ASA filament for 3D printer

What is the ASA Filament?

ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate), is a material very similar to ABS, however, it represents differences from it. The ABS polybutadiene part has been replaced by polybutylacrylate.

This modification gives it greater UV resistance, which makes ASA one of the best options for 3D printing, when it comes to creating pieces that will be exposed to the elements.

This filament is one of the technical materials used in 3D printing, and is used in many cases as a substitute for the ABS filament.

Outdoor Filament

As we have already commented, one of the main advantages of the ASA is that it can withstand very well the inclement weather. This plastic for 3D printer, can withstand long periods of time outdoors, supporting rain, cold, UV rays, sea water …

No yellowing

Another problem that ABS presents when it comes to being exposed to inclement weather, is the yellowing that the material suffers. In ASA, this does not happen, thanks to the modifications (of polybutylacrylate) that give it greater UV resistance.

General Characteristics of the ASA Strand

Below are the technical characteristics of the ASA smartfil filament of Smart materials 3D:

Mechanical properties

• Material density: 1.07 g/cm³
• Chemical Name: Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate
• Flexible Force: 76 Mpa
• Traction effort: 47 Mpa
• Rockwell hardness: 103 R-Scale
• Traction module: 2,079 Mpa

Advantages of ASA Filament

• It is very resistant, making it ideal for mechanical applications.
• Resistant to UV rays. This advantage makes it the ideal thermoplastic when it comes to printing 3D parts that are going to be exposed to the exterior.
• Mechanical properties similar to ABS.
• It barely presents Warping. One of the cons of using ABS is its high shrinkage. The ASA Filament is more stable, has less warping, and this makes it easier to print.
• Good thermal resistance. Its deformation temperature is slightly higher than that of ABS (80ºC), and can reach 95ºC
• Similar finish to ABS, keeping the matt appearance.
• Good chemical resistance, another advantage that other filaments such as PETG have.

How to print the ASA filament

This filament has a melting temperature of around 240 – 265 ºC. The use of hot bed is recommended, around 100 -110 ºC. In addition, the layer fan should be between 0% (without ventilation) and 30%.

In addition, you will need a good 3D printer adhesive, such as Dimafix.

In short:

• Fuser temperature: 240 – 265 ºC
• Base temperature: 100 – 110 ºC
• Layer fan: between 0 and 30%
• Flow rate: 1