Heat resistance is the most common question we get about Tough Pro PLA+, especially for parts that will sit in a hot car.
| Condition | Typical limit |
|---|---|
| As printed (not annealed) | About 55–60°C (131–140°F), where PLA reaches its glass transition and begins to soften |
| Annealed | Heat distortion temperature of 75–85°C (167–185°F) at 66 psi (0.45 MPa) |
These are typical values from our technical data sheet, not guaranteed specifications. How a real part holds up also depends on its shape, wall thickness, infill, and the load on it.
Even without annealing, it beats Standard PLA+
In our side-by-side heat test, an unannealed Tough Pro PLA+ part resisted heat much better than a Standard PLA+ part. Part of the reason is that Tough Pro PLA+ begins to anneal itself as the temperature ramps up. Customers report good results in hot cars, even in the Arizona desert.
When to anneal
Anneal when you need the maximum heat resistance and impact toughness. The trade-off is that parts shrink about 1–2% and can warp unless they're supported. See How to anneal Tough Pro PLA+.
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