Polypropylene vs ASA
Compare Polypropylene and ASA filaments side-by-side. See which one is best for your 3D printing project.
Polypropylene
FPP
Can bend without damage; very rugged; strong layer adhesion; very low density
ASA
AAcrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate
Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface
Detailed Comparison
Property
Polypropylene
ASA
Tier Rating
Tier F
Tier A
Family
PP
ASA
Nozzle Temp
220-250°C
220-275°C
Bed Temp
80-100°C
90-110°C
Enclosure
recommended
recommended
Cooling
Low cooling
Low to moderate; avoid drafts
Moisture Sensitivity
low
moderate
Strengths Comparison
Polypropylene Strengths
- Can bend without damage; very rugged; strong layer adhesion; very low density
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Good fatigue resistance (living hinges)
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
Polypropylene Caveats
- Extremely poor bed adhesion; severe curling/warping (worse when cooling)
- Supports nearly impossible to remove due to toughness/perfect layer adhesion
- Often requires specialized build surface and setup
ASA Caveats
- Still off-gasses; enclosure/ventilation recommended
- Can still warp; needs tuning
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Polypropylene or ASA better for 3D printing?
ASA is generally rated higher (Tier A) compared to Polypropylene (Tier F). However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: Polypropylene is best for Can bend without damage; very rugged; strong layer adhesion; very low density, while ASA is best for Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface.
What are the temperature differences between Polypropylene and ASA?
Polypropylene prints at 220-250°C nozzle / 80-100°C bed. ASA prints at 220-275°C nozzle / 90-110°C bed.
Do Polypropylene and ASA need an enclosure?
Polypropylene: recommended. ASA: recommended.
Which is more beginner-friendly: Polypropylene or ASA?
Neither is particularly beginner-friendly - both typically require an enclosure.