At Liqcreate we test our resins in a wide range of environments and with a combination of chemicals. The complete chemical compatibility 3D resin file can be found in the link and acetone compatible 3D-printing resin here. In this article we focus on automotive fluids. Samples were immersed for 1 week at room temperature or at 50°C / 122°F in these automotive liquids / fluids:
- ATF (Automative Transmission Fluid) at 50°C / 122°F
- Engine Oil at 50°C / 122°F
- Brake Fluid at 50°C / 122°F
- Power Steering Fluid at 50°C / 122°F
- Engine coolant at 23°C / 73°F
- DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) at 23°C / 73°F
The following resins were tested:
From these materials mechanical test bars were printed, post-processed and cured according to the specifications. A reference material was taken and set at 100% properties. the deviation from this was set in the graphs after 7 days immersion in Acetone.
Chemical compatibility of Deep Blue with automotive fluids
Deep Blue performed well with immersion for 1 week in the selected automotive fluids. All properties stayed within 20% of its original value. only Diesel Exhaust Fluid at the elongation at break is slightly lower but still acceptable.
Chemical compatibility of Composite-X with automotive fluids
Similar results were obtained with Composite-X as all values whin the test-group were within 20% of its original value.
Chemical compatibility of Tough-X with automotive fluids
For Tough-X some chemicals are more agressive against the cured plastic. It is stongly recommended to not use this resin in combination with brake fluid. it should also be noted that Engine coolant and Diesel Exhaust Fluid softens the material and are not the best match for Tough-X.
Chemical compatibility of Strong-X with automotive fluids
Most tested automotive fluids go well with Strong-X. For engine oil we see a significant reduction in strength and elongation to around 40% of its original value.
Chemical compatibility of Premium Black with automotive fluids
Most automotive fluids have a very limited effect on the properties of Liqcreate Premium Black. only the elongation is effected in engine oil, diesel exhaust fluid and brake fluid which reduces slightly. The other properties remain within 20% of its original value.
Chemical compatibility of Flexible-X with automotive fluids
Flexible-X has very similar results compared to Tough-X. Also for this resin it is stongly recommended to not use this resin in combination with brake fluid. it should also be noted that Engine coolant and Diesel Exhaust Fluid softens the material and are not the best match for Flexible-X.
Chemical compatibility of Flame Retardant HDT with automotive fluids
Flame Retardant HDT resins performs well in all tested automotive fluids with all values within 20% of its original value.
Conclusion of chemical compatibility of 3D-printing resin in automotive fluids
In this article we tested a range of automotive fluids and how they influence resin 3D printed parts. We can conclude that there are a wide range of compatible resin to be used in combination with automotive fluids. It should be noted that this is a screening of 7 days immersion in these fluids. for long term compatibility it is advised that the part producer conducts more testing to see long term behaviour of these materials in a specific liquid.
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