3D Printing Resources
STL downloads and filament selection guide for amateur radio operators
⚠ IMPORTANT: Licensing Requirements for ALL Uses
Each design has specific licensing requirements listed on its page. These requirements are legally binding and apply to:
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- ALL derivatives and modifications
- ANY commercial sale of prints or modified versions
If you sell prints commercially (including remixes/derivatives):
You MUST provide proper attribution to "Ham Radio Dude" and link to the original design. This is a legal requirement of the Creative Commons license.
Exception: Written licensing agreements with HRD Industries LLC may modify these terms. Unauthorized commercial use without proper attribution is copyright infringement and will be pursued.
License Types Explained
Check each design's page for its specific license. Here's what each license means:
FREE Free for All Use (CC0 / Public Domain)
Use for personal or commercial purposes. No restrictions or attribution required.
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Commercial use IS allowed, but you MUST credit "Ham Radio Dude" and link to the original. This applies to remixes and derivatives too.
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Personal use only. Commercial sales are NOT permitted. You may remix for personal use with attribution.
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Choosing the right filament for antenna winders, transformer enclosures, and portable gear isn't just about strength. It's about surviving a hot trunk in July and 100W of FT8 heating up your toroid. This guide focuses on what matters for ham radio.
⚡ Quick Reference
Best for Outdoor/Portable Antennas
ASA - Heat resistant to 248°F, UV stable, RF transparent
ASA-GF - Same UV/heat benefits + added stiffness, still RF transparent
Best for Extreme Heat + RF Transparency
PA6-GF - Glass fiber nylon, 360°F HDT, RF transparent
PPA-GF - 365°F+ HDT for extreme environments
Good Alternatives
PETG / PETG-GF - Easy to print, good to ~185-194°F
PC - Excellent impact resistance, 280°F HDT
Glass Fiber = RF Safe
All GF filaments are RF transparent
Glass fiber is non-conductive, used in commercial antenna radomes
Avoid for RF Applications
Carbon Fiber filaments (PLA-CF, PA6-CF, PAHT-CF, PPA-CF)
Carbon fiber is conductive and attenuates RF signals
Avoid for Outdoor/Hot Conditions
PLA / PLA-CF - Softens at just 140°F (hot car trunk temp)
HIPS - Poor UV resistance, indoor use only
Why I chose ASA: On a hot summer day with direct sun, the winder itself gets warm just sitting there. If I'm also housing a T140-43 transformer nearby running 100W FT8, temps can hit 145-175°F. That's right at PETG's softening point but well under ASA's limit.
When I am visiting Arizona/Nevada, I toss my antenna bag in the trunk during the summer where you're already at 150°F+ before you key up. I'd rather have margin than come back to a warped mess.
Material Comparison
| Material | HDT | Real-World Failure* | RF Safe | UV Resistance | Tensile | Impact | Difficulty | Enclosure | Hard Nozzle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AVOID OUTDOOR PLA | 131-140°F (55-60°C) | 149°F (65°C) | Yes ✓ | Poor | 53-60 MPa | Poor | Easy | No | No |
| ACCEPTABLE PETG | 163°F (73°C) | 185°F (85°C) | Yes ✓ | Moderate | 43-50 MPa | Good | Easy | No | No |
| ACCEPTABLE PETG-GF | 188°F (87°C) | 194°F (90°C) | Yes ✓ | Moderate | 52-65 MPa | Good | Moderate | No | Yes |
| ACCEPTABLE ABS | 210°F (99°C) | 230°F (110°C) | Yes ✓ | Poor | 36-45 MPa | Moderate | Moderate | Yes | No |
