ABS vs ASA
Compare ABS and ASA filaments side-by-side so you can pick the right one for your 3D printing project.
ABS
CAcrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
Fast printing, acetone soluble (weld/vapor smooth), cheap, tough, decent heat resistance
ASA
AAcrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate
Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface
Detailed Comparison
Property
ABS
ASA
Tier Rating
Tier C
Tier A
Family
ABS
ASA
Nozzle Temp
230-255°C
220-275°C
Bed Temp
95-110°C
90-110°C
Enclosure
recommended
recommended
Cooling
Low cooling; avoid drafts
Low to moderate; avoid drafts
Moisture Sensitivity
moderate
moderate
Green marks the generally easier or more forgiving option in that row, based on tier, enclosure needs, and moisture sensitivity. It is not always the better choice for a specific job, so weigh it against what your project actually needs.
Strengths Comparison
ABS Strengths
- Fast printing, acetone soluble (weld/vapor smooth), cheap, tough, decent heat resistance
- Good impact toughness for the price
ASA Strengths
- Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface
- Less warping than ABS; low viscosity enables very high speed printing
- High heat tolerance (~boiling water range)
Considerations
ABS Caveats
- Warps heavily
- Strong fumes/off-gassing; enclosure plus ventilation recommended
- Poor UV resistance; yellows and gets brittle outdoors (ASA is the better outdoor/UV choice)
ASA Caveats
- Still off-gasses; enclosure/ventilation recommended
- Can still warp; needs tuning
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ABS or ASA better for 3D printing?
ASA is generally rated higher (Tier A) compared to ABS (Tier C). However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: ABS is best for Fast printing, acetone soluble (weld/vapor smooth), cheap, tough, decent heat resistance, while ASA is best for Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface.
What are the temperature differences between ABS and ASA?
ABS prints at 230-255°C nozzle / 95-110°C bed. ASA prints at 220-275°C nozzle / 90-110°C bed.
Do ABS and ASA need an enclosure?
ABS: recommended. ASA: recommended.
Which is more beginner-friendly: ABS or ASA?
Neither is particularly beginner-friendly - both typically require an enclosure.