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ABS-GF and ASA-AF filament

ABS with glass fibre and ASA with aramid fibre: stiffer, more dimensionally stable and more wear-resistant.

Here you will find fibre-reinforced ABS and ASA. Fiberlogy ABS+GF contains glass fibre and produces very stiff, dimensionally stable parts. ASA+AF contains aramid fibre: wear-resistant, impact-resistant and low-friction, and like plain ASA resistant to UV light and weather. Below the products you can read which one to choose and what to watch out for when printing, such as the right nozzle. Read more…

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What does the fibre do?

Short fibres in the filament make the material stiffer and reduce shrinkage as it cools. A print therefore warps less and stays closer to size. Fibre-reinforced filament also gives a matte, technical surface on which layer lines show less.

ABS-GF or ASA-AF?

ABS+GFASA+AF
FibreGlass fibreAramid fibre
Strong inStiffness, dimensional stability and resistance to long-term loadWear resistance, impact resistance and low friction
OutdoorsNot UV resistantUV and weather resistant
Nozzle270–285 °C255–270 °C
Print bed80–100 °C90–110 °C
ColoursBlack and greyNatural

Without fibre, you will find these materials under ABS and ASA, and the full range under ABS & ASA filament. Looking for a fibre-reinforced filament that is easier to print? Take a look at PCTG + CF / GF.

Printing ABS-GF and ASA-AF

  • Nozzle: ABS+GF 270–285 °C, ASA+AF 255–270 °C.
  • Print bed: ABS+GF 80–100 °C, ASA+AF 90–110 °C.
  • Hardened nozzle: glass fibre wears a brass nozzle quickly. ABS+GF requires a hardened steel or ruby nozzle. Fiberlogy does not require this for ASA+AF, but if you print a lot with it, a hardened nozzle prevents wear.
  • Enclosure: recommended for ABS+GF, as for regular ABS. According to Fiberlogy, ASA+AF also prints without a fully enclosed printer.
  • Ventilation: both give off fumes while printing. Print in a well-ventilated room.

Something going wrong? Read solving 3D printing problems.

The pros and cons of fibre-reinforced ABS and ASA

Pros

  • Stiffer and more dimensionally stable than plain ABS and ASA
  • Less warping during printing
  • Wear-resistant; ASA+AF also has low friction
  • Matte, technical surface

Cons

  • Requires a hardened nozzle (ABS+GF)
  • Higher printing temperature for ABS+GF
  • Gives off fumes, so ventilation is needed

Uses

  • Technical structures: stiff, lightweight parts and enclosures.
  • Mechanical: gears, sliders and moving parts with ASA+AF.
  • Outdoors and car: wear-resistant mounts and clips in ASA+AF.
  • Industry: machine parts, jigs and functional prototypes.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the difference between ABS-GF and regular ABS?

    ABS-GF contains glass fibre. This makes it stiffer, it shrinks less and a part stays closer to size, even with larger prints. It does print hotter (270–285 °C against 250–265 °C for Fiberlogy ABS) and you need a hardened nozzle.

  • Is ASA-AF the same as ASA-GF?

    No. AF stands for aramid fibre, the same type of fibre as in Kevlar; GF stands for glass fibre. Aramid fibre mainly makes ASA wear-resistant and impact-resistant with low friction, glass fibre mainly makes it stiff. We sell ASA with aramid fibre. Looking for glass fibre? Take a look at ABS+GF or PCTG + GF.

  • Is fibre-reinforced filament stronger?

    Mainly stiffer: a part deflects less under load and stays closer to size. Strength also depends on the bond between layers, and that is not higher with fibre-reinforced filament than with the base material. So place loaded parts on the print bed in such a way that the force does not act perpendicular to the layers.

  • Can you use ASA-AF outdoors?

    Yes. Like plain ASA, ASA+AF resists UV light and moisture and keeps its shape up to around 94 °C. ABS+GF is not UV resistant and therefore less suitable for outdoor use.

  • Are ABS-GF and ASA-AF suitable for the Bambu Lab AMS?

    Yes, both are suitable for the Bambu Lab AMS. Do check that your printer has a hardened nozzle before printing ABS+GF.