Ultrafuse ASA vs TPU

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

Ultrafuse ASA vs TPU: Ultrafuse ASA is known for excellent uv resistance (outdoors indefinitely), while TPU is known for excellent layer adhesion. Both have no enclosure requirements; Ultrafuse ASA is less moisture-sensitive; Ultrafuse ASA prints at higher nozzle temperatures (275°C vs 200-240°C). Choose Ultrafuse ASA for excellent uv resistance (outdoors indefinitely), or TPU for excellent layer adhesion.

Key differences at a glance

Property
Ultrafuse ASA
TPU
Nozzle temp
275°C
200-240°C
Bed temp
105°C
30-60°C
Enclosure needed
No
No
Ease of printing
Easy
Easy
Moisture sensitivity
low
high

Ultrafuse ASA

-

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

TPU

S

Thermoplastic Polyurethane

Excellent layer adhesion; extremely impact resistant; highly durable

Detailed Comparison

Property
Ultrafuse ASA
TPU
Tier Rating
Tier null
Tier S
Family
ASA
Flexible
Nozzle Temp
275°C
200-240°C
Bed Temp
105°C
30-60°C
Enclosure
not needed
not needed
Cooling
Moderate cooling
Moisture Sensitivity
low
high

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

Ultrafuse 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)

TPU Strengths

  • Excellent layer adhesion; extremely impact resistant; highly durable
  • Great for combat robots, tactical/rough-use parts
  • Rubber-like parts (gaskets, grips, bumpers, wheels)

Considerations

Ultrafuse ASA Caveats

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

TPU Caveats

  • Slow printing; retraction can cause jams (especially in Bowden setups)
  • Stringing is common
  • Very moisture sensitive; wet TPU prints poorly

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Ultrafuse ASA and TPU?
Ultrafuse ASA prints at 275°C nozzle / 105°C bed (No enclosure, low moisture sensitivity). TPU prints at 200-240°C nozzle / 30-60°C bed (No enclosure, high moisture sensitivity).
Is Ultrafuse ASA or TPU stronger?
Our dataset does not include comparable tensile strength values for both. Qualitatively, Ultrafuse ASA is suited to excellent uv resistance (outdoors indefinitely), while TPU is suited to excellent layer adhesion.
Which prints at a higher temperature, Ultrafuse ASA or TPU?
Ultrafuse ASA prints at a higher temperature (275°C nozzle vs 200-240°C for TPU).
Is Ultrafuse ASA or TPU better for beginners?
Ultrafuse ASA is better for beginners: enclosure is no and moisture sensitivity is low, vs no enclosure and high moisture for TPU.
Should I use Ultrafuse ASA or TPU for flexible parts?
For flexible parts, TPU is usually the better fit (Excellent layer adhesion). Choose Ultrafuse ASA instead when excellent uv resistance (outdoors indefinitely).

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