Overview
ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) is the outdoor-engineered alternative to ABS. It shares ABS's mechanical properties but adds significant UV resistance, making it suitable for parts permanently exposed to sunlight. It does not yellow or become brittle with prolonged UV exposure.
Technical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 45MPa |
| Heat Deflection Temp | 98°C |
| UV Resistance | Excellent |
| Layer Resolution | 0.1–0.3mm |
| Density | 1.07g/cm³ |
Advantages & Limitations
Advantages
- ✓Excellent UV and weather resistance - does not yellow in sunlight
- ✓Similar mechanical properties to ABS
- ✓Good chemical resistance
- ✓Slightly better impact resistance than ABS
Limitations
- ✗Prone to warping like ABS - enclosed printer required
- ✗More expensive than ABS
Applications
Outdoor enclosuresAutomotive exterior partsGarden fixturesSignageMarine componentsSolar equipment mounts
Printing Tips
Print ASA at 230–260 °C with a bed temperature of 95–110 °C in an enclosed printer. Apply ABS slurry or specialised adhesive. Use a draft shield to reduce warping at corners.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will ASA last outdoors?
ASA is designed for multi-year outdoor service life. With proper UV-stable pigments, parts can maintain their mechanical and visual properties for 3–5+ years in direct sunlight exposure.