Printing ASA: the filament for outdoor parts
are explained briefly when you hover over or tap them.
ASA is closely related to ABS but has one decisive advantage: it withstands sun and weather. While ABS yellows and becomes brittle outdoors after a while, ASA stays colour-stable and strong for much longer. If you print parts for the garden, balcony, car or the outside of the house, there is hardly a way around ASA.
Settings at a glance
| Setting | Guide value |
|---|---|
| Nozzle temperature | 240 to 260 °C |
| Bed temperature | 90 to 110 °C |
| Part cooling | low, 0 to 30 % |
| Enclosure | strongly recommended |
| Build plate | PEI, with glue stick if needed |
The values on the spool take priority.
ASA or ABS?
| ABS | ASA | |
|---|---|---|
| UV and weather resistance | low | high |
| Heat resistance | around 90 to 100 °C | around 90 to 100 °C |
| Printing behaviour | demanding | similar, often slightly less warping |
| Acetone smoothing | very good | possible, often less even |
| Price | usually slightly cheaper | usually slightly more expensive |
Rule of thumb: If the part stays indoors, ABS is enough. If it goes outside, use ASA.
Typical uses
- Brackets and covers on the house and in the garden
- Car parts, for example clips, trims or holders
- Housings for sensors, cameras or electronics outdoors
- Plant labels, clamps, spare parts for garden furniture
What to watch out for when printing
Enclosure and heat: Like ABS, ASA shrinks as it cools. An enclosed printer prevents warping and layer cracks. You will find suitable machines under Enclosed printers.
Fumes: ASA also gives off fumes while printing. Ventilation or a printer with a filter makes sense; bedrooms and children’s rooms are not a good place for it.
Adhesion: Clean the plate thoroughly and use a brim for large parts. More tips in the article Warping.
Drying: ASA absorbs less moisture than nylon or TPU but still benefits from dry storage. Guide value for drying: 70 to 80 °C for 4 to 6 hours.
ASA compared
How ASA compares with PLA, PETG, ABS and TPU is shown in the filament overview. All the details on ABS are in the article Printing ABS.