.. from UV degradation? Most materials are susceptible to that so for a project exposed to sunlight it could be a problem over time.
What's your prevention tips, like coating, using resistant materials and so on?
EDIT: Don't forget cabling, displays etc.
Try to use a UV prove hausing.
put it in a box ?
Galvanised steel?
Sure, you 3d print this shiny box and after a couple of months exposed to the sunlight the finish is matte and discoloured.
What would you do to prevent that?
I would not 3D print... as @PaulRB said, there are materials resisting to weather... Polycarbonate, Fiberglass, Aluminum, Stainless Steel, ABS Plastic... the latter is commonly used for outdoor electrical enclosures and cases you'll likely find in your neighbourhood.
PS/ if that's not enough then you can apply Epoxy or Polyurethane Coatings and there are UV-Resistant Paints too.
If you can print it with ABS and see how is holds up.
Yes, if you use an additive.
UV has enough energy to cause the polymers in plastic to disentangle. This is especially rapid in colored plastic because they are just a mixture and not really joined together with the base polymers. Most coloring plastic is of unknown origin.
So, first, if you use plastic only use known polymers that resist UV and known coloring that resists UV.
Second, use paint/coatings that the automotive and marine industries use that will protect from UV damage.
A datasheet for one particular OLED display i have is very clear that it must not be exposed to direct sunlight. No mention if it's because of UV damage, heat, or both. I plan to use tinted film, it will take care of both possibilities.
Based on the fact that OLED means Organic LED, anything organic will eventually be destroyed by UV.
That's a good point.
I got an 18 year old car with an OLED that still works just fine (very bright), so it's possible to combat UV damage.
Sure, you 3d print this shiny box and after a couple of months exposed to the sunlight the finish is matte and discoloured.
Do Not use PLA. Use PETG or ABS.
Coat using a quality rattle-can primer.
Paint whatever color you wish.
The key is no PLA and the primer coat
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