| SPECIALIZED HIPS | 183-196°F (84-91°C) | 212°F (100°C) | Yes ✓ | Poor | 25-35 MPa | Good | Easy | Recommended | No |
| RECOMMENDED ASA | 199°F (93°C) | 248°F (120°C) | Yes ✓ | Excellent | 42-45 MPa | Moderate | Moderate | Recommended | No |
| RECOMMENDED ASA-GF | 197°F (92°C) | 266°F (130°C) | Yes ✓ | Excellent | 46-50 MPa | Good | Mod-Hard | Yes | Yes |
| ACCEPTABLE PC | 280°F (138°C) | 302°F (150°C) | Yes ✓ | Moderate | 60-72 MPa | Excellent | Hard | Yes | No |
| ACCEPTABLE Nylon (PA) | 140-275°F | Varies | Yes ✓ | Moderate | 37-85 MPa | Excellent | Hard | Yes | No |
| RECOMMENDED PA6-GF | 360°F (182°C) | 374°F (190°C) | Yes ✓ | Moderate | 78+ MPa | Good | Hard | Yes | Yes |
| AVOID RF PA6-CF | 367°F (186°C) | 392°F (200°C) | NO ✗ | Good | 109+ MPa | Moderate | Hard | Yes | Yes |
| AVOID RF PAHT-CF | 375°F (191°C) | >375°F | NO ✗ | Good | 93 MPa | Brittle | Hard | Yes | Yes |
| ADVANCED PPA-GF | 365°F+ (185°C+) | >365°F | Yes ✓ | Good | 89+ MPa | Moderate | Hard | Yes | Yes |
| SPECIALIZED TPU | 154°F (68°C) | 176°F (80°C) | Yes ✓ | Moderate | 27-39 MPa | Excellent | Hard | No | No |
| AVOID RF PLA-CF | 131°F (55°C) | 149°F (65°C) | NO ✗ | Poor | 38-50 MPa | Brittle | Easy-Mod | No | Yes |
*Real-world failure = temperature where part deforms under load (CNC Kitchen testing). GF = Glass Fiber (RF transparent). CF = Carbon Fiber (blocks RF).
Material Details
RECOMMENDED ASA
The Good
- Heat resistant to 248°F (120°C) under load
- Excellent UV stability - won't degrade in sunlight
- RF transparent
- Matte finish hides layer lines
The Tradeoffs
- Needs enclosure or draft-free area
- Highest particle emissions - ventilate during printing
- Releases styrene fumes
Best For: Antenna winders, outdoor enclosures, anything in hot vehicles
ACCEPTABLE PETG
The Good
- Easy to print - almost as simple as PLA
- Good impact resistance
- RF transparent
- Very low emissions during printing
The Tradeoffs
- Softens ~185°F - marginal for extreme heat
- Will degrade over years in direct sun
If using for hot environments: Add vents, use standoffs between toroid and plastic, choose white/light colors to reduce solar absorption
NOT RECOMMENDED PLA
Why Hams Should Avoid for Field Use
- Softens at just 140°F (60°C)
- Car trunk in summer easily exceeds this
- Will warp and deform under heat
RECOMMENDED ASA-GF (Glass Fiber Reinforced ASA)
The Good
- Excellent UV stability inherited from ASA
- Heat resistant to 266°F (130°C) under load
- Glass fiber adds stiffness and reduces warping vs plain ASA
- RF transparent (glass fiber is non-conductive)
- Matte finish hides layer lines even better than plain ASA
The Tradeoffs
- Requires hardened steel nozzle (glass fiber is abrasive)
- Needs enclosed printer and ventilation (styrene fumes)
- Slightly more brittle than unfilled ASA
Hardened Nozzle: Required (glass fiber wears brass rapidly)
Best For: Permanent outdoor antenna mounts, rooftop enclosures, vehicle-mounted brackets. RF transparent and UV stable.
ACCEPTABLE PETG-GF (Glass Fiber Reinforced PETG)
The Good
- Stiffer and stronger than plain PETG (52-65 MPa tensile)
- RF transparent (glass fiber is non-conductive)
- HDT improved to 188°F (87°C) vs 163°F for plain PETG
- Reduced warping and better dimensional accuracy than PETG
- Low VOC emissions during printing
The Tradeoffs
- Requires hardened steel nozzle (glass fiber is abrasive)
- Highly hygroscopic, must dry before printing (65°C for 5-8 hours)
- Still moderate UV resistance, will degrade in prolonged direct sun
Hardened Nozzle: Required
Best For: Stiffer enclosures near antennas, support brackets, junction boxes. Good upgrade from plain PETG when you need rigidity and RF transparency.
