ASA vs TPU
Compare ASA and TPU 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
TPU
SThermoplastic Polyurethane
Perfect layer adhesion; extremely impact resistant; nearly indestructible
Detailed Comparison
Property
ASA
TPU
Tier Rating
Tier A
Tier S
Family
ASA
Flexible
Nozzle Temp
220-275°C
200-240°C
Bed Temp
90-110°C
30-60°C
Enclosure
recommended
not needed
Cooling
Low to moderate; avoid drafts
Moderate cooling
Moisture Sensitivity
moderate
high
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)
TPU Strengths
- Perfect layer adhesion; extremely impact resistant; nearly indestructible
- Great for combat robots, tactical/rough-use parts
- Rubber-like parts (gaskets, grips, bumpers, wheels)
Considerations
ASA Caveats
- Still off-gasses; enclosure/ventilation recommended
- Can still warp; needs tuning
TPU Caveats
- Slow printing; retraction can cause jams (especially in Bowden setups)
- Stringing is common
- Very moisture sensitive; wet TPU prints poorly
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ASA or TPU better for 3D printing?
TPU is generally rated higher (Tier S) compared to ASA (Tier A). However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: ASA is best for Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface, while TPU is best for Perfect layer adhesion; extremely impact resistant; nearly indestructible.
What are the temperature differences between ASA and TPU?
ASA prints at 220-275°C nozzle / 90-110°C bed. TPU prints at 200-240°C nozzle / 30-60°C bed.
Do ASA and TPU need an enclosure?
ASA: recommended. TPU: not needed.
Which is more beginner-friendly: ASA or TPU?
TPU is more beginner-friendly as it doesn't require an enclosure.