Two materials often compete when it comes to high-performance 3D printing filaments: ABS and ASA. Thanks to their strength, durability, and resistance to impact, both filaments are regarded as excellent choices for functional prints. However, while these materials share similarities, they also have key differences that make them suitable for different applications.

Which one should you choose for your next project? In this ultimate showdown between ASA 3D printing filament and ABS 3D printer filament, we'll break down their properties, printability, and best-use cases to help you decide.

What Are ABS and ASA Filaments?

Before we dive into the details, let's start with a quick introduction to both materials.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) Filament

ABS plastic filament is one of the most widely used 3D printing materials, particularly for hobbyists and small businesses that require tough, impact-resistant parts. It has been around for years and is used in everything from LEGO bricks to automotive components.

• Strengths: High durability, good heat resistance, and cost-effectiveness.
• Weaknesses: Prone to warping, requires an enclosed print chamber for best results, and emits strong fumes when printing.

ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) Filament

ASA filament is often referred to as an upgraded version of ABS. It was developed to retain all the strengths of ABS 3D printer filament while improving upon its weaknesses, particularly when it comes to weather resistance and UV stability.

• Strengths: Excellent UV resistance, weatherproof properties, and reduced warping compared to ABS.
• Weaknesses: An enclosed print chamber is required for optimal results and is slightly more expensive than ABS.

The Ultimate Showdown: ABS vs ASA

Now that we know the basics, let's compare ABS filament and ASA filament across several key categories to see who wins!

1. Strength & Durability

Both materials are commonly used for functional parts thanks to their robust and durable properties. ABS plastic filament is known for its impact resistance, making it ideal for mechanical components, enclosures, and structural parts. ASA 3D printing filament, however, offers similar strength but slightly better chemical and UV resistance, making it better suited for outdoor applications.

🏆 Winner: Tie – Both are strong, but ASA has the edge for outdoor use.

2. Heat Resistance

If you need parts that can withstand heat, ASA and ABS filaments both perform well. They have similar glass transition temperatures (around 100°C), meaning they won't deform easily in warm conditions, making them excellent choices for automotive parts, electronic enclosures, and high-temperature applications.

🏆 Winner: Tie – Both materials can handle heat well.

3. Weather & UV Resistance

This category is where ASA filament truly shines. Unlike ABS filament, which can become brittle and discoloured after prolonged sun exposure, ASA is explicitly designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and UV rays. These properties make ASA the go-to choice for outdoor prints, such as signage, garden tools, and automotive parts exposed to the elements.

🏆 Winner: ASA – Perfect for outdoor applications.

4. Printability & Warping

Warping is one of the biggest challenges when printing with ABS filament. If not correctly managed, ABS tends to shrink as it cools, causing parts to lift off the print bed. ASA filament improves on this by offering slightly better layer adhesion and reduced warping, though it still requires an enclosed printer for best results.

🏆 Winner: ASA – Slightly easier to print than ABS.

5. Fumes & Odour

Both ASA and ABS printing filaments emit fumes when heated, which can be irritating if not adequately ventilated. If you're printing in an enclosed space, you'll want a printer with an air filtration system or an external ventilation setup.

🏆 Winner: Tie – Both require proper ventilation.

6. Cost & Availability

ABS filament is widely available and is one of the more affordable 3D printing filaments on the market. ASA filament, on the other hand, is a bit more expensive due to its enhanced properties. However, ASA's superior weather resistance and printability often justify the price difference.

🏆 Winner: ABS – More budget-friendly.

Which One Should You Choose?

Your choice between ASA and ABS filaments depends on what you need from your prints.

• Choose ABS filament if:
  • You need a strong and affordable material for functional parts.
  • You're printing mechanical components that won't be exposed to sunlight.
  • You have an enclosed printer and proper ventilation.
• Choose ASA filament if:
  • You need a durable filament that can withstand outdoor conditions.
  • You want better UV resistance for long-lasting prints.
  • You're willing to pay a little extra for improved printability and weatherproofing.

Tips for Printing with ABS & ASA

If you decide to work with either of these high-performance 3D printer filaments, here are some tips to get the best results:

✅ Use an Enclosed Printer – Both materials benefit from stable temperatures, so an enclosure helps prevent warping.

✅ Control Bed Temperature* – Keep your heated bed around 100-110°C to improve adhesion.

✅ Optimise Print Settings* – A nozzle temperature of 230-260°C works well for both filaments.

✅ Ventilation is Key – Always print in a well-ventilated area or use an air filtration system.

✅ Use Adhesion Helpers – ABS slurry, PEI sheets, or glue sticks can help prevent prints from lifting off the bed.

*Always check the recommended print settings provided by the filament manufacturer. This information is usually on the filament's box and/or on the website where you purchased it.

Final Verdict

ABS is a fantastic option if you're looking for a strong, cost-effective 3D printing filament. ABS plastic filament is widely used, durable and works well for functional prints. However, ASA filament is worth considering if you need something more weather-resistant and easier to print. While it comes at a slightly higher price, its UV resistance and reduced warping make it an excellent choice for long-lasting prints.

Which one will you choose for your next 3D printing project? Whether you go with ABS or ASA, both filaments offer excellent performance for hobbyists and small businesses looking to create durable and reliable parts.

Shop RAW3D's range of ASA & ABS. Happy printing! 🚀