ColorFabb XT vs ASA

Compare ColorFabb XT and ASA filaments side-by-side so you can pick the right one for your 3D printing project.

ColorFabb XT vs ASA: ColorFabb XT is known for tougher than pla, while ASA is known for excellent uv resistance (outdoors indefinitely). ColorFabb XT is easier to print; ColorFabb XT prints at higher nozzle temperatures (270°C vs 220-275°C). Choose ColorFabb XT for tougher than pla, or ASA for excellent uv resistance (outdoors indefinitely).

Key differences at a glance

Property
ColorFabb XT
ASA
Nozzle temp
270°C
220-275°C
Bed temp
90°C
90-110°C
Enclosure needed
No
Recommended
Ease of printing
Easy
Moderate
Moisture sensitivity
low
moderate

Detailed Comparison

Property
ColorFabb XT
ASA
Tier Rating
Tier null
Tier A
Family
PETG
ASA
Nozzle Temp
270°C
220-275°C
Bed Temp
90°C
90-110°C
Enclosure
not needed
recommended
Cooling
Low to moderate; avoid drafts
Moisture Sensitivity
low
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

ColorFabb XT Strengths

  • Tougher than PLA, higher temp tolerance, more durable in real-world use
  • Good clarity and low friction among easy-to-print materials

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

ColorFabb XT Caveats

  • Overhangs/bridges sag; supports can be hard to remove
  • Absorbs water fairly quickly

ASA Caveats

  • Still off-gasses; enclosure/ventilation recommended
  • Can still warp; needs tuning

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ColorFabb XT and ASA?
ColorFabb XT prints at 270°C nozzle / 90°C bed (No enclosure, low moisture sensitivity). ASA prints at 220-275°C nozzle / 90-110°C bed (Recommended enclosure, moderate moisture sensitivity).
Is ColorFabb XT or ASA stronger?
Our dataset does not include comparable tensile strength values for both. Qualitatively, ColorFabb XT is suited to tougher than pla, while ASA is suited to excellent uv resistance (outdoors indefinitely).
Which prints at a higher temperature, ColorFabb XT or ASA?
ColorFabb XT prints at a higher temperature (270°C nozzle vs 220-275°C for ASA).
Is ColorFabb XT or ASA better for beginners?
ColorFabb XT is better for beginners: enclosure is no and moisture sensitivity is low, vs recommended enclosure and moderate moisture for ASA.
Should I use ColorFabb XT or ASA for outdoor use?
For outdoor use, ASA is usually the better fit (Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely)). Choose ColorFabb XT instead when tougher than pla.

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