Kate G. - April 06 2024
The Ultimate Guide to ASA Filament: Properties, Printing Tips, and Applications
ASA filament is a versatile and durable 3D printing material that offers a unique set of properties ideal for outdoor and industrial applications. Known for its excellent UV resistance, weatherability, and mechanical strength, ASA filament has become a popular choice among 3D printing enthusiasts and professionals alike. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the characteristics of ASA filament, provide printing tips for optimal results, and highlight the diverse applications where ASA excels.
Understanding ASA Filament
Pros
- Strong UV resistance
- High impact and wear resistance
- High glass transition temperature
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires higher extruder temp
- Requires ventilation due to potentially dangerous fumes
What is ASA Filament?
ASA filament (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) is a type of thermoplastic material derived from ABS and improves upon it. ASA filament is known for its similar properties to ABS filament, but with enhanced weather resistance and UV stability.
ASA yellows a lot slower than ABS, so it's perfect to be used to print outdoor fixtures like garden hose attachments, planters, garden gnomes, or anything you'd want outside.
Key Properties and Advantages of ASA
ASA is a thermoplastic polymer known for its excellent combination of properties suitable for a wide range of applications. Here are some key properties and advantages of ASA:
1. UV Resistance and Weatherability: ASA has excellent weather resistance, making it suitable for outdoor applications. It maintains its mechanical properties and color stability even when exposed to UV radiation and harsh weather conditions, such as sunlight, rain, and temperature fluctuations.
2. Chemical Resistance: ASA exhibits good resistance to various chemicals, including acids, alkalis, and solvents. This property makes it suitable for applications where exposure to chemicals is a concern, such as automotive parts and outdoor signage.
3. High Impact Strength and Durability: ASA has high impact strength, similar to ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene). It can withstand mechanical stresses and impacts without easily breaking or cracking, making it suitable for applications that require durability and toughness.
| ASA Physical properties | Typical Value | Test Condition |
|---|---|---|
| material density | 1.07 g/cm³ | |
| Melt volume index | 6 cm³/10 min | 220℃, 10 kg |
| Diameter tolerance | ±0.05 mm | |
| ASA Mechanical properties | Typical Value | Test Condition |
| Tensile strength | 42 MPa | 50 mm/min |
| Tensile modules | 1800 MPa | 1 mm/min |
| Elogation at break | 25% | 50 mm/min |
| Flexural strength | 65 MPa | 2 mm/min |
| Flexual modulas | 2000 MPa | 2 mm/min |
| Charpy impact strength | 45 KJ/m² | notched |
| ASA Thermal properties | Typical Value | Test Condition |
| Melting temperature | 220-250℃ | |
| Heat distortion temperature | 95 ℃ | 1.8 MPa |
| 99 ℃ | 0.45 MPa | |
| Vicat softening temperature | 96 ℃ | 50 ℃/h, 0.5 kg |
| Coefficient of linea thermal expansion | 9 · 10⁻⁵ | |
4. Dimensional Stability: ASA offers good dimensional stability, meaning it retains its shape and dimensions even under varying temperature conditions. This property makes it suitable for applications that require tight tolerances and precise dimensions, such as engineering components and housings for electronic devices.
5. Ease of Processing: ASA is relatively easy to process using common plastic processing techniques such as injection molding, extrusion, and 3D printing (FDM). It can be easily molded into complex shapes and has good flow properties during processing.
6. Excellent Surface Finish: ASA typically produces parts with a smooth and glossy surface finish, which is aesthetically pleasing and suitable for applications where appearance matters, such as consumer products, automotive parts, and outdoor signage.
7. Wide Range of Colors: ASA is available in a wide range of colors, including standard colors, metallic finishes, and custom colors. This versatility allows for the production of visually appealing parts without the need for additional painting or finishing processes.
8. Flame Retardant: Some formulations of ASA may exhibit flame-retardant properties, making them suitable for applications where fire safety is a concern, such as electrical enclosures and building materials.
Overall, ASA offers a unique combination of properties that make it suitable for diverse applications, ranging from automotive and transportation to outdoor signage, construction, and consumer goods. Its weather resistance, high impact strength, chemical resistance, and ease of processing make it a popular choice for manufacturers seeking durable and aesthetically pleasing materials.
