Black PLA exposed to Sunlight

K8200 3D Printer K8200 - Issues while printing
1

Hi all,

are there any experiences about black PLA which is exposed to direct sunlight? How long does it take until it’s destroyed by UV radiation?

Thanks
Michael

2

Hi Fieldmouse,

I have no personal experience but it seems that PLA is UV resistant (check here (page 10/200).
But PLA is not heat resistant and could soften a bit in direct sunlight.

3

I have a test object (black PLA) standing outdoors for over 1 year now so that it was fully exposed to sunlight and rain.
It still looks almost like new, and it also seems to have it’s original stability.
Most other sorts of plastic perform worse under these conditions, they get brittle and the colors fade away.

4

I read somewhere that PLA will become brittle if left outside for about 18 months, I haven’t tested that but very keen to know if it does or not.