ABS, PETG, Nylon, PC and other filaments, and we will compare the UV resistance of these filament materials in the form of a table below:

Material type UV resistance Characteristics Recommendation
PLA Poor Easily degraded by sunlight, become brittle, color may change Apply UV-resistant paint or avoid prolonged outdoor use
ABS Fair Slightly durable, but color may fade and become brittle after long-term UV exposure Add UV-resistant coating or use ABS filaments with UV stabilizers
PETG Better More UV resistant than PLA and ABS, but may still deteriorate with prolonged exposure Use specialized UV-resistant PETG filaments to enhance weathering resistance
Nylon Fair to poor May become brittle after UV exposure Uses nylon filaments with UV stabilizers
PC Good High strength, enhanced UV resistance with UV stabilizers Used in applications where high strength and weatherability are required

From the comparison contents of the above table, it can be seen that the best UV resistance is PETG material, but it may still be aged if exposed to UV rays for a long time, or in outdoor environments. The worst UV-resistant is PLA material, but it can be made UV-resistant by spraying UV-resistant coatings or protective films such as UV spray paint.

Characterization of UV stabilizers

Ultraviolet (UV) stabilizers are a class of chemical additives that can be used to enhance the stability of filament materials under ultraviolet (UV) radiation, preventing or slowing down UV-induced photodegradation, color fading, brittleness and other problems in the finished 3D printed model. These stabilizers are used in a wide range of applications such as plastics, coatings, rubber and textiles, and are especially important in finished products for outdoor use.

Types of UV stabilizers

Due to the high energy of UV rays, they can break the chemical bonds of polymer materials that have been exposed to UV rays for a long time, for example:

1. UV rays, in combination with oxygen or moisture, cause degradation of the material, resulting in photo-oxidation reaction on the surface of the finished product, causing discoloration on the surface of the model.

2. The breakage of polymer chain in the finished model leads to the decrease of material strength, causing chain breakage, which causes the aging of the finished model. Causes the model to be less flexible and prone to breakage.

3. UV rays can also destroy the structure of pigments or dyes, resulting in color changes on the surface of the finished model.

The following are some common types of UV stabilizers and their mechanisms of action:

Types Mechanism of action Common Compounds Characteristics Application Scenarios
UV absorbers Absorbs UV energy and converts it to harmless, low-energy forms (e.g., heat), preventing material degradation Hydroxybenzotriazoles (e.g. Tinuvin 326) Effective on transparent or light-colored materials, preventing photo-oxidation Plastics, coatings, textiles
Light stabilizers (HALS) Capture free radicals generated during photo-oxidation, inhibit degradation chain reaction Hindered amine compounds (e.g. Tinuvin 770) Highly effective and long-lasting, suitable for long-term outdoor use, excellent heat and light resistance Outdoor plastics, 3D printing filaments, coatings
Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide Protects material surfaces by reflecting and scattering UV rays Titanium dioxide (TiO₂), zinc oxide (ZnO) Effective for high filler content products, but may affect transparency High-performance plastics, coatings
Hybrid Stabilizers Combines the properties of multiple stabilizers to provide more comprehensive UV protection UV absorber + HALS combination Outdoor plastic parts automotive components

Precautions for the use of UV stabilizers

1. Additive quantity:

According to the material and application scenarios to determine the optimal amount to add, too little effect is not enough, too much may affect the performance of the material.

2.Compatibility:

Ensure that the UV stabilizer is compatible with the substrate, so as not to affect the mechanical properties or transparency.

3. Compound use:

For complex environments (such as high temperature, humidity), it is often necessary to use a combination of different types of stabilizers.

UV stabilizers are an important tool for improving the durability and aesthetics of the material, especially in outdoor conditions where they play a key role in extending the life of the finished 3D model.

Use of spray UV stabilizers to increase the use of 3D finished models

Spraying with UV stabilizers

Spraying with UV stabilizers

Using UV stabilizers and spraying them on the surface of 3D finished models can indeed provide good UV resistance to a certain extent, but the effect is also affected by a variety of factors, and UJOYBIO3D provides a detailed explanation of the relevant effects below:

The effect of spraying UV stabilizer

1. It can protect the surface of the model very well. UV stabilizer can form a protective film on the surface, absorb or reflect UV rays, and reduce the direct effect of UV on PLA. This can delay the degradation, discoloration and embrittlement of PLA due to UV.

2. It also extends the service life of the finished model. Although PLA itself is less resistant to UV rays, by spraying UV stabilizers, the service life of the model in outdoor use will be significantly extended.

Factors affecting the effect of UV resistance

1. If there are uneven or weak areas in the coating, these areas may still be damaged by UV rays.

2. It is particularly important to choose a high-quality UV stabilizer, such as one specifically designed for use on plastic surfaces. Some stabilizers may need to be recoated periodically to maintain effectiveness.

3. Filament materials such as PLA have low UV stability, and even if the surface is coated with a stabilizer, the interior of the material may still be indirectly affected by UV light. Also, environmental conditions such as high temperatures and humidity accelerate the aging of PLA, so even with UV protection, attention needs to be paid to the overall environmental impact.

Suggestions for enhancing UV resistance

1. Select a UV stabilizer spray designed for plastics to ensure its compatibility with filament materials such as PLA. Certain clear coatings can also maintain the appearance of the model while providing protection.

2. Especially if the model is exposed to strong UV light, spraying multiple coats of UV stabilizer can be used to enhance protection.

3. You can color the model appropriately, using UV-resistant paint is more effective than spraying UV stabilizers directly, because the color itself can absorb some of the UV, and when used outdoors, you can place the model in the shade or add a shelter.

4. Finished models used outdoors for a long period of time need to be re-sprayed with UV stabilizer periodically to maintain the protective effect.

Conclusion

Spraying UV stabilizer on the surface of commonly printed 3D models such as PLA, ABS, PETG, etc. is an effective way to improve UV resistance. If the models need to be exposed to the outdoors for a long time, UV-resistant materials can be prioritized and combined with surface coating for comprehensive protection.

Models printed by UJOYBIO3D using PLA+

Models printed by UJOYBIO3D using PLA+

UJOYBIO3D's Hyper PLA+ series of filaments have good toughness and impact resistance, and when combined with the above method of spraying UV stabilizers, it will be able to until a very good UV-resistant effect, and bring a longer-lasting experience for your finished 3D printed products.

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