ASA filament properties
Data taken from 15 datasheets from manufacturers in Spain, Europe, the United States and China, reviewed on October 26, 2026. The shaded bar marks the median of the declared values and each colored tick is a different datasheet. The scales are the same across the whole library, so you can compare materials at a glance.
ASA filament temperature and print settings
| Setting | Typical value | Range in datasheets |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle | 240–270 °C | 220–280 °C |
| Bed | 90–102 °C | 70–115 °C |
| Print speed | 40–200 mm/s | 20–250 mm/s |
| Drying temperature | 80 °C | 70–85 °C |
| Drying time | 8 h | 7–12 h |
ASA vs ABS, PETG, and Polycarbonate: comparison
Medians from each material's datasheets. Click a material to see its full range.
Meters of ASA per spool
Calculated with the median density from the datasheets (1.07 g/cm³). Real spools can vary by a few meters because of diameter tolerance.
What is ASA filament
ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate) is a thermoplastic from the same family as ABS. The difference lies in the rubber that gives it toughness: ABS uses butadiene, which degrades in sunlight, while ASA uses an acrylic rubber that resists it. That is why it is used in industry for mirror housings, grilles, outdoor enclosures and garden furniture.
The 15 datasheets analyzed, not counting the fiber-filled versions, print it with the nozzle at 240–270 °C and the bed at 90–102 °C.
ASA filament UV and weather resistance
It is the material's reason for being. While ABS yellows and turns brittle after months in the sun, ASA keeps its color and properties better. Add its heat resistance, with a median HDT at 0.45 MPa of 96 °C, and it is the natural choice for car parts, outdoor brackets, planters, bicycle parts or sensor housings.
ASA vs ABS: which to choose
| ASA | ABS | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors and sun | Very good | Poor, it yellows |
| How to print | Enclosed chamber and heated bed | The same |
| Acetone smoothing | Yes | Yes |
| Price and colors | Somewhat more expensive | Cheaper and more colors |
If the part will stay indoors, ABS is enough. If it will see the sun, ASA.
How to print ASA filament
- Enclosed printer. It shrinks as it cools like ABS, and without a chamber warping and cracks between layers appear.
- Heated bed in the datasheet range and a brim on parts with corners.
- Low part cooling fan, except on bridges.
- Ventilation: like all styrenics, it emits fumes while printing.
- Drying: datasheets that give drying settings suggest 80 °C for 8 h.
Frequently asked questions about ASA filament
What temperature do you print ASA at?
The datasheet median is 240–270 °C at the nozzle and 90–102 °C at the bed. The declared nozzle range runs from 220–280 °C.
Does ASA withstand the sun?
Yes, it is its big advantage over ABS: it resists ultraviolet radiation and weather exposure without yellowing or turning brittle as quickly as ABS does.
Can you print ASA without an enclosed printer?
Only small parts, and with care. For medium or large parts, an enclosed chamber is necessary to avoid warping and cracks.