Source: QIDI PETG Series Comparison, QIDI PETG-GF
ACCEPTABLE ABS
The Good
- Good heat resistance at 210°F (99°C) HDT
- RF transparent
- Widely available and affordable
- Can be smoothed with acetone vapor for weatherproof finish
The Tradeoffs
- Poor UV resistance, degrades and yellows quickly in sunlight
- Highest styrene VOC emissions (10-110 ug/min), requires ventilation
- Significant warping, requires enclosed printer
- Not suitable for permanent outdoor use without UV coating
Enclosure: Required
Best For: Indoor shack enclosures, prototyping, equipment housings in climate-controlled environments. Not for outdoor/field use.
Source: Molecules 2022, Azimi et al. 2016
ACCEPTABLE Polycarbonate (PC)
The Good
- Outstanding impact resistance, one of the toughest printable materials
- High heat resistance at 280°F (138°C) HDT
- RF transparent (unfilled polycarbonate)
- Tensile strength 60-72 MPa
- Optically clear variants available
The Tradeoffs
- Difficult to print: very high temps, severe warping, moisture sensitive
- Requires enclosed and ideally heated chamber
- Moderate UV resistance, yellows over time in sunlight
- Can emit BPA (bisphenol A) at printing temperatures
Enclosure: Required (heated chamber preferred)
Best For: High-impact field cases, equipment housings near heat sources, automotive antenna mounts needing both heat and impact resistance.
ACCEPTABLE Nylon (PA6 / PA12)
The Good
- Excellent impact resistance and toughness
- RF transparent
- PA12 has good heat resistance at 275°F (135°C) HDT
- High elongation before break, ideal for snap-fit parts
- Good chemical resistance
The Tradeoffs
- Very hygroscopic, must dry before printing (80°C for 8-12 hours)
- Significant warping, requires enclosed printer
- PA6 has lower HDT (154-167°F) when not reinforced
- Emits caprolactam (irritant) during printing
Enclosure: Required for PA6, recommended for PA12
Drying: Critical. 80°C for 8-12 hours before printing. Use a dry box during printing.
Best For: Durable gears and hinges for antenna rotators, flexible mast couplers, snap-fit enclosures, parts needing high toughness.
Source: Fiberlogy PA12 TDS, Azimi et al. 2016
RECOMMENDED PA6-GF (Nylon Glass Fiber)
The Good
- Outstanding heat resistance at 360°F (182°C) HDT
- RF transparent (glass fiber is non-conductive)
- Excellent tensile strength (78+ MPa)
- Superior dimensional stability vs unfilled nylon
- Good chemical and oil resistance
The Tradeoffs
- Requires hardened nozzle (glass fiber is abrasive)
- Must be dried extensively (80°C for 8-12 hours)
- Needs enclosed and ideally heated chamber
- Moderate UV resistance, use pigmented colors for outdoor
Hardened Nozzle: Required
Enclosure: Required (heated chamber 45-60°C preferred)
Best For: The top-tier RF-transparent structural material. Permanent outdoor mast clamps, heavy-duty antenna mounts, rotator parts, structural brackets near feedlines. Glass fiber does not block RF.
ADVANCED PPA-GF (Polyphthalamide Glass Fiber)
The Good
- Extreme heat resistance at 365°F+ (185°C+) HDT
- RF transparent (glass fiber is non-conductive)
- Very high tensile strength (89+ MPa)
- Better moisture resistance than PA6 (lower absorption rate)
- Excellent chemical resistance
The Tradeoffs
- Very high print temperatures (280-320°C nozzle)
- Requires hardened nozzle, enclosed chamber, and high-temp printer
- Expensive and less widely available
- Post-print annealing often recommended
Hardened Nozzle: Required (SiC nozzle recommended)
Enclosure: Required (heated chamber mandatory)
Best For: Extreme-heat antenna mounts (under-hood automotive, desert repeater housings), satellite housings, applications needing 185°C+ heat resistance while remaining RF transparent.
