Glass-filled Nylon vs ASA
Compare Glass-filled Nylon and ASA filaments side-by-side so you can pick the right one for your 3D printing project.
Glass-filled Nylon vs ASA: Glass-filled Nylon is known for massively stiffer/tougher/more heat & abrasion resistant than nylon, while ASA is known for excellent uv resistance (outdoors indefinitely). ASA is easier to print; Glass-filled Nylon prints at higher nozzle temperatures (260-290°C vs 220-275°C). Choose Glass-filled Nylon for massively stiffer/tougher/more heat & abrasion resistant than nylon, or ASA for excellent uv resistance (outdoors indefinitely).
Key differences at a glance
Glass-filled Nylon
SPA-GF / GFPA
Massively stiffer/tougher/more heat & abrasion resistant than nylon
ASA
AAcrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate
Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface
Detailed Comparison
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
Glass-filled Nylon Strengths
- Massively stiffer/tougher/more heat & abrasion resistant than nylon
- Warping reduced enough to be fairly easy to print (with correct setup)
- Viable alternative to machined aluminum for some parts
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
Glass-filled Nylon Caveats
- Higher print temps; hardware wear if not equipped
ASA Caveats
- Still off-gasses; enclosure/ventilation recommended
- Can still warp; needs tuning