3D Print Filament
Geek of the Road parts are predominantly 3D printed using ASA; this is a newer material that’s very similar to the ABS plastic that many of your car’s interior parts are already made from. However ASA is superior to other common 3D printing materials when it comes to automotive applications.
PLA, the most common material used for 3D printing, is well known to deform and melt in hot car interiors as well as degrading when exposed to the ultraviolet (UV) light outdoors. You should never buy a car part printed in PLA! (Note: Many “carbon fibre” or “metal” filaments are based on PLA so should be approached with equal caution.)
PETG is one solution to this problem with a glass transition temperature of about 80ºC (176ºF), an improvement on PLA’s 65ºC (149ºF) with a shiny finish and some UV resistance. ASA presents an even better solution with a higher glass transition temperature of 100ºC (212ºF) and much better UV stability so it can be used in direct sunlight without weakening. ASA also gives a satin finish which is more sympathetic to most car interiors, making it the material of choice for Geek of the Road products, however some parts may be printed in PETG where a particular property of the material is needed (eg. flexibility).