PCL vs ASA

Compare PCL and ASA filaments side-by-side so you can pick the right one for your 3D printing project.

PCL vs ASA: PCL is known for very low-temp printing (~100c), while ASA is known for excellent uv resistance (outdoors indefinitely). PCL is easier to print; ASA prints at higher nozzle temperatures (220-275°C vs 60-110°C). Choose PCL for very low-temp printing (~100c), or ASA for excellent uv resistance (outdoors indefinitely).

Key differences at a glance

Property
PCL
ASA
Nozzle temp
60-110°C
220-275°C
Bed temp
30-45°C
90-110°C
Enclosure needed
No
Recommended
Ease of printing
Easy
Moderate
Moisture sensitivity
low
moderate

PCL

B

Polycaprolactone

Very low-temp printing (~100C); softens in warm water; can be heat-formed

ASA

A

Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate

Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface

Detailed Comparison

Property
PCL
ASA
Tier Rating
Tier B
Tier A
Family
PCL
ASA
Nozzle Temp
60-110°C
220-275°C
Bed Temp
30-45°C
90-110°C
Enclosure
not needed
recommended
Cooling
Minimal
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

PCL Strengths

  • Very low-temp printing (~100C); softens in warm water; can be heat-formed
  • Useful for prosthetics/fitment via hairdryer reshaping
  • Can be used like an adhesive; similar to Shapelock/InstaMorph pellets

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

PCL Caveats

  • Not actually PLA despite branding
  • Low-temp / waxy nature limits use cases; poor adhesion for many glues

ASA Caveats

  • Still off-gasses; enclosure/ventilation recommended
  • Can still warp; needs tuning

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between PCL and ASA?
PCL prints at 60-110°C nozzle / 30-45°C bed (No enclosure, low moisture sensitivity). ASA prints at 220-275°C nozzle / 90-110°C bed (Recommended enclosure, moderate moisture sensitivity).
Is PCL or ASA stronger?
Our dataset does not include comparable tensile strength values for both. Qualitatively, PCL is suited to very low-temp printing (~100c), while ASA is suited to excellent uv resistance (outdoors indefinitely).
Which prints at a higher temperature, PCL or ASA?
ASA prints at a higher temperature (220-275°C nozzle vs 60-110°C for PCL).
Is PCL or ASA better for beginners?
PCL is better for beginners: enclosure is no and moisture sensitivity is low, vs recommended enclosure and moderate moisture for ASA.
Should I use PCL or ASA for outdoor use?
For outdoor use, ASA is usually the better fit (Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely)). Choose PCL instead when very low-temp printing (~100c).

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