Engineering-led UK manufacturing guidance, written to help teams make informed design, material and production decisions.
Quick Comparison
Choose ASA for UV exposure, outdoor housings and parts that need to stay stable in sunlight. Choose ABS for tough indoor functional parts, enclosures and prototypes where heat resistance matters. Choose Nylon for mechanical parts that need impact resistance, wear resistance and long-term toughness.
- ASA: best for outdoor, UV-stable, weather-resistant parts.
- ABS: useful for tough functional parts, housings and general engineering use.
- Nylon: best for durable parts under impact, vibration, clips, gears and wear.
- Nylon CF: best when stiffness and strength-to-weight matter more than flexibility.
Practical Selection Rules
Material choice should start with the part environment, not the material name. Heat, sunlight, movement, moisture, chemical exposure and load all affect the decision.
For Southampton and UK customers, Mitchell & Son Additive Manufacturing will usually ask how the part will be used before recommending a material. That avoids paying for an over-specified plastic or choosing a cheap material that fails early.
FAQs
Is ASA better than ABS?
ASA is usually better outdoors because it resists UV and weathering. ABS can still be suitable for indoor engineering parts.
Is Nylon stronger than ABS?
Nylon is generally tougher and better for impact or wear, but ABS can be more dimensionally straightforward for some housings and prototypes.
What material should I choose if I am unsure?
Send the part use case, loads, heat, outdoor exposure and any fit requirements. The material should be matched to the application.