When choosing a 3D printing material, heat resistance temperature is far more than a technical detail—it directly determines whether the final part can withstand real-world conditions, from daily use (e.g., a PLA cup near a coffee maker) to industrial applications (e.g., a PC component in a car engine bay). This article breaks down the key heat resistance metrics of 8 common materials, explains how to use this data, and solves common material-selection mistakes.
1. Core Heat Resistance Metrics: What Do They Actually Mean?
Before comparing materials, it’s critical to understand the two most important heat-related terms—confusing them often leads to failed prints or unusable parts. Below is a simple breakdown using a “question-and-answer” structure:
| Metric | Definition | Practical Significance |
| Thermal Deformation Temperature (TDT) | The temperature at which a material bends or deforms under a fixed load (usually 1.82 MPa for 3D printing). | This is the “safe upper limit” for most parts. If your part will be exposed to temperatures above its TDT (e.g., a PLA phone stand near a 70°C laptop vent), it will warp or lose shape. |
| Vitrification Transition Temperature (Tg) | For amorphous materials (e.g., PLA), this is the temperature where the material softens from a “glassy” state to a “rubbery” state (no melting, just flexibility). | A PLA part with a Tg of 55–65°C will feel soft and bendable if left in a hot car (where interior temps can reach 60°C+), even if it doesn’t melt. |
| Melting Point / Complete Melting Temperature | The temperature at which a crystalline material (e.g., ABS, PA) fully turns from solid to liquid. | This is the minimum temperature your 3D printer’s nozzle needs to reach to print the material. It also tells you the “absolute failure point”—exposing a printed part to this temperature will destroy it. |
| Long-Term Use Temperature | The maximum temperature a material can withstand continuously (e.g., 8 hours a day, 5 days a week) without degrading. | A PETG part with a long-term use temperature of ≤100°C is safe for a water bottle that holds 95°C hot water, but not for a part in a 110°C oven. |
2. Heat Resistance Comparison of 8 Common 3D Printing Materials
The table below organizes the key heat data for 8 widely used materials, sorted from lowest to highest thermal deformation temperature (TDT) for easy comparison. All values are based on standard 3D printing grades (not industrial modified versions).
| Material | Thermal Deformation Temperature (°C) | Key Additional Heat Metrics | Best For (Based on Heat Resistance) |
| PLA | N/A (uses Tg instead) | Tg: 55–65°C; Softening temp: 170–230°C | Low-heat applications: decorative models, non-heated food containers, or parts used indoors (20–25°C). |
| TPU | N/A (elastic material) | Thermal decomposition temp: 200–250°C; Long-term use temp: 80–100°C | Flexible parts that avoid high heat: phone cases, shoe insoles, or soft gaskets (not for use near heaters). |
| PETG | 85–88°C | Long-term use temp: ≤100°C; Max continuous service temp: 120–140°C | Moderate-heat needs: water bottles (holds hot drinks), lamp shades (near 60–80°C bulbs), or 3D printer enclosures. |
| ABS | 70–105°C | Complete melting temp: 210–250°C | Parts needing slight heat resistance: toy cars (exposed to sunlight), basic tool handles (no prolonged contact with hot surfaces). |
| PP | 100–110°C | Long-term use temp: ≤100°C | Food-safe, low-to-moderate heat parts: reusable containers (microwavable for short periods, <90°C) or outdoor planters (resists summer heat). |
| Acrylic | 90–105°C | Softening temp: 100–120°C | Transparent parts with mild heat resistance: display cases, clear model windows (not for use near stoves or heaters). |
| PC (Polycarbonate) | 135–145°C | Long-term operating temp: -40 to 130°C; Thermal decomposition temp: ≥300°C | High-heat, durable parts: automotive interior components (near 120°C vents), LED light housings, or industrial machine parts. |
| PA (Nylon) | ≥220°C (e.g., PA66: ~270°C) | Melting point: 210–230°C | Extreme-heat industrial applications: engine bay components (withstands 180–200°C), high-temperature gaskets, or drone parts exposed to friction heat. |
3. How to Choose the Right Material Based on Heat Needs: 3 Step-by-Step Scenarios
Heat resistance data is only useful if you apply it to your specific project. Below are 3 common real-world scenarios, each using a “linear 叙述” structure to guide material selection:
Scenario 1: A Reusable Food Container (Needs to Hold 95°C Hot Soup)
- Define the heat requirement: Continuous exposure to 95°C (no deformation).
- Filter materials by key metric: Look for materials with a long-term use temperature ≥95°C or TDT ≥95°C.
- Eliminate PLA (Tg too low: 55–65°C) and ABS (TDT max 105°C, but long-term use temp untested for food).
- Final choice: PETG (long-term use temp ≤100°C, food-safe grades available) or PP (TDT 100–110°C, microwave-safe).
Scenario 2: A 3D Printer Enclosure Panel (Needs to Withstand 120°C Nozzle Heat)
- Define the heat requirement: Resist intermittent 120°C heat (from the printer’s nozzle) without warping.
- Filter materials by key metric: Prioritize max continuous service temp ≥120°C or TDT ≥120°C.
- Eliminate PETG (max continuous temp 120–140°C, but TDT 85–88°C—risk of deformation under slight pressure).
- Final choice: PC (TDT 135–145°C, impact-resistant) or PA (TDT ≥220°C, but more expensive).
Scenario 3: A Decorative Desk Organizer (Only Exposed to 20–25°C Indoor Heat)
- Define the heat requirement: No special heat needs—focus on cost and printability.
- Filter materials by key metric: Any material with Tg/TDT above 25°C (all common materials qualify).
- Final choice: PLA (low cost, easy to print, no heated bed needed) or TPU (if you want a soft, flexible organizer).
4. Yigu Technology’s Perspective on Material Heat Resistance
At Yigu Technology, we’ve seen 60% of client part failures stem from mismatched heat resistance—e.g., an automotive client once used ABS for a 110°C engine component (ABS’s max TDT is 105°C), leading to a production delay. To solve this, we integrate two tools into our workflow: 1) a material heat-resistance database (updated with 50+ grades) to help clients select materials in 5 minutes; 2) pre-print heat tests (e.g., exposing sample parts to target temps for 24 hours) to verify performance. For users, understanding heat resistance isn’t just about specs—it’s about ensuring parts work as intended, every time.
FAQ: Common Questions About 3D Printing Material Heat Resistance
- Q: Can I increase a material’s heat resistance after printing (e.g., coating PLA)?
A: Yes, but only slightly. For example, applying a heat-resistant spray (e.g., Krylon High Heat) can raise PLA’s Tg by 5–10°C, but it won’t make it match PETG. For high-heat needs, choose the right material from the start.
- Q: Why does my ABS part warp even though it’s below its TDT (70–105°C)?
A: ABS is sensitive to temperature changes, not just high temps. If one side of the part is near a cold window (20°C) and the other near a heater (30°C), the uneven expansion will cause warping—even at temps well below its TDT.
- Q: Is “long-term use temperature” the same as “max continuous service temperature”?
A: Almost—they refer to the same concept (sustained heat resistance). The only difference: “long-term use temperature” is often used for consumer parts (e.g., PETG bottles), while “max continuous service temperature” is more common for industrial materials (e.g., PC for car parts).