Nov 30 DT Gathering: PLA+ question

[Timothy L]

Thank you CC Clarke - I’m thinking I will eventually wind up with ABS but I would still like to see what the PLA+ does. Fortunately my friend’s printer is a Bamboo printer and has filters etc. so he can do the ABS. Lots of time because this is a long-term project. Currently working on a different sub.

[CC Clarke]

Funny you mention MA. I printed my first hull (PLA) in CT a few years ago and while spray painting it outside in 80-degree weather, I went in the house for no more than 15 minutes, and that was more than enough time for the hull to deform around the lower hull to the point it became a 4th-of-July recipient of a long string of fire-crackers.

Now I'm in AZ, and have tested (large) resin-prints using ABS-like resin in triple-digit summer heat for an entire day. No deformation whatsoever, and the hull joints were still press-fit.

FDM prints with ABS filament should be more than up to whatever heat you may encounter in MA. It's a little more challenging than PLA, but easy with the right printer.

[Timothy L]

Thank you all.
Rob, having lived in Arizona for over 50 years I have a clear understanding of the heat problems there :-) Living in Western, MA now, my heat concerns are not quite as severe LOL. Nonetheless, even here we have warmer days.
As I read and hear modeler‘s experiences with different 3-D media, I see a lot of varying opinions. as a result I think, for me, the best approach will be to print sample hull sections in PLA+, PETG, and ABS and subject them to heat exposure while checking for warping, brittleness etc. I do not do 3-D printing myself but my friend is very heavily involved with it and keen to experiment as well. I’ll report back results here.
By the way, I very much enjoyed your comments on the gathering video and sure would like to know what the submarine was behind you on the screen - beautiful!
Tim

[rwtdiver]

Hi Timothy,

I certainly agree with CC Clarke, and NEITOSUB on their related experience on using PLA. I have not used the PLA plus or PETG as of yet, and my only issues with any 3D printing is the toxic fumes that are given off during printing. I have health issues that limit me as to what I can use.

I have currently built over 20 PLA submarines that are totally operational (in swimming pool only) I have learned over the years that the PLA needs to be glued and sealed properly for water use, also heat is a big issue for me in the summertime (Arizona). You do not leave your sub out in the direct sunlight or just sitting out around in general on 100 plus deg. days. PLA certainly has its restrictions for submarine building that is for sure, but it has worked well for me and my situation, and for sure you have to use a few precautions as to finishing PLA to adapt it for our submarine use.

Timothy, if you're interested, I do have several build blogs on this forum on many of my sub builds with PLA 3D printing that might give you some insight as to what I have done that might help you...

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat."

[neitosub]

I’ve had no problems with using PLA+ for my WTC endcaps and bulkheads, just don’t leave your sub sitting in your car on a hot summer day. I’ve since switched to PETG for all my 3D prints, excellent material, don’t need to deal with toxic fumes associated with ASA and ABS.

[CC Clarke]

PLA is excellent for prototyping. It's cheaper than PLA+ so PLA is a good filament to start with as you learn the ins-and-outs of FDM printing. Both absorb moisture and require all sides to be sealed for best results. Heat resistance will be better with PLA+ but the temps where you operate may factor in.

The optimal filament for submarine models is ASA or PETG. Both print at higher temps and require a heated enclosure but are less prone to the excessive layer lines found in PLA prints which require extensive sanding and sealing for optimum looks.

[Timothy L]

I am in the learning stages about everything submarine related. Scheduling has not allowed me to attend a dive tribe gathering yet but I did listen with interest to the recorded video of the November 30 gathering. There was quite a lot of discussion re. heat concerns using PLA. My understanding is that the recent introduction of PLA+ goes pretty far to eliminating the concerns with heat other than in extremely high temp locations like Arizona. Those of you who were discussing PLA in the gathering, were you also including PLA + or were you strictly referring to the older PLA? Any other experiences with PLA plus and temps would be good to hear. Thank you in advance.