Best Heat Resistant Filament
For the most heat resistance from a common filament, use polycarbonate, which holds its shape to around 110 to 120°C. ASA and ABS handle around 90 to 100°C and are easier to print. PETG manages around 70°C without an enclosure. Plain PLA softens around 55°C, so avoid it for anything that gets hot.
How Much Heat Your Part Will See
Pick for the hottest place the part will ever be, not its normal day. A car interior in summer can pass 70°C, parts near motors or lamps run hot, and anything near a heater or in direct sun sees more than room temperature.
Heat resistance figures are roughly where a material starts to soften under load. Parts under stress deform sooner, so leave a margin.
Our Picks
1. Polycarbonate (PC)
Around 110 to 120°C. The top choice among common filaments for parts near engines, lamps or other real heat, if your printer can reach a nozzle temperature of about 250 to 290°C and has an enclosure.
Compare PC prices →2. ASA
Around 90 to 100°C, plus UV resistance, so it handles both heat and sun. The best all round pick for hot outdoor and car parts.
Compare ASA prices →3. ABS
Around 90 to 100°C and usually a little cheaper than ASA. A solid choice for hot parts indoors or out of direct sun. Needs an enclosure.
Compare ABS prices →4. PETG
Around 70°C and prints without an enclosure. Good enough for warm environments, but not for a car dashboard in summer.
Compare PETG prices →Cheapest Heat Resistant Filament Right Now
PC, 1kg
ASA, 1kg (market avg $23.12/kg)
ABS, 1kg (market avg $20.59/kg)
PETG, 1kg (market avg $18.92/kg)
.
Tips for Heat Resistant Parts
- Thicker walls and higher infill help parts keep their shape as they warm up.
- Annealing, a controlled bake after printing, can raise the heat resistance of some materials, but parts can shrink or warp, so test first.
- Print ABS, ASA and PC in an enclosure. They warp and split in cool air.
- Keep a margin: choose a filament rated well above the hottest temperature the part will see.
Frequently Asked Questions
What filament is the most heat resistant?
Polycarbonate, at around 110 to 120°C, is the most heat resistant common filament. Specialty materials like PEEK go much higher but need industrial printers.
Can PLA be used in a car?
Not reliably. PLA softens around 55°C, and car interiors get hotter than that in summer. Use ASA, ABS or PC instead.
Is PETG heat resistant enough for a car?
For parts out of direct sun, often yes. On a dashboard or against glass in summer, PETG can deform, so ASA is safer.