ABS vs. ASA

When should you choose ASA over ABS?

ASA is the new within ABS-like filaments

You have probably already heard about many different materials within 3d printing - ABS is one of the well-known material types, which you also know from e.g. LEGO bricks. It is often used by more experienced FDM print experts - it places greater demands on both equipment, settings and, not least, preparation before printing. ABS has a higher melting point than, for example, the well-known PLA material - in addition to a long life, an incredible toughness and flexibility, which makes it very useful for the use of mechanical parts, spare parts of various types, etc. (not because PLA cannot be used for this, but there is a difference). Find 3DE Premium ASA here in 1.75mm and 2.85mm

Photo is a close-up of a birdhouse printed in 3DE Premium ASA on a Zortrax M200 (profile PCABS)

ABS is good - but it's certainly not flawless or easy to use in all conditions.

 ABS is often more difficult to print with than, for example, PLA, which often also means that fewer people choose this type of material as their favorite within 3d printing. In addition, you must also remember the recommendation regarding ventilation of the area you are printing in when you choose to use ABS on a larger scale - at the same time that it must not be printed in a cold print environment, exposed to drafts, etc., as this increases the risk of warping and thus misprints.

U outdoor use of ABS is not optimal. ABS fades over time due to UV radiation and gives your items a yellowish tinge - this is often seen on older parts that have been sitting outside for a long time in wind and weather - unfortunately it does not last forever.

In this connection, we choose to throw a relatively new player into the filament range called ASA. ASA is a relatively new material within 3d printing - people have known about the material since the 1970s, but it is only now that we have really seen a demand for ASA, rather than ABS.

ASA or Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate has a phenomenal strength, incredibly beautiful in print and is easy to work with. It gives a stronger print than ABS, it gives a more "smooth" surface, it can be steamed/finished with acetone, it is incredibly chemical resistant and not least durable in all wind and weather conditions and resistant to UV - it does not fade over time, but on the other hand, it keeps its color and strength. ASA is the material that, compared to all others, fades the least over time in UV (outdoor) use.

So we can see that ABS and ASA are incredibly similar to each other - ASA just wins on mechanical advantages regarding strength, color fastness, UV resistance, durability against wind and weather and not least chemical resistance. So what does ASA lose by? Price... ASA costs more as a raw material and thus also more for a coil that can be 3d printed.

Find 3DE Premium ASA here in 1.75mm and 2.85mm