Nylon PA12 vs ASA
Compare Nylon PA12 and ASA filaments side-by-side. See which one is best for your 3D printing project.
Nylon PA12
BPolyamide 12
Hotter printing, stiffer than PA6 for precision heavy-duty parts
ASA
AAcrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate
Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface
Detailed Comparison
Property
Nylon PA12
ASA
Tier Rating
Tier B
Tier A
Family
Nylon (PA)
ASA
Nozzle Temp
260-300°C
220-275°C
Bed Temp
80-110°C
90-110°C
Enclosure
required
recommended
Cooling
Low cooling
Low to moderate; avoid drafts
Moisture Sensitivity
very high
moderate
Strengths Comparison
Nylon PA12 Strengths
- Hotter printing, stiffer than PA6 for precision heavy-duty 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
Nylon PA12 Caveats
- Warps even more than PA6
- More brittle than PA6; more expensive/harder
ASA Caveats
- Still off-gasses; enclosure/ventilation recommended
- Can still warp; needs tuning
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nylon PA12 or ASA better for 3D printing?
ASA is generally rated higher (Tier A) compared to Nylon PA12 (Tier B). However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: Nylon PA12 is best for Hotter printing, stiffer than PA6 for precision heavy-duty parts, while ASA is best for Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface.
What are the temperature differences between Nylon PA12 and ASA?
Nylon PA12 prints at 260-300°C nozzle / 80-110°C bed. ASA prints at 220-275°C nozzle / 90-110°C bed.
Do Nylon PA12 and ASA need an enclosure?
Nylon PA12: required. ASA: recommended.
Which is more beginner-friendly: Nylon PA12 or ASA?
Neither is particularly beginner-friendly - both typically require an enclosure.