ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate) is an engineering thermoplastic developed as a UV-resistant upgrade to ABS. It matches ABS on strength and impact resistance while adding excellent resistance to sunlight, weather, and moisture, making it the go-to filament for parts that live outdoors.
Most ASA prints between 240–260°C on the nozzle, with a bed temperature of 90–110°C. Exact settings vary by brand and colour, so always check the specific product listing for the manufacturer’s recommended profile.
ASA and ABS share similar strength and impact resistance, but ASA is engineered specifically for UV resistance — it won’t yellow or turn brittle in sunlight the way ABS does. ASA is also slightly more dimensionally stable and warps a little less, though it typically costs more and, unlike ABS, can’t be smoothed with acetone vapour.
Yes, ASA is one of the best filaments for outdoor use. It resists fading, cracking, and brittleness from prolonged UV and weather exposure far better than ABS or PETG, making it a strong choice for garden fixtures, automotive parts, and anything left in the sun long-term.
An enclosure is strongly recommended. Like ABS, ASA needs a stable, warm ambient temperature (around 45–60°C) to prevent warping and layer delamination, though ASA is somewhat more forgiving than ABS once your settings are dialled in.
PEI sheets give reliable adhesion and release cleanly once cool. A glue stick layer, hairspray, or an ASA/ABS slurry on glass are also common adhesion aids, along with a wide brim to help anchor larger parts against warping.
Keep cooling low, generally 0–30%. ASA relies on staying warm for good layer bonding and dimensional stability, so heavy part cooling increases the risk of warping and weak interlayer adhesion.
ASA emits fumes similar to ABS during printing, so good ventilation or a filtered enclosure is recommended, particularly for longer prints or shared indoor spaces.