Looking to make some center caps for my new truck wheels.
The filaments that the printer I have access to can use are PLA, ECO-ABS, Nylon, or PETG.
I live in a climate where we get close to zero and below all the way up to 100*. Lots of rain and snow. So salt and salt brine road treatments.

Looking for the most durable. Is there some sort of clear coat I can use over top for even more protection?

I haven't used Nylon or PETG yet, but experience allows me to assert that PLA won't be a good choice for your application -- it won't stand up to the temperatures. Short of any better knowledge, my choice would be ABS.

Nylon is susceptible to moisture and may swell. None of those are great for temp and UV resistance. I'd do the PETG, sand, prime and finish with a good UV resistant paint.

Black, I have a spool of PETG here and I can't remember why I ordered it. (Probably some project that didn't take off.)

If you have the STL file, I'd be glad to print a couple for you to test in your application.

quote:

Originally posted by isthatasiginyourpocket:
Nylon is susceptible to moisture and may swell. None of those are great for temp and UV resistance. I'd do the PETG, sand, prime and finish with a good UV resistant paint.

Could one coat it in some sort of clear coat sealant to keep it from absorbing moisture?
I like the carbon fiber infused nylon.

quote:

Originally posted by vthoky:
Black, I have a spool of PETG here and I can't remember why I ordered it. (Probably some project that didn't take off.)

If you have the STL file, I'd be glad to print a couple for you to test in your application.

Much appreciated but I do not currently have a file. We still need to scan it.
Just trying to figure out which filament so we can do some testing soon after it gets scanned.

Polycarbonate or ABS might be best, PETG does melt at 200 degrees or so, wheels get really hot.

In fact Enkei makes two different center caps for the RPF1, sheetmetal and plastic. The plastic centercaps can melt.

That's under extreme conditions but I anticipate you will occasionally find them in need of periodic replacement with constant UV and heat exposure.