Simple Heat Test Between Z-ABS & Traditional PLA

3D Printing Printroom
#1

On of my main reasons for considering a move to M200's was to gain the temperature resistance (and affordability) of Z-ABS. I took delivery of my first M200 less than a week ago and am still diligently testing. Today was a simple heat test with Black filament. PLA was printed on a Replicator 2…….. M200 for the Z-ABS.

45 minutes in a car in direct sunlight. Temp rose from 72 degrees to over 120 degrees f and the PLA product became soft to the touch (two fingers of pressure) while the Z-ABS stayed nice and rigid with no deformation.  I'l give it several more hours and check again but am very happy so far!

Initial setup and temp. 350

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45 minutes later on a 57 degree day in Denver. 347

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PLA on the left and Z-ABS on the right. Deformation from 2 fingers of minimal pressure on the PLA. Nice and rigid still with Z-ABS 349

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Same results with second set of test samples. Z-ABS left and PLA right. 348

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#2

Hi

Thanks for this very demonstrative test, so what's the interest of PLA printing ?

#3

Hi

Thanks for this very demonstrative test, so what's the interest of PLA printing ?

You can do investment casting with PLA.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWVVSZP3Au4

#4

You can buy almost any opensource machine and print PLA without problems, they are half the price of zortrax and results are fine with fine tuning.

#5

You can buy almost any opensource machine and print PLA without problems, they are half the price of zortrax and results are fine with fine tuning.

Or I can wait for PLA and not spend the money on another printer.. That would make my wife MUCH happier.... :D That is the only thing I need PLA for though.. I'm quite happy with the Z-ABS for other stuff...

#6

Remember Kyle you can investment cast ABS as well so long as you have proper ventilation

#7

Well, is ABS smoke really toxic or just unpleasant ?

#8

Well, is ABS smoke really toxic or just unpleasant ?

Smoke I can imagine would be VERY bad for you..(also means your printer is on fire  :D)  The very slight odor created by 3D printing not so much.. Read this.. http://www.fabbaloo.com/blog/2012/9/17/is-abs-killing-you.html

#9

Smoke I can imagine would be VERY bad for you..(also means your printer is on fire  :D) 

:huh:  :rolleyes: