ASA filaments for 3D printing

ASA is a thermoplastic material developed in 1970 by the manufacturer BASF under the trade name Luran S, bearing similarities to ABS. The primary structural difference between these two materials lies in their elastomers: ASA incorporates an acrylic elastomer, while ABS utilizes a butadiene elastomer. What sets ASA apart is its remarkable ability to preserve both appearance and impact resistance even after prolonged exposure to outdoor conditions, including rain, cold temperatures, and salty sea water. For this reason, it is widely used in various everyday products such as roofing materials, electrical components like junction boxes, automotive parts like front grilles, toys, outdoor structural elements such as pipes and building profiles, and much more.

ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate) is an increasingly common material among FDM/FFF 3D printer users because it was developed to be an «advanced ABS».

Every user knows that PLA is the most consumed and ABS is the most used material in 3D printing to make durable and functional elements, from simple parts to parts that will be subjected to mechanical stress, but both have a certain disadvantage; ABS is subject to the warping effect when processing large parts, a problem that is solved with the use of 3D printers with a temperature-controlled print chamber, such as the 3NTR A4 (industrial 3D printer).

Another problem with ABS is the yellowing or discoloration that occurs when it comes into contact with climatic atmospheres. For example, if you make a decorative element for your garden from ABS, after a year the color and appearance of the surface is likely to deteriorate.

ASA filament is the new and improved version of ABS, known as LEGO, the special material from which LEGO bricks are made. It is more resistant to UV rays than ABS, maintaining its shape, shine and color for a long time. Objects printed with ASA also resist outdoor weather conditions.

Printing conditions for ASA filaments

• •  ASA is sensitive to heat when printed, making it more difficult to use in 3D printing

• •  After printing, parts created with ASA are durable and heat resistant.

• • ASA prints are rigid and durable

• • Left in the open air, the ASA material does not yellow over time.

Advantages of ASA filaments

• • external use without yellowing over time

• • resistant to UV rays and high temperatures

• • durable for repeated use

• • good ending

• • antistatic

• • water resistant

• • high chemical resistance

Disadvantages of ASA filaments

• • only emits potentially dangerous fumes during printing

• • more expensive than other 3D printing filaments

• • high extrusion temperature

• • high temperature of the print bed

• • consumes a lot of energy when printing

• • some parts will break or crack

• • some parts may shrink

In which sectors is the use of 3D ASA filaments recommended?

3D ASA filaments can be used in various industries in actions such as: creating automotive exterior parts, household components/tools, sporting products, garden equipment, outdoor components and lighting fixtures.

Under construction

In construction, finishing a house on time is essential. Therefore, it is possible to print missing parts or missing materials. It is important to note that the ASA filament material is extremely robust and durable, does not yellow over time and resists UV rays.

The automotive sector

In the automotive sector there is a need for heat-resistant parts that do not yellow and that resist the action of chemical agents.

Housing

Every home needs things that are sometimes difficult for us to get. Importantly, 3D printing helps us to have such components and parts quickly and easily with the help of ASA filaments.

The sports field

Athletes can print the products they need and use them with confidence. If it is similar to plastic and resists high temperatures, with ASA filament it is possible to permanently print the products that athletes need.

External signs

For outdoor signage you can use 3D printing with ASA filament which provides chemical, durable and UV resistance.

Garden

3D printed objects can also be used in the garden. A 3D ASA filament resists heat, UV rays well and does not yellow over time, plus they are durable and resistant, so it’s worth it.

External

Outside the house you can print what you need such as components, but also lighting fixtures.

What 3D printer settings are needed to use ASA filaments

ASA can be a sensitive material to print on, so print settings, including temperature, play an important role in the success of your print. The bed temperature should be between 90 and 100 degrees Celsius, the printing surface should be heated. The print bed needs PET sheet, ASA filament and Kaptop tape, extrusion at 220-245 degrees Celsius.

Tips for printing with ASA filaments

• • Make sure you have the right printing surface

• • Use an adhesive for the print surface such as hairspray, ABS glue or tape Captain or glue

• • Adjust the temperature to avoid overheating

• • Set the cooling fan to low speed (5-10% after the first layer)

• • Make sure the bed is level

• • Test the temperature

• • Change the nozzle when you change the elements

What is post-processing of 3D printed objects with ASA filaments

Post-processing of objects 3D printed with an ASA filament includes:

• •  Using a suspended rotational force to reduce the appearance of level lines. Multiple parts can be processed at the same time, saving time and money.

• • Medium sandblasting means you will get a clean, smooth finish without manual labor.

• • Smoothing by vaporization process

• • Manual sanding, whether wet or dry, is another common post-processing method, but it lends itself to being time-consuming because it puts the operator in front of one part at a time.

Frequently asked questions

Are ASA filaments biodegradable?

No. ASA filaments don’t break that easily.

Are ASA filaments toxic?

It emits toxic fumes when printing, but not every time.

How are ASA 3D filaments stored?

It is recommended to store all filaments in a resealable bag when not in use by a 3D printer.

ASA and ABS filaments

Both types of filaments are heat resistant and are known for their durable materials. They are used on a wide range of products such as functional prototypes, concept models, manufacturing tools and production components. One difference between these two filaments is that ASA comes in a wider 4 color range than ABS. Both materials can be used on the same type of printer.