ASA

What is ASA?#

Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate

All3DP doesn’t really have an article about ‘what is ASA’ which is unfortunate but see the parent page for a couple of links to their site that goes into more detail as to the different filament types.

Quick summary#

ASA Pros#

  • Legos are made with ABS and ASA is like ABS
  • Strong
  • High impact resistance
  • Many colors to choose from
  • High glass transition temperature (100C-120C which is quite a bit higher than either PLA or PETG)
  • Easily smoothed using acetone
  • Resistant to UV

ASA Cons#

  • Stinks like plastic and styrene VOCs are bad though smells less than ABS (not saying much)
    • Use an enclosure and vent to the outside
    • Use an enclosure and an internal carbon filter to absorb the smells/VOCs
    • Suggest not printing in your bedroom or dorm
  • Requires higher nozzle temperatures (220C-270C)
  • Requires heated bed of at least 90C (with most suggestions of 100C-120C)
  • High chance of warp
    • Use an enclosure to reduce drafts
    • Use a draft shield (uses more filament)

Polymaker Polylite ASA#

Prusa Prusament#

3DXMax#

Shared Information#

Filament is sold by weight and not volume
#

All filaments that are created using a composite fill are abrasive and will require a hardened nozzle to reduce printer maintenance.

  • Carbon Fiber
  • Wood
  • Metal
  • Glow in the Dark
  • Glass

You should print on a heated bed, even with PLA

  • Better adhesion
  • Less warp
  • If you run too hot you could end up with excessive elephant’s foot
  • Surfaces that work easily and quite well
    • Smooth PEI
    • Glass
  • Surfaces that will require further tuning
    • Textured PEI (more squish required)
    • Satin PEI