Glass-filled Polypropylene vs ASA
Compare Glass-filled Polypropylene and ASA filaments side-by-side. See which one is best for your 3D printing project.
Glass-filled Polypropylene
BGFPP / PP-GF
Very tough, durable, all-weather, extremely lightweight
ASA
AAcrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate
Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface
Detailed Comparison
Property
Glass-filled Polypropylene
ASA
Tier Rating
Tier B
Tier A
Family
PP
ASA
Nozzle Temp
230-260°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
low
moderate
Strengths Comparison
Glass-filled Polypropylene Strengths
- Very tough, durable, all-weather, extremely lightweight
- Industrial-relevant material properties
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 Polypropylene Caveats
- Even harder to print than PP; peels/curls more aggressively
ASA Caveats
- Still off-gasses; enclosure/ventilation recommended
- Can still warp; needs tuning
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Glass-filled Polypropylene or ASA better for 3D printing?
ASA is generally rated higher (Tier A) compared to Glass-filled Polypropylene (Tier B). However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: Glass-filled Polypropylene is best for Very tough, durable, all-weather, extremely lightweight, while ASA is best for Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface.
What are the temperature differences between Glass-filled Polypropylene and ASA?
Glass-filled Polypropylene prints at 230-260°C nozzle / 80-100°C bed. ASA prints at 220-275°C nozzle / 90-110°C bed.
Do Glass-filled Polypropylene and ASA need an enclosure?
Glass-filled Polypropylene: required. ASA: recommended.
Which is more beginner-friendly: Glass-filled Polypropylene or ASA?
Neither is particularly beginner-friendly - both typically require an enclosure.