Nylon PA6 vs ASA
Compare Nylon PA6 and ASA filaments side-by-side. See which one is best for your 3D printing project.
Nylon PA6
BPolyamide 6
Exceptional strength, very strong layer bonding, flexible and durable
ASA
AAcrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate
Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface
Detailed Comparison
Property
Nylon PA6
ASA
Tier Rating
Tier B
Tier A
Family
Nylon (PA)
ASA
Nozzle Temp
240-290°C
220-275°C
Bed Temp
70-110°C
90-110°C
Enclosure
required
recommended
Cooling
Low to moderate
Low to moderate; avoid drafts
Moisture Sensitivity
very high
moderate
Strengths Comparison
Nylon PA6 Strengths
- Exceptional strength, very strong layer bonding, flexible and durable
- High heat tolerance; low friction for mechanisms
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 PA6 Caveats
- Extremely hygroscopic; can waterlog during a print
- Warps strongly; can pull plates off beds
- Over-drying can make it brittle
ASA Caveats
- Still off-gasses; enclosure/ventilation recommended
- Can still warp; needs tuning
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nylon PA6 or ASA better for 3D printing?
ASA is generally rated higher (Tier A) compared to Nylon PA6 (Tier B). However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: Nylon PA6 is best for Exceptional strength, very strong layer bonding, flexible and durable, while ASA is best for Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface.
What are the temperature differences between Nylon PA6 and ASA?
Nylon PA6 prints at 240-290°C nozzle / 70-110°C bed. ASA prints at 220-275°C nozzle / 90-110°C bed.
Do Nylon PA6 and ASA need an enclosure?
Nylon PA6: required. ASA: recommended.
Which is more beginner-friendly: Nylon PA6 or ASA?
Neither is particularly beginner-friendly - both typically require an enclosure.