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I was thinking on making a decorative LEGO candle holder. It would be made out of regular ABS LEGO bricks, but also transparent ones. Because there will be an open flame involved, I want to make sure my LEGO bricks don't melt.

How much heat can LEGO bricks withstand?

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    You might consider using an LED imitation "flameless" candle. These come in different sizes that may fit your idea, and some even have a wax exterior.
    – aedia λ
    Commented Nov 7, 2011 at 16:16

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  • ABS maximum temperature is 80°C (176°F) and melt at 105°C (221°F)
  • Polycarbonate plastic used for transparent bricks melt at 267°C (512.6°F)

Since a candle flame has a temperature in excess of 1000°C (1832°F). I would advise against making a candle holder of LEGO bricks.

Plastic types are explained on this question.

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    ABS melting at 105C/220F is most likely the reason why LEGO discourage the dishwasher for cleaning bricks.
    – jfyelle
    Commented Nov 7, 2011 at 19:23
  • And it should be noted that ABS can deform under much lower heat than even 80C. Even direct sunlight on a hot summer day can warp parts.
    – MindS1
    Commented Nov 20, 2018 at 14:01
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I had Lego MOCs loose their clutch on me after being left in a car for 9 hours during the summer. Outside temp was about 100F, so inside was quite a bit hotter. After this, I had to glue the MOCs back together.

So, the shorter answer is that I'd imagine that a candle could damage the plastics at least to the point where the bricks would not hold together very well.

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