Glass-filled Polypropylene vs ASA
Compare Glass-filled Polypropylene and ASA filaments side-by-side so you can pick the right one 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
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 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.