Material Name:

ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate)

Description:

ASA is a thermoplastic polymer closely related to ABS but with enhanced weather resistance and UV stability. It combines the strength and toughness of ABS with superior resistance to environmental conditions, making it ideal for outdoor applications. ASA exhibits excellent mechanical properties, including high impact resistance, good thermal stability, and strong chemical resistance. It produces parts with a smooth, matte finish and retains color vibrancy over time, even when exposed to sunlight and harsh weather. ASA's low-gloss surface reduces glare, making it suitable for aesthetic applications. While it shares similar printing requirements with ABS, ASA's added advantages make it a preferred choice for functional prototypes and end-use parts that demand durability and longevity in outdoor environments.

Material Type:

Thermoplastic Polymer

Price:

Available color:

Black

White

Gray

Red

Blue

Green

Yellow

Process compatibility:

FDM compatible

Special Properties:

UV Resistance
High Impact Strength
Excellent Weatherability
Good Chemical Resistance

Limitations:

Warping Tendency
Requires Heated Bed and Enclosure
Fume Emission
Less Flexible Than ABS

Key ASA properties rated to guide you in selecting the best fit for your 3D printing needs.

Strength4 of 5

Flexibility3 of 5

Detail Resolution3 of 5

Surface Smoothness4 of 5

Heat Resistance4 of 5

Chemical Resistance4 of 5

Ease of Printing3 of 5

Cost Efficiency3 of 5

ASA is ideal for producing durable, weather-resistant parts suitable for prolonged outdoor use. Its UV stability and robust mechanical properties make it perfect for functional prototypes, end-use parts, and applications where long-term material performance is critical.

Automotive Applications

Exterior components

Mirror housings
Grilles and trims

Construction Applications

Outdoor fixtures

Protective covers
Architectural models

Sporting Goods Applications

Equipment parts

Protective gear
Outdoor accessories

Electrical Housings Applications

Enclosures

Switch boxes
Sensor casings

Additional Applications

Functional Prototypes

Outdoor Signage
Weather-Resistant Parts

Aesthetic Models

Offers high impact strength and rigidity, suitable for parts requiring durability and resistance to mechanical stress.

Property	Value, metric
Tensile Strength	Approximately 48 MPa
Tensile Modulus	Approximately 2,300 MPa
Elongation at Break (%)	6%
Flexural Strength	Approximately 75 MPa
Flexural Modulus	Approximately 2,100 MPa
Notched Izod Impact Strength	Approximately 90 J/m
Shore Hardness	Shore D 75

Characteristics

Printing with ASA requires similar settings to ABS but benefits from its improved UV resistance. A heated bed and enclosed build chamber are recommended to prevent warping and ensure optimal layer adhesion. Adequate ventilation is necessary due to fume emission.

Type	Value
Lead Time	2-5 business days
Wall Thickness	Minimum 1.2 mm
Tolerance	±0.15%, minimum ±0.2 mm
Max Part Size	Up to 450 x 450 x 450 mm
Layer Height	0.1 mm to 0.3 mm

Thermal Properties

Exhibits good heat resistance, maintaining mechanical properties under elevated temperatures.

Property	Value, metric
Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT)	Approximately 96°C at 0.455 MPa
Thermal Expansion Coefficient	Approximately 85 x 10^-6 /°C
Thermal Expansion (Scale 0-100)	72
Max Service Temperature	Up to 90°C before significant deformation may occur

Electrical Properties

Acts as an electrical insulator with good dielectric properties, suitable for electrical components.

Property	Value, metric
ESD Safety	Standard ASA is not ESD safe; specialized grades are available.
Conductivity	Non-conductive; insulating material

NOTE: The provided values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ASA formulation and manufacturer. Always refer to the manufacturer's technical data sheet for precise information.

Find your queries

Frequently Asked Question(FAQ)

What is ASA, and how does it differ from ABS?: ASA is a thermoplastic similar to ABS but with enhanced UV and weather resistance, making it more suitable for outdoor applications.

What are the primary characteristics of ASA?: ASA offers high impact resistance, good mechanical strength, and excellent weatherability, including UV resistance and color stability.

