Fillamentum ASA vs PLA

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

Fillamentum ASA vs PLA: Fillamentum ASA is known for excellent uv resistance (outdoors indefinitely), while PLA is known for easiest to print. Both have no enclosure requirements; Fillamentum ASA is less moisture-sensitive; Fillamentum ASA prints at higher nozzle temperatures (260°C vs 190-220°C). Choose Fillamentum ASA for excellent uv resistance (outdoors indefinitely), or PLA for easiest to print.

Key differences at a glance

Property
Fillamentum ASA
PLA
Nozzle temp
260°C
190-220°C
Bed temp
110°C
50-60°C
Enclosure needed
No
No
Ease of printing
Easy
Easy
Moisture sensitivity
low
moderate

Fillamentum ASA

-

Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface

PLA

A

Polylactic Acid

Easiest to print, cheap, widely available, fast, good bridges/overhangs, easy support removal

Detailed Comparison

Property
Fillamentum ASA
PLA
Tier Rating
Tier null
Tier A
Family
ASA
PLA
Nozzle Temp
260°C
190-220°C
Bed Temp
110°C
50-60°C
Enclosure
not needed
not needed
Cooling
High part cooling usually beneficial
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

Fillamentum 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)

PLA Strengths

  • Easiest to print, cheap, widely available, fast, good bridges/overhangs, easy support removal
  • Stiff non-composite thermoplastic, good tensile strength

Considerations

Fillamentum ASA Caveats

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

PLA Caveats

  • Creeps under sustained load
  • Poor heat resistance, UV degradation, can shatter on drops
  • Not great for sanding/gluing/painting/touch-ups

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Fillamentum ASA and PLA?
Fillamentum ASA prints at 260°C nozzle / 110°C bed (No enclosure, low moisture sensitivity). PLA prints at 190-220°C nozzle / 50-60°C bed (No enclosure, moderate moisture sensitivity).
Is Fillamentum ASA or PLA stronger?
Our dataset does not include comparable tensile strength values for both. Qualitatively, Fillamentum ASA is suited to excellent uv resistance (outdoors indefinitely), while PLA is suited to easiest to print.
Which prints at a higher temperature, Fillamentum ASA or PLA?
Fillamentum ASA prints at a higher temperature (260°C nozzle vs 190-220°C for PLA).
Is Fillamentum ASA or PLA better for beginners?
Fillamentum ASA is better for beginners: enclosure is no and moisture sensitivity is low, vs no enclosure and moderate moisture for PLA.
Should I use Fillamentum ASA or PLA for outdoor use?
For outdoor use, Fillamentum ASA is usually the better fit (Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely)). Choose PLA instead when easiest to print.

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