ASA Print Settings
Because ASA is derived from ABS, it also splits and warps like it does. They print very similar in settings. These two materials, when compared to PLA or PTG, are slightly harder for printing.
Printing ASA in an enclosed chamber can help maintain a consistent temperature throughout the print, reducing the risk of warping and improving layer adhesion.
An enclosed printer is highly recommended, such as the Bambu Lab P1S, X1 Carbon, Creality K1C, K1, K1 Max, etc. However, a hardened steel nozzle may not be necessary for these materials. Because the hardest nozzle has slightly lower thermal conductivity.
· Printing Temperature
ASA filament typically prints well at temperatures ranging from 230°C to 270°C. Experiment within this range to find the optimal temperature for your printer and specific ASA filament brand.
· Bed Temperature
ASA filament requires a heated print bed to prevent warping and ensure good adhesion. A bed temperature between 80°C to 100°C is recommended. Additionally, using a heated enclosure can further improve print quality by reducing warping.
· Print Speed
ASA can be printed at moderate speeds, typically ranging from 30mm/s to 60mm/s. However, slower speeds may be necessary for intricate or detailed prints to maintain quality.
· Low Cooling Fan Speed
Unlike PLA, ASA doesn't respond well to rapid cooling. Avoid using a cooling fan during printing or set it to a minimal speed of 10%-50% to prevent warping and layer adhesion issues.
· Adhesion
Ensure that your print bed is properly leveled and cleaned before printing. Consider using adhesion aids such as a heated bed adhesive, glue stick, hairspray or specialized printing surfaces like PEI sheets, or you could start off your print with a brim of about fifteen loops.
ASA vs. ABS Filament
ASA and ABS are both popular thermoplastic filaments used in 3D printing, but they have distinct characteristics and are suitable for different applications.
ABS is a widely used filament known for its strength, durability, and heat resistance. It has good mechanical properties, making it suitable for functional parts, prototypes, and end-use products. ABS has a higher glass transition temperature (around 105°C) compared to PLA, making it less prone to deformation under heat. However, ABS can be challenging to print with due to its tendency to warp, especially when cooling too quickly. To mitigate warping, ABS printing often requires a heated print bed and an enclosed print chamber to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the print.
On the other hand, ASA is a modified version of ABS with improved weather resistance and UV stability. ASA shares many similarities with ABS in terms of strength and durability but offers better resistance to outdoor conditions such as sunlight and harsh weather. ASA filament is less prone to yellowing or becoming brittle over time when exposed to UV light, making it suitable for outdoor applications like garden fixtures, automotive parts, and signage.
Like ABS, ASA also requires a heated print bed and benefits from printing in an enclosed chamber to reduce warping, though ASA tends to warp less than ABS due to· its improved formulation.
In summary, ABS is a versatile filament suitable for a wide range of applications, while ASA offers enhanced weather resistance, making it particularly well-suited for outdoor use. When choosing between ASA and ABS, consider factors such as your specific printing requirements, desired mechanical properties, and environmental conditions the printed parts will be exposed to.
Applications of ASA Filament
1. Outdoor Signage and Displays
2. Functional Prototypes
3. Automotive Parts
ASA filament is valued for its exceptional weather resistance and UV stability, making it ideal for outdoor applications. Its durability and ability to withstand harsh conditions make it suitable for producing garden fixtures, automotive parts, signage, and architectural models that require long-term exposure to sunlight and extreme weather. ASA's resistance to yellowing and brittleness over time ensures the longevity of printed parts, making it a preferred choice for projects where durability and aesthetics are paramount. With its superior performance in outdoor environments, ASA filament provides reliable solutions for a wide range of applications requiring high-quality, weather-resistant 3D printed parts.
Storage and Handling of ASA Filament
To maintain the quality of ASA filament, store it in a dry, cool environment away from sunlight and heat sources. Use airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags with desiccants to prevent moisture absorption. Protect it from UV light exposure by storing it in a dark or opaque container. Handle ASA filament with clean hands or gloves to avoid contamination, and inspect it regularly for any signs of degradation. When loading it into the 3D printer, handle it carefully to prevent kinks or tangles. Following these guidelines ensures optimal printability and longevity of ASA filament for high-quality 3D printing results.
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