1

I’d like to 3d print a pot that i can heat water in- until around boiling point. What’s the best filament (if any)?

2

Hi there,

I actually don’t think any filament would be truly appropriate for this. ABS has the highest glass transition temperature, but it’s only 5c higher than water’s boiling point.

Additionally, ABS is not food safe at all, so depending on your application that could be an issue as well.

Best,

Maddie - 3D Hubs

3

I think the way to go here would be to use 3D printing to make a mold to cast the part in metal or some ceramic.

https://www.3dhubs.com/knowledge-base/producing-low-cost-cast-metal-parts-using-3d-printing

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-Ceramic-Mold-from-a-3-D-Printed-Obje/

The simple reason being that thermoplastics used for 3D printing (FDM) are generally not great heat conductors and have a low Tg at which they start to deform. Also plastics are typically not safe for food/beverage use or contact.

4

How large a pot?

I can print in high temperature (200 degC plus) materials using my SLA printer but they aren’t cheap.

5

I have had good results with Innofil PRO1 and have actually made a test-cup a while back that I could put into a pan with boiling water without any effect.

6

The container is 145x44.5 mm. The idea is not that it will simply withstand heat, but rather that it will conduct heat so the liquid inside the 3d printed container will heat up.

It’s just for a functional prototype, so the liquid will not be consumed so it does not have to be foodsafe. I’m trying to avoid expensive metal cnc parts and use a 3d filament that can do this. It might not exist. The metal filaments won’t work for this- i don’t think. Creating a casting mold is the only solution i’ve heard, but honestly i’m afraid to handle molten metal etc…

7

You could try making a ceramic mold, much more friendly than molten metal casting.

Try finding any local ceramic makers they can probably help you out.

8

Ok, I must have misunderstood you then.

In that case the answer is quite simple. There are NO plastic type filaments than will conduct heat well. As far as I know, basically ALL plastics are actually quite good at working as an insulator instead of conducting heat.