SPECIALIZED TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
The Good
- Flexible (Shore 95A hardness), absorbs vibration and impact
- RF transparent
- Excellent elongation at break (300-580%)
- Good abrasion and chemical resistance
- Low VOC emissions during printing
The Tradeoffs
- Difficult to print: stringing, retraction-sensitive, slow speeds required
- Low heat resistance, HDT only 154°F (68°C)
- Not structural, very flexible
- Not compatible with all extruders (Bowden tubes struggle)
Print Speed: Slow (20-40 mm/s recommended). Direct drive extruder preferred.
Best For: Vibration-dampening mounts, flexible cable wraps, shock-absorbing antenna base pads, gaskets and seals for weatherproof enclosures, strain reliefs for coax connectors.
Source: Ultimaker TPU 95A TDS, Bambu Lab TPU Guide
SPECIALIZED HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)
The Good
- Good impact resistance (better than ABS for impacts)
- RF transparent
- Dissolves in d-Limonene, excellent support material for ABS prints
- Lighter weight than most filaments
- Easier to print than ABS with less warping
The Tradeoffs
- Lower tensile strength (25-35 MPa)
- Poor UV resistance, not for outdoor use
- Emits styrene like ABS, requires ventilation
Enclosure: Recommended
Best For: Lightweight indoor enclosures, cable organizers, prototyping. Primary use as dissolvable support material for ABS prints.
Source: eSUN HIPS TDS, MakeItFrom.com
AVOID FOR RF PLA-CF (PLA Carbon Fiber)
Not recommended for antenna applications
Carbon fiber is electrically conductive and will attenuate RF signals. Additionally, PLA-CF inherits PLA's poor heat resistance (softens at just 140°F).
Where It Works
- Easy to print (similar to PLA)
- Stiffer than plain PLA
- Good for stiff jigs, fixtures, display stands
Why Not for Ham Radio RF Parts
- Carbon fiber blocks RF signals (40-60% attenuation)
- Softens at just 131°F (55°C) HDT
- Poor UV resistance
- More brittle than plain PLA
Hardened Nozzle: Required
Best For: Non-RF structural parts only. Stiff cosmetic housings, display stands, frames away from antennas.
Source: Bambu PLA-CF
AVOID FOR RF PA6-CF (Nylon Carbon Fiber)
Not recommended for antenna applications
Despite outstanding mechanical properties, carbon fiber is conductive and will attenuate RF signals. Use PA6-GF instead for antenna applications that need the same heat resistance without RF penalty.
Where It Works
- Very high tensile strength (109+ MPa)
- Excellent heat resistance at 367°F (186°C) HDT
- Extremely stiff and dimensionally stable
- Good UV resistance
Why Not for Ham Radio RF Parts
- Carbon fiber blocks RF signals
- Airborne carbon fibers during post-processing are a health concern
- Requires hardened nozzle, enclosed chamber, drying
- More brittle than unfilled nylon
Hardened Nozzle: Required
Enclosure: Required (heated chamber preferred)
Best For: Non-RF structural parts. Drone frames, stiff mechanical components, mounting brackets away from antennas. Use PA6-GF instead for parts near antennas.
Source: Bambu PA6-CF, ACS Omega 2023
AVOID FOR RF Carbon Fiber Filaments
⚠️ DO NOT USE FOR ANTENNA APPLICATIONS
Carbon fiber is conductive. Even chopped CF in filaments will:
- Attenuate RF signals (40-60% reduction measured)
- Potentially detune your antenna
- Create unpredictable SWR
CF filaments are great for drone frames and structural parts, but keep them away from antennas and feedlines. Carbon fiber conductivity (~10⁶ S/m) is enough to absorb HF energy even though particles aren't fully connected. For structural parts near antennas, use glass fiber (GF) variants instead: ASA-GF, PA6-GF, PETG-GF, or PPA-GF are all RF transparent.