Where is ASA commonly used outside of 3D printing?: ASA is used in automotive exterior parts, outdoor furniture, and sporting goods due to its durability and resistance to environmental conditions.

Is ASA suitable for outdoor applications?: Yes, ASA's UV and weather resistance make it ideal for parts exposed to sunlight and harsh weather conditions.

How does ASA compare to PLA and ABS in terms of strength and printability?: ASA is stronger and more durable than PLA and comparable to ABS in strength, but it offers better weather resistance. It can be more challenging to print than PLA due to warping tendencies.

What are the ideal print settings for ASA?: Print temperatures between 240-260°C, bed temperature of 90-110°C, and an enclosed print chamber are recommended to prevent warping.

Do I need an enclosure to print with ASA?: Yes, an enclosure helps maintain consistent ambient temperatures, reducing warping and cracking during printing.

How can I improve bed adhesion when printing with ASA?: Use a heated bed with adhesion aids like ABS slurry, glue stick, or specialized build surfaces designed for high-temperature materials.

Does ASA emit fumes during printing?: Yes, ASA emits styrene fumes, which can be unpleasant and potentially harmful. Proper ventilation is necessary.

Can I use ASA with standard FDM printers?: Yes, provided the printer can reach the necessary temperatures and preferably has an enclosure. All-metal hotends are recommended.

Can ASA prints be smoothed using solvents?: Yes, ASA can be smoothed using vapor polishing with solvents like acetone or MEK (methyl ethyl ketone), but caution is required due to solvent toxicity.

How do I safely perform vapor smoothing on ASA prints?: Use proper protective equipment, work in a well-ventilated area, and follow safety guidelines for handling flammable and toxic solvents.

Can ASA prints be painted?: Yes, ASA prints can be sanded and painted using paints suitable for plastics. Priming the surface enhances paint adhesion.

Is it possible to glue ASA parts together?: Yes, ASA parts can be bonded using solvents like acetone or specialized adhesives designed for styrenic plastics.

How do I remove support material from ASA prints?: Supports can be removed manually. For complex parts, using soluble support materials like HIPS (dissolvable in limonene) is an option.

Why is my ASA print warping or cracking?: Warping and cracking are due to thermal contraction during cooling. Use an enclosed chamber, maintain consistent temperatures, and ensure good bed adhesion.

How can I prevent layer separation in ASA prints?: Maintain a warm ambient temperature, reduce cooling fan speeds, and ensure proper layer adhesion by using appropriate print temperatures.

What causes poor bed adhesion with ASA?: Poor adhesion can result from an unlevel bed, incorrect bed temperature, or inadequate surface preparation. Use adhesion aids and level the bed properly.

Why are my ASA prints brittle or weak?: Insufficient print temperatures or cooling too quickly can lead to weak prints. Ensure optimal print settings and gradual cooling.

How do I fix nozzle clogging when printing with ASA?: Regularly clean the nozzle, use high-quality filament, and ensure the extruder maintains the correct temperature to prevent clogs.

Can ASA be used in dual-extrusion printers with other materials?: Yes, but materials should have similar print temperatures. ASA can be used with HIPS as a support material, which is dissolvable in limonene..

Is ASA suitable for mechanical parts and prototypes?: Yes, ASA's mechanical properties and durability make it suitable for functional parts, prototypes, and end-use applications.

How does moisture affect ASA filament?: ASA is less hygroscopic than materials like Nylon but can still absorb moisture over time. Store it in a dry environment to maintain print quality.

Are there different grades or formulations of ASA available?: Yes, manufacturers may offer variants with different characteristics, such as improved impact resistance or ease of printing.

Can ASA be recycled or reused?: Recycling ASA is possible but not widely available. It's not biodegradable, so proper disposal and recycling where possible are important.

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Material Name:

ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate)

Description:

Material Type:

Thermoplastic Polymer

Price:

Available color:

Process compatibility:

Special Properties:

Limitations:

Applications

Automotive Applications

Construction Applications

Sporting Goods Applications

Electrical Housings Applications

Additional Applications

Characteristics

Thermal Properties

Electrical Properties