Z 3D Printing Wiki

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====== Maximum Temperature =======

The most common question asked when selecting an advanced filament is **"What is the maximum temperature <plastic> can handle?"** While the question is reasonable, **it is completely unanswerable**.

Broadly speaking, the higher the temperature rises, the weaker the plastic becomes. This often happens gradually; therefore, the higher the strain in an application, the lower the "Maximum Temperature" is considered to be.

Some plastics also exhibit [[wp>Creep_(deformation)|creep]], a situation where a plastic component slowly deforms in response to continuously applied force. This effect can also vary with temperature.

===== "Optimistic Usable Temperature" =====

This phrase is commonly found on this wiki and generally refers to the temperature that a well-calibrated print at that temperature can support some loads (e.g. AB Motor mounts on Vorons) at that ambient/chamber temperature.

This number lacks a certain //scientific rigor// and should only be used as the starting point for your own research.

===== Takeaway =====

Identifying the "Maximum Temperature" of a particular polymer for a particular application is non-trivial. While datasheets or HDT testing can provide critical inputs or points of comparison, no one number is likely to provide directly applicable data for your project.