ASA vs PETG
Compare ASA and PETG filaments side-by-side. See which one is best for your 3D printing project.
ASA
AAcrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate
Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface
PETG
APolyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified
Tougher than PLA, higher temp tolerance, more durable in real-world use
Detailed Comparison
Property
ASA
PETG
Tier Rating
Tier A
Tier A
Family
ASA
PETG
Nozzle Temp
220-275°C
215-270°C
Bed Temp
90-110°C
70-90°C
Enclosure
recommended
optional
Cooling
Low to moderate; avoid drafts
Moderate cooling; too much cooling can hurt layer adhesion
Moisture Sensitivity
moderate
moderate
Strengths Comparison
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)
PETG Strengths
- Tougher than PLA, higher temp tolerance, more durable in real-world use
- Good clarity and low friction among easy-to-print materials
Considerations
ASA Caveats
- Still off-gasses; enclosure/ventilation recommended
- Can still warp; needs tuning
PETG Caveats
- Overhangs/bridges sag; supports can be hard to remove
- Absorbs water fairly quickly
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ASA or PETG better for 3D printing?
ASA is generally rated higher (Tier A) compared to PETG (Tier A). However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: ASA is best for Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface, while PETG is best for Tougher than PLA, higher temp tolerance, more durable in real-world use.
What are the temperature differences between ASA and PETG?
ASA prints at 220-275°C nozzle / 90-110°C bed. PETG prints at 215-270°C nozzle / 70-90°C bed.
Do ASA and PETG need an enclosure?
ASA: recommended. PETG: optional.
Which is more beginner-friendly: ASA or PETG?
PETG is more beginner-friendly as it doesn't require an enclosure.