3D Printed ASA

Asa is a practical material choice when you need the right balance of performance, finish, and cost for functional parts.

When Asa is a sensible choice

Asa is often used for functional prototypes and end-use parts where you want something tougher than PLA and more realistic in handling and fitment.

What to watch out for

Asa can have trade-offs depending on the environment, tolerances, and post-processing requirements. If you tell us the use-case, we’ll recommend the best option.

ASA – UV-Stable Strength for Outdoor and Long-Term Use

ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) gives you solid mechanical performance with the added bonus of UV resistance. Think of it as ABS that doesn’t care if it’s baking in the sun all day. It’s durable, impact-resistant, and doesn’t fade or crack with long-term outdoor use — which makes it a top pick for parts going into harsh or weather-exposed environments.

We’ve used ASA for everything from garden machine parts to external brackets on vans. If the job needs a strong part that won’t go brittle in a few months — ASA is the safe bet.

Key Technical Specifications (Typical Values)

• Tensile strength: 45–55 MPa • Elongation at break: 10–30% • Heat deflection temperature: 95–105°C • UV resistance: Excellent • Impact resistance: High • Surface finish: Matte – slightly smoother than ABS • Density: ~1.07 g/cm³ • Chemical resistance: Good (solvents, fuels, oils)

This isn’t the material you pick for looks — it’s the one you use when the part has a job to do, rain or shine.

Why Engineers Use ASA

Engineers come to us with parts that live outdoors, on vehicles, or in industrial units with sun exposure. ASA is great when: • The part needs to survive sun, rain, and temperature swings • You want ABS-level performance but with better longevity • You’re prototyping for external parts or electrical enclosures • You need colour stability – ASA won’t yellow like other plastics

It’s also easier to sand and post-process than Nylon, and it doesn’t absorb as much moisture either.

We’ve used ASA on: • Electrical housings and sensor covers for outdoor use • Vehicle brackets, clips and trim for vans and trailers • Replacement parts for tools and appliances used outdoors • Sign holders, outdoor mountings, and garden hardware • UV-stable functional prototypes that need to last

If it’s going to be bolted to something outside — ASA is the one.

What to Consider with ASA

Like ABS, ASA needs a bit of experience to get right: • Needs an enclosed build space — it can warp without it • Prints between 240–260°C, with a bed at 90–110°C • Fumes are a thing — proper ventilation is important • Post-processing is easier than with ABS — sands nicely, acetone smoothing optional

We prep every ASA print based on where it’s going — light-duty = lighter infill. Structural = full infill, thicker walls, reinforced zones. We don’t guess — we print for purpose.

Why Buyers Choose ASA

From the buyer’s side, ASA is all about value over time: • Doesn’t break down in the sun — no cracking or chalking • Looks professional even after months outside • Good for low-volume runs with no tooling needed • Strong enough to handle everyday use

So if you're replacing something that's exposed to the weather — don’t waste money on ABS or PLA. Go straight to ASA and know it’ll last.

FAQs