How does prolonged exposure to intense UV light impact 3D-printed plastics? Will they fade? In this "Will it…" video, Greg Paulsen, Xometry's Director of Application Engineering, 3D printed samples using various additive processes, including FDM, SLS, SLA, PolyJet, DLS, and LSPc, to determine their UV fade resistance.
Watch the video to find out which 3D-printed plastic held up the best after facing extreme UV exposure!
More About This Test
For this video, we used these 3D printable polypanels as our test subject. Here is a list of the processes and materials that were tested:
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
- PLA
- ASA
- ABS-M30
- Polycarbonate
- ULTEM 1010
- ULTEM 9085
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
- Nylon 12 Standard
- Nylon 12 Dyed (various colors)
- Nylon 12 Vapor Smoothed and Dyed Black
HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
- Polypropylene
- Nylon 12 Standard
- Nylon 12 Dyed Black
Stereolithography (SLA)
- Accura ABS Black
- Accura ClearVue (standard and quick-clear finish)
- Somos EvoLVe 128
- Accura Xtreme White 200
- Accura 60
- Somos WaterShed XC 11122
- Somos WaterClear Ultra 10122
Lubricant Sublayer Photo-curing (LSPc)
- xMODEL17
- xCERAMIC3280
Digital Light Synthesis (DLS)
- UMA 90 White
- RPU 70 Black
PolyJet
- Rigid Clear (VeroClear)
- Rigid Multi-Color (Full-color Texture)
- Multi-Material
The UV Test Chamber
To perform our UV resistance test, we designed and built a customized chamber to house a powerful UV-C light designed to purify air in HVAC systems. We utilized our Sheet Cutting service to cut the chamber panels from mirrored polycarbonate. To ensure even exposure across the parts, the assembled 3D-printed parts were placed on a turn table inside the chamber.
Part Photo Gallery
In the image gallery below, you'll find a few photos of the poly panels we printed for the test. These photos are BEFORE the experiment. If you want to see how they turned out after the test, be sure to check out the video!
FDM – ASA
Faded 3D Printed Parts
PolyJet Multi-ColorLeft – UV Exposed, Right – ControlPolyJet Multi-MaterialLeft – UV Exposed, Right – ControlSLA Accura ClearVueLeft – UV Exposed, Right – ControlSLA Accura ABS Black (Matte Paint)Left – UV Exposed, Right – ControlFDM ULTEM 9085 TanLeft – UV Exposed, Right – ControlFDM ULTEM 1010Left – UV Exposed, Right – ControlFDM ABS-M30UV ExposedSLS Nylon 12 (PA12), Dyed BlackUV ExposedSLA Somos Evolve 128Left – UV Exposed, Right – ControlSLA Somos WatershedLeft – UV Exposed, Right – ControlFFF PLAUV ExposedSLS Nylon 12 (PA12), Dyed Blue and YellowUV ExposedSLS Nylon 12 (PA12), Dyed Red and GreenUV ExposedHP MJF Nylon 12Left – UV Exposed, Right – ControlCarbon DLS RPU 70Left – UV Exposed, Right – ControlLSPc xMODEL17 ClearLeft – UV Exposed, Right – ControlFDM PCLeft – UV Exposed, Right – ControlPolyJet VeroClearLeft – UV Exposed, Right – ControlDLS UMA WhiteLeft – UV Exposed, Right – ControlFDM ASAUV ExposedSLA Accura 60Left – UV Exposed, Right – ControlHP MJF, Dyed BlackLeft – UV Exposed, Right – ControlSLS Nylon 12Left – UV Exposed, Right – ControlLSPc xCERAMICLeft – UV Exposed, Right – ControlSLA Accura Xtreme WhiteLeft – UV Exposed, Right – ControlHP MJF PPLeft – UV Exposed, Right – ControlSLA Accura ClearVue, Quick ClearLeft – UV Exposed, Right – Control
More Engineering Challenge Videos
Want to see more content like this? Check out our other engineering challenge video below!
- Will It Erode? – Abrasion Resistance Test
Need 3D Printed Parts?Joel SchadeggHey, I’m Joel and I’ll be your guide for everything Xometry! From my time as an Additive Technician in our 3D printing facility to operating a team of case managers as a Business Unit Manager, I have made it my personal mission to help customers like you you get the most out of the Xometry Experience. Now, as an Applications Engineer, I am here to help you by providing expert advice to help you excel and achieve success on your projects.
Read more articles by Joel Schadegg
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