ASA
UV-resistant filament ideal for outdoor parts and weather-exposed applications
filamentIntermediate
Quick Specifications
Print Temp
240-260°C
Bed Temp
90-110°C
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ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate)
ASA is a weather-resistant thermoplastic developed for outdoor applications. It offers similar strength and printability to ABS but with significantly better UV resistance, making it the go-to material for parts exposed to sunlight.
Key Properties
- UV resistant: Maintains color and strength after years of sun exposure
- High strength: Excellent impact resistance and durability
- Heat resistant: Can withstand temperatures up to 95-100°C
- Chemical resistant: Resistant to many chemicals, oils, and cleaning agents
- Post-processable: Can be sanded, drilled, painted, and acetone smoothed
- Weather resistant: Handles rain, humidity, and temperature swings
Printing Settings
| Setting | Recommended Value |
|---|---|
| Extruder Temperature | 240-260°C |
| Bed Temperature | 90-110°C (heated bed required) |
| Print Speed | 40-50 mm/s |
| Layer Height | 0.2-0.3mm |
| Cooling | 0-20% fan speed |
Best Use Cases
- Outdoor parts: Garden tools, planters, outdoor fixtures
- Automotive applications: Mirror housings, exterior trim, roof racks
- Signage: Outdoor signs, displays, and lettering
- Drone and RC parts: Frames, mounts, and housings
- Functional enclosures: Electronics housings, junction boxes
Printing Challenges
- Warping: Prone to warping without enclosed printing environment
- Fumes: Emits VOCs and particles, requires good ventilation
- Bed adhesion: Needs heated bed and adhesion aids for best results
- Draft sensitivity: Air currents cause uneven cooling and defects
Tips for Success
- Enclosure required: Essential for consistent temperature and preventing warping
- Bed preparation: Use glue stick, ASA slurry, or hairspray on PEI or glass
- Ventilation: Print in well-ventilated area or use air filtration
- Minimize cooling: Keep fan off or very low for better layer adhesion
- Use brims: Add 5-10 brim loops for parts with small footprints or sharp corners
Post-Processing Options
- Sanding: Easy to sand for smooth surfaces
- Painting: Accepts paint well with proper primer
- Acetone smoothing: Creates glass-like finish, similar to ABS
- Drilling/Tapping: Can be machined like other plastics
- Welding: Parts can be welded together with acetone
Safety Considerations
- Always print in well-ventilated area or use HEPA/carbon filtration
- Emissions can be higher than ABS despite less odor—don't rely on smell
- Heated bed can cause burns—handle with care
- Store in sealed container with desiccant to prevent moisture absorption
- Not food-safe without specific certification and coating