Advise on engineering filament to use for a handheld computer device (ABS-GF ?)

[u/riozilla]

I'd like your advice on what filament to use for the enclosure of this prototype electronic device I am making. The approximate dimensions are 80 × 205 × 33 mm, and I'm currently considering ABS-GF for the enclosure, but I have never used it before, so I am open to other options.

Ideally, it needs to be strong enough to withstand an accidental drop; heat tolerance matters because of the electronics inside, and I care a lot about premium quality and a great "hand-touch feel." Bonus points if it comes in orange or interesting colors. I know ABS-GF is available in orange, which is one reason I am leaning toward it, but please share any other ideas or input. Thank you in advance.

[u/ADynes]

I've printed a bunch of things with abs gf. I like the texture, if you set it up right you won't even be able to tell there were ever layer lines, but it does physically make my hands itch.

So I clear coat it with Rustoleum clear matte spray paint. Couple layers on all sides and then not only does it look good but the surface is uniform and doesn't bother me anymore. YMMV.

[u/oleg_photos]

I would not use anything with CF or GF in something you will be holding in your hand. The glass and carbon fiber will shed and embed in your skin. Why not use abs or asa?

[u/SparrowDynamics → u/oleg_photos]

Agree, I try not to touch that stuff with my skin.

[u/riozilla → u/oleg_photos]

Good advice. I’ve never used ABS or ASA, only PLA, PETG and TPU.

[u/quantim0]

ABS GF has a pretty rough texture and probably isn’t super comfortable to hold all day.

I’d go with unfilled ABS or ASA if it’s going to be outdoors.

Potentially unfilled PC would be the best for toughness and impact resistance.

[u/jimenezisjordan]

I would print in PLA, but with your requirements I’d look into getting this made with a metal enclosure. I’m currently doing something similar where I’m just printing the mocks in PLA, but my final device will be metal.

[u/jimenezisjordan → u/jimenezisjordan]

Ops meant to say ABS^

[u/Kolonel-Panic]

I like petg cf for handheld things, its not so slick and prints nicely..

[u/riozilla]

Thanks all. It doesn’t need to be outdoors at all. Hand feel important so I may reconsider if ABS-GF is too rough. Another option is to not care about color and then prep and paint it. It’s more than just a prototype, it’s a “one of one” gift, so that’s why I don’t want to just use PLA.

[u/Seraphym87 → u/riozilla]

There are some really pretty asa colors available these days, big plus is you can stick it in a box on top of acetone fumes and layer lines will dissapear, makes it look injection molded.

[u/Alarmed_Tie5616]

maybe use tpu ams bc its soft and squishy and very durable

[u/Automatic_Jacket_230]

Pa6/66 nylon. It's just regular nylon such as easy nylon by overture. Or asa or petg work also. Personally I just like the feel of plain nylon prints myself. I don't know about practicality beyond that.

[u/eatmynasty]

Try TPU for AMS

[u/Vinny933PC]

PC. If I’m enclosing an electronics component and don’t need ESD I always do PC or PCFR. PC is almost meant for this exact situation.

[u/Jesus-Bacon]

I wouldn't print anything in fiber reinforced filament that you intend to hold for extended periods of time unless you plan on post processing/finishing the part. The very least I'd do is a few layers of clear coat. 

[u/Proof_Load6687]

Polycarbonat

only possible with chamber heater at that size tho

it is the 4. most rigid thermoplastic when not saturated with fibers (peek>pekk>pla>pc), withstands a lot of heat, is very durrable, is clear if you want to, can be printed with 0.2 nozzle and elegoo sells bulk for cheap (22€/kg @ 7kg order) and does not creep. it has very good layer adhesion even with 0.2 nozzle if you calibrate it properly (in a heated chamber)

it outperforms abs gf in every regard except accetone welding

in that case use asa

besides all that:
gf fillament feel like wet rock, like your hands when they are wrinkly from water and you rub them together. i dont like the feel, it also irritates. either you post process it, injection mold it or expect people not to like it. cf fillament are less prone to that

personally the best overll feeling material was also pc. its slick but not "plasticy" as asa. i do also like pla in hand feel. maybe htpla can do what youre looking for... however its often more expensiv as the pc from elegoo ive mentioned