Acrylate rubber makes ASA filament stronger than any other material. The material is resistant to water, UV rays, impact, chemicals, and temperature. ASA filament is stronger than any other material and resists heat, so it will last much longer. Because of these properties, ASA filament is a great choice for high-end 3D printing projects. However, the price tag may deter some people from using it.
Features of ASA Filament:
A wide range of specifications makes ASA filament a unique product, as given below.
Temperature-Resistant:
ASA filament is made of high-temperature-resistant polycarbonate. Its heat resistance makes it suitable for 3D printing. However, it should be dry before use. When extruding the filament, you can check for moisture content by measuring the nozzle temperature. If there is any moisture, the filament will expand, leading to rough extrusion. Using a dry box to store the filament before printing to prevent this problem. ASA is highly efficient and does not produce an odour. The printout softening point of ASA is higher than that of PETG, PLA, and ABS. It also shows excellent UV resistance, making it ideal for outdoor and automotive applications. Printed parts made from ASA are suitable for applications where the materials are exposed to intense sunlight for long periods. ASA is also resistant to chemical influences and is perfect for outdoor use.
ASA is heat-resistant, but it can warp if exposed to cold environments. A heated bed reduces internal stress, which may result in warping. Heat-resistant filaments should be printed at at least 80-90 degrees Celsius. If the printer is heated, the nozzle and print bed should have a constant temperature. Otherwise, the parts may crack or warp. However, preheating the build plate before printing will help even the temperature on the print bed. ASA filament is a relatively new filament type. Compared to ABS filament, it can withstand more exposure to the sun. Unlike ABS, ASA filament won’t yellow or deteriorate when exposed to UV rays. To print with ASA filament, you will need a good 3D printer to maintain a high temperature. It is available in 1.75mm and 2.85mm diameters.
Unlike ABS, ASA is UV and heat-resistant. Due to its high glass transition temperature, it’s an excellent material for outdoor applications. Its properties make it a desirable choice for many applications. A heated bed is essential for successful ASA printing. It also requires an appropriate temperature to prevent warping. Its high temperature also makes it suitable for printing in hot environments.
Materials and Durability of the ASA Filament:
The ASA filament is made from a thermoplastic material known as acrylate. It is a polymer that combines high mechanical strength, resistance to UV rays, and water. Its great surface finish makes it an excellent choice for prototypes and final pieces. It is also highly resistant to heat, chemicals, and water. As a result, it is a durable, long-lasting filament. ASA is a durable, eco-friendly alternative to ABS and other plastics.
PETG and ASA are the most common filament materials. Both materials offer the same benefits, but PLA is more widely used. The biggest drawbacks of both materials are similar, but ASA is less brittle and more thermally resistant. ASA is gaining ground on ABS as the preferred material for 3D printing because of its ease of use and being less prone to odour. The use of PETG for 3D printing is on the rise. Both materials are easy to print and exhibit less brittleness and thermal resistance.
Although ASA is durable, it is important to remember that the temperature is critical. If you print with ASA, make sure your extruder is heated enough to avoid warping. If your printer has a heated bed, make sure that the bed is hot enough to avoid warping or cracking. Otherwise, you risk compromising the mechanical strength of your final print. So make sure that you understand the risks and benefits of ASA filament before purchasing it.
Recommendations:
If you use a 3D printer without a heated chamber, it is important to cover the print bed with a piece of Kapton tape to prevent warping and layer separation. It distributes heat evenly across the print bed, resulting in a glossy, durable print. In addition, print faster than usual to maximize inter-layer bonding. Additionally, use larger perimeters to increase the surface area between layers. If possible, print the first few layers at a higher temperature and then use a lower temperature for the rest.
ASA filament is tough, and it is recommended to store it in a dry box. To test if it contains moisture, you can try extruding a small amount of the filament. If moisture is present, moisture will expand and cause a rough extrusion. To avoid moisture problems, store your filament in a dry box. This will help keep moisture away from the filament while printing. You can also check the ASA filament’s tolerance by checking if it has an acceptable tolerance.
UV Resistant:
ASA is an excellent option for outdoor projects. Unlike ABS, this plastic is resistant to UV rays. However, this material will degrade over long periods of exposure to sunlight. However, it has a smooth surface, reflecting most of the light that hits it.ASA is somewhat difficult to print with. Polymaker PolyLite ASA Filament is the most popular ASA filament. It has a slightly different print behaviour from ABS and PLA. Its high UV resistance makes it ideal for testing models outdoors, including those exposed to direct sunlight. Moreover, it is available in various colours.
Another great feature of ASA filament is its resistance to impact. If a product is exposed to the elements, it is essential to consider the type of material used in the project. In general, ASA filament is extremely resistant to UV rays. In contrast, ABS filament is much less resistant to UV rays. Because it degrades slowly, PLA filament is best suited for printing aesthetic models. While PLA filament does not deform under normal temperatures, it will lose its colour over time. Exposure to UV rays causes the degradation of colouring pigments. Hence, you should use ASA filament if your project requires prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Applications of ASA Filament:
ASA filament is common in the automotive industry. Unlike ABS, it is slightly easier to print with compared to ABS. A major downside of ASA is that it is expensive. It is still a useful material for 3D printing in outdoor environments. You can also use it to create 3D models that require an increased level of UV resistance. It is, therefore, a superior choice for outdoor applications, as its high impact resistance means that the parts are protected from all damage. Its UV resistance makes it the ideal choice for outdoor applications. They are also a great choice for various applications, including 3D printing.
It is characterized by good toughness, chemical stability, and aesthetic quality. Its outstanding UV resistance makes it suitable for outdoor and rugged use cases. It is ideal for tooling and functional prototypes, but its availability is not as broad as ABS. Stratasys, PolyMaker, Raise3D, ColorFabb, and Zortrax are the companies offering the material.
Cost of the ASA Filament:
ASA is the most expensive plastic on the market. Its white version takes longer to yellow than ABS. This is because ASA is made from acrylate rubber, which is more durable than butadiene. It is also more impact and temperature resistant, making it an excellent all-around material. Its cost is since it is not widely available. While ASA is costly, its advantages are many. If you plan to print a product outdoors, ASA is the best choice.