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ABS & ASA filament

Strong, impact-resistant and heat-resistant: for technical parts and prints that stay outdoors.

ABS and ASA are strong, impact-resistant filaments that handle heat better than PLA and PETG. ASA is also resistant to UV light and weather, making it the choice for anything that stays outdoors. Below you will find all our ABS and ASA from Fiberlogy, plus PC/ABS and reinforced types with glass or aramid fibre. Which one suits your project? Below the products we set out the differences. Read more…

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What are ABS and ASA filament?

ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is an engineering plastic you know from LEGO bricks and appliance housings, among other things. It is hard, impact-resistant and keeps its shape at higher temperatures. ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate) is a close relative, but contains an acrylate rubber instead of butadiene. That makes ASA resistant to UV light and weather: it discolours and becomes brittle outdoors far less quickly.

Which type should you choose?

TypeSuitable for
ASAAnything that stays outdoors: resistant to UV, moisture and temperatures up to around 94 °C.
ABSStrong, heat-resistant parts for indoor use, such as enclosures and technical parts.
PC/ABSExtra impact- and heat-resistant parts: the toughness of polycarbonate with the ease of printing of ABS.
ABS / ASA + GF / AFVery stiff, dimensionally stable parts with glass fibre (GF) or aramid fibre (AF).

Printing ABS and ASA: the right settings

  • Nozzle: ABS 250–265 °C, ASA 255–270 °C, PC/ABS 230–250 °C, ABS+GF 270–285 °C.
  • Print bed: 90–110 °C for ABS and ASA, 80–100 °C for PC/ABS and ABS+GF.
  • Enclosure: strongly recommended for ABS. An enclosed printer keeps the temperature steady and prevents warping and cracking. ASA shrinks less and can do without, although an enclosure helps with large prints.
  • Cooling: little or none; too much cooling makes layers separate.
  • Ventilation: ABS and ASA give off a plastic smell while printing. Print in a well-ventilated room, preferably with an enclosed printer with a filter.
  • Reinforced types: glass and aramid fibre wear a brass nozzle; use a hardened nozzle.

The exact temperatures are listed with each product. Struggling with warping or separating layers? Our article on solving 3D printing problems has the solutions.

The pros and cons of ABS and ASA at a glance

Pros

  • Strong, hard and impact-resistant
  • Keeps its shape at higher temperatures than PLA and PETG
  • ASA is UV- and weather-resistant
  • Easy to post-process: sanding, gluing and painting

Cons

  • Needs a heated bed of 80–110 °C
  • ABS shrinks and can warp without an enclosure
  • Gives off a smell while printing, so ventilate well
  • Not intended for contact with food

Uses of ABS and ASA

  • Outdoors (ASA): parts for cars, bikes, boats, gardens and facades.
  • Enclosures: for electronics and devices that get warm.
  • Engineering: brackets, clamps, gears and spare parts.
  • Car interiors: holders and parts that have to stay in the sun.

Torn between these materials and PETG? On the PETG & PCTG page you will find an easier-to-print alternative for functional parts.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the difference between ABS and ASA?

    They are closely related and equally strong, but ASA resists UV light and weather while ABS does not. ASA also shrinks less, which makes it easier to print. Choose ASA for outdoors; ABS is fine indoors.

  • Do I need an enclosure for ABS?

    For ABS we strongly recommend it. An enclosed printer keeps the heat in, so the print does not warp or crack. ASA can usually do without, although an enclosure helps with large prints.

  • Is ASA suitable for outdoor use?

    Yes, that is what it is made for. ASA resists UV radiation, moisture and temperatures up to around 94 °C, so it discolours and becomes brittle much less than ABS or PLA.

  • Is printing ABS or ASA harmful?

    Printing releases fumes and fine particles with a distinct plastic smell. So print in a well-ventilated room, ideally with an enclosed printer with a filter. Do not sit next to the printer for long periods.

  • Can I smooth ABS with acetone?

    Yes, ABS dissolves in acetone. Acetone vapour lets you smooth a print so the layer lines disappear. Only do this in a well-ventilated room and away from flames, as acetone is highly flammable.

  • What is PC/ABS?

    A blend of polycarbonate and ABS. It combines the toughness and heat resistance of PC with the ease of printing of ABS, and prints at just 230–250 °C. You will find it under PC/ABS.