Silk PLA vs ASA
Compare Silk PLA and ASA filaments side-by-side. See which one is best for your 3D printing project.
Silk PLA
BShiny PLA
Very shiny for show pieces
ASA
AAcrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate
Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface
Detailed Comparison
Property
Silk PLA
ASA
Tier Rating
Tier B
Tier A
Family
PLA
ASA
Nozzle Temp
190-220°C
220-275°C
Bed Temp
50-60°C
90-110°C
Enclosure
not needed
recommended
Cooling
Moderate cooling
Low to moderate; avoid drafts
Moisture Sensitivity
moderate
moderate
Strengths Comparison
Silk PLA Strengths
- Very shiny for show pieces
- Supports can be easier to remove
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
Silk PLA Caveats
- Weaker than PLA
- Can puff/popcorn and jam (especially with hot-air intake or multi-material single-nozzle)
- Can 'trash' AMS/MMU
ASA Caveats
- Still off-gasses; enclosure/ventilation recommended
- Can still warp; needs tuning
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Silk PLA or ASA better for 3D printing?
ASA is generally rated higher (Tier A) compared to Silk PLA (Tier B). However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: Silk PLA is best for Very shiny for show pieces, while ASA is best for Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface.
What are the temperature differences between Silk PLA and ASA?
Silk PLA prints at 190-220°C nozzle / 50-60°C bed. ASA prints at 220-275°C nozzle / 90-110°C bed.
Do Silk PLA and ASA need an enclosure?
Silk PLA: not needed. ASA: recommended.
Which is more beginner-friendly: Silk PLA or ASA?
Silk PLA is more beginner-friendly as it doesn't require an enclosure.