🛡️ Glass Fiber Filaments are RF Safe
Glass fiber does NOT block RF signals
Unlike carbon fiber, glass fiber is completely non-conductive and RF transparent. The telecommunications industry has used fiberglass radomes to protect antennas for decades specifically because fiberglass does not attenuate radio signals. This means ASA-GF, PETG-GF, PA6-GF, and PPA-GF are all safe to use for antenna parts, radomes, and enclosures in the near field of your antenna.
Do not confuse glass fiber (GF) with carbon fiber (CF). They look similar on a filament spool but have completely different electrical properties. Glass fiber adds strength and stiffness without any RF penalty, making GF-reinforced filaments some of the best choices for structural antenna parts.
Source: Strongwell - Fiberglass RF Transparency, Composite Envisions - RF Shielding by Fiber Type
📡 RF Transparency Notes
All common non-filled filaments (PLA, PETG, ASA, ABS, Nylon, PC, TPU, HIPS) are RF transparent. Glass fiber reinforced filaments (PETG-GF, ASA-GF, PA6-GF, PPA-GF) are also RF transparent because glass fiber is non-conductive. Fiberglass has been used in commercial antenna radomes for decades specifically because it does not interfere with RF signals.
Safe for Antenna Parts (RF Transparent):
- All unfilled filaments: PLA, PETG, ASA, ABS, Nylon, PC, TPU, HIPS
- All glass fiber (GF) filaments: PETG-GF, ASA-GF, PA6-GF, PPA-GF
Avoid for Antenna Parts (Blocks RF):
- Carbon fiber filaments (PLA-CF, PETG-CF, PA6-CF, PAHT-CF, PPA-CF, ASA-CF)
- Metal-filled filaments (copper, bronze PLA)
- Conductive/EMI shielding filaments
🌬️ VOC & Print Safety
Lowest Emissions (safest)
PLA / PLA-CF - Lactide only, 4-5 ug/min
PETG / PETG-GF - Trace aldehydes, <1 ug/min
TPU - Minimal VOCs at normal temps
Moderate (ventilate)
Nylon / PA6-GF / PA6-CF - Caprolactam (irritant), 2-180 ug/min
PC - Can emit BPA at printing temps
PPA-GF - Similar to high-temp nylon
Highest (require ventilation)
ABS - Styrene 10-110 ug/min
ASA / ASA-GF - Styrene <25 ug/min, HIGHEST particle count
HIPS - Styrene similar to ABS
Print ASA/ABS/HIPS with ventilation or HEPA + activated carbon filtration. CF filaments can release airborne fibers during post-processing (sanding). All parts are inert once printed and cooled.
📚 Notes & Sources
Heat & Mechanical Properties
• PLA tensile strength around 50-60 MPa compared to 40-50 MPa for PETG. UltiMaker
• PETG HDT typically around 70°C compared to 55°C for PLA. UltiMaker
• QIDI PAHT-CF has tensile strength of 93.15±1.64 MPa, heat deflection temperature (annealed) of 190.7°C. QIDI Tech datasheet
• The heat deflection temperature of Bambu PAHT-CF is up to 194°C (0.45MPa). Bambu Lab
• ABS HDT at 0.45 MPa is 99°C, tensile strength 36 +/- 3 MPa. Bambu ABS TDS V3
• Polycarbonate HDT 138-140°C at 0.45 MPa, tensile strength 60-72 MPa, Tg ~150°C. Stratasys PC Data Sheet, Polymaker PolyMax PC
• Ultimaker TPU 95A: HDT 74°C at 0.45 MPa, tensile strength 39 MPa, elongation at break 580%. Ultimaker TPU 95A TDS
• HIPS HDT ranges from 84-91°C at 0.45 MPa, tensile strength 25-35 MPa. eSUN HIPS TDS, MakeItFrom.com
• Fiberlogy Nylon PA12: HDT 135°C at 0.45 MPa, tensile strength 45 MPa. Fiberlogy PA12 TDS
Reinforced / Composite Filaments
• QIDI PETG-GF: HDT 86.7°C, tensile strength 64.65 +/- 3.12 MPa, 5% short-cut glass fiber content. QIDI PETG Series Comparison
• Siraya Tech ASA-GF: HDT 92-97°C, tensile strength 45.78 MPa, Tg 106°C. Siraya Tech ASA-GF TDS
• Bambu PA6-GF: glass fiber reinforced nylon with heat resistance up to 182°C, excellent dimensional stability. Bambu PA6-GF TDS, Bambu PA6-GF Product Page
