The Most Important Factors of Outdoor 3D Printing Filament

Five properties decide whether a printed sign is still worth looking at in five years. Each one has a number attached, and each is worth checking before a quotation goes out.

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Buying Guide

UV Resistance

An outdoor sign is exposed to sunlight all day. Without UV resistance the colour fades gradually and the sign itself weakens. PETG-S is UV resistant and can be used in strong sunlight without oxidation or colour fading.

High Temperature Resistance

Summer in a tropical zone pushes sign surface temperatures well above ambient, especially on dark facades. The maximum resisting temperature of PETG-S is 70 degrees, with a glass transition temperature of 85 degrees.

Low Temperature Resistance

In frigid zones the opposite problem applies and brittle materials crack at the fixings. The minimum resisting temperature of PETG-S is minus 40 degrees.

The Most Important Factors of Outdoor 3D Printing Filament illustration 1 — Low Temperature Resistance

Waterproof

A sign made from a material that is not waterproof can deform in rain. PETG-S is waterproof, and the LED strip fitted inside is rated IP67 so the lighting matches the body.

Strong Layer Adhesion

Sticking must be strong layer by layer, and the joint between the face and the edges must be extremely strong. This is what lets the sign be installed stably and safely and used for a long period without damage.

Surface Finish

Surface smoothness has nothing to do with structure or toughness, but it decides how the sign looks at close range. It is worth checking on a sample before a set is approved, particularly on interior signage.

The Most Important Factors of Outdoor 3D Printing Filament illustration 2 — Surface Finish

Putting the Numbers Together

Taken together these give a stated service life of 5 to 10 years for outdoor use. That figure is what makes it possible to offer a customer a warranty on an outdoor sign rather than a hope.