New to 3D printing (my printer didn't even arrive yet) but I have a few projects I want to start with and I am unsure of the correct or best materials to use for them.

So here are three things I want to print for sure:

  1. Adjustable leg for IKEA BROR. This BROR rack already has a ton of stuff on it, likely in the 20 - 30 KG range so it would need to be a material that can stand that weight. It's also a garage so the expected temperature range is something like 30 to -5C
  2. Some counter top containers to hold things. One of the things I want to hold are laundry detergents. These can be a bit heavy and some detergent can spill, not sure if this can react with the plastic. Indoor use only so the temp range is like 25 to 20C.
  3. Mount plate for a post cap light. I will be screwing these into the post and then the light will lock on to them. The post cap light itself is pretty light however it needs to be able to withstand the elements (snow, rain) and also animals like raccoons and squirrels that might try to pry them off. Temp. range is like 30C to -30C.

If anyone has any suggestions please let me know!

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[–] [S] 2 points 1 year ago (7 children)

I've read that PLA will sag over time pretty much no matter what you do. I assume it would be terrible for the first use case. I assume you can't design around it but I'm happy to be proven wrong.

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  • [–] 3 points 1 year ago* (3 children)

    It'll only sag if it heats up and starts to deform, like if you leave it in the sun. It'd probably be just fine under a compressive load like that.

    This is a fantastic doc https://blog.rahix.de/design-for-3d-printing/

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  • [–] 2 points 11 months ago

    I almost exclusively use PLA and I've had no trouble but all my stuff is indoors. I've heard that it doesn't do as well in the elements so for anything outside, I'l probably look at using petg which from what I've read, holds up pretty well outside.

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  • [–] 2 points 11 months ago (1 child)

    I have had a PLA print holding my bike light working for about three years so I don't think that's a problem

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  • [–] [S] 1 point 11 months ago

    I printed a part to mount a shelf on the wall. I really rather not chance it due to the damage that would be done by a failed part. Also after the first week, I've been printing exclusively in PETG. Some filaments are a bit finicky but for most of the filaments it just works so it's all good for now.

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