• Bambu PA6-CF: HDT 186°C at 0.45 MPa, tensile strength 109+ MPa. Bambu PA6-CF
• Bambu PLA-CF: HDT 55°C, tensile strength 38 +/- 4 MPa. Bambu PLA-CF
• Raise3D PPA-GF: tensile strength 89 +/- 3 MPa, HDT 101°C at 0.45 MPa (conditioned). Raise3D PPA-GF TDS
• 3DXTECH FibreX PPA+GF15: HDT up to 260°C, Tg 125°C. 3DXTECH FibreX PPA+GF15
• Polymaker Fiberon PA6-GF25: HDT up to 191°C after annealing. Polymaker Fiberon PA6-GF25
Glass Fiber & RF Transparency
• Fiberglass is non-conductive, non-magnetic, and transparent to electromagnetic radiation. Fiberglass radomes are the standard for shrouding commercial antennas. Strongwell - EM & RF Transparent Screening
• Glass fiber does not shield radio waves, while carbon fiber provides significant electromagnetic shielding due to its conductivity. Composite Envisions - How Fibers Shield Radio Waves
VOC Emissions
• The emission rates of VOCs differ significantly between the different polymer filaments, with the emission from Nylon and PETG more than an order of magnitude lower than that of ABS. Molecules 2022, PMC9229569
• The specific emission rates for particles ranged from 2.0 × 10⁹ (GLASS, a PETG-based filament) to 1.7 × 10¹¹ (ASA) #/min. Gu et al. 2019, Environment International
• The individual VOCs emitted in the largest quantities included caprolactam from nylon-based filaments (~2 to ~180 μg/min), styrene from ABS and HIPS (~10 to ~110 μg/min), and lactide from PLA (~4 to ~5 μg/min). Azimi et al., Environmental Science & Technology 2016
• Polycarbonate can emit fumes during the printing process that may contain bisphenol A (BPA). Journal of Toxicology & Environmental Health, 2024
• Comprehensive review of VOC emissions from desktop 3D printers, including health implications and mitigation strategies. Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, 2025
• The 3D printing filament that included carbon nanotubes emitted two new VOC gases, which could potentially pose an inhalation hazard. 3Dnatives/EPA study, 2020
Carbon Fiber & RF
• CF Masts vs CF Filament: Solid carbon fiber masts supporting wire antennas have measured loss of less than 0.1dB and work well for ham radio. The RF concern applies primarily to 3D printed CF filaments used for antenna parts. SOTABEAMS
• Testing on CF masts showed resistance of about 75 Ohms per centimetre, giving minimum resistance of about 3,000 Ohms per mast section - essentially non-conductive for practical purposes. SOTABEAMS Carbon-6
• Continuous carbon fiber composites provide more than 99.9% electromagnetic attenuation. Attenuation increases with thickness, frequency, and fiber volume ratio. ScienceDirect - Electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of CFRP
• 3D printed carbon fiber reinforced composites (PA11/PLA-CF) showed significant electromagnetic interference shielding in the C-band (3.5-7.0 GHz). ACS Omega, 2023
• Complex permittivity of 3D-printed filaments varies with printer settings, infill percentage, and printing patterns - commercially available filaments lack RF property specifications. IEEE - RF Characterization of 3D Printed Materials
• Microscopic inspection of fingertips after handling printed PA6-CF parts showed significant fiber transfer. HI-AM 2025 study via Fabbaloo
Airborne Fiber Warning for CF Filaments
• Use an enclosure with effective filtration, consider local exhaust with a HEPA-class filter, avoid aggressive dry sanding, and wear gloves when handling fresh prints. HI-AM 2025
Independent Testing
• CNC Kitchen (Stefan Hermann) - Real-world thermal failure testing
Last updated: February 2026