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
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
Property
Glass-filled Nylon
ASA
Tier Rating
Tier S
Tier A
Family
Nylon (PA)
ASA
Nozzle Temp
260-290°C
220-275°C
Bed Temp
80-100°C
90-110°C
Enclosure
required
recommended
Cooling
Low cooling
Low to moderate; avoid drafts
Moisture Sensitivity
very high
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
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Glass-filled Nylon or ASA better for 3D printing?
Glass-filled Nylon is generally rated higher (Tier S) compared to ASA (Tier A). However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: Glass-filled Nylon is best for Massively stiffer/tougher/more heat & abrasion resistant than nylon, while ASA is best for Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface.
What are the temperature differences between Glass-filled Nylon and ASA?
Glass-filled Nylon prints at 260-290°C nozzle / 80-100°C bed. ASA prints at 220-275°C nozzle / 90-110°C bed.
Do Glass-filled Nylon and ASA need an enclosure?
Glass-filled Nylon: required. ASA: recommended.
Which is more beginner-friendly: Glass-filled Nylon or ASA?
Neither is particularly beginner-friendly - both typically require an enclosure.