Polymer Additive

ASA

ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) is a production-grade thermoplastic used in FDM 3D printing, combining mechanical strength, UV resistance, and excellent part aesthetics.

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Material Overview

ASA is ideal for both general-purpose prototyping and producing durable end-use parts, especially those exposed to outdoor conditions. Its combination of toughness, high-resolution detail, and resistance to environmental factors makes it a preferred material for a variety of industries.

Key Features:

UV Stability: Perfect for outdoor applications, ASA maintains its appearance and mechanical properties even after prolonged sun exposure.
Durable and Strong: Provides the mechanical strength required for robust, long-lasting parts.
High Resolution and Detail: Offers excellent surface finish and fine detail for superior part aesthetics, making it suitable for visual prototypes and functional parts alike.

Color Options: Black, Dark Blue, Dark Gray, Green, Light Gray, Yellow, White, Orange, Ivory, Red

Property	ASTM	Metric Units
Tensile Strength	D638M	36 MPa
Modulus of Elasticity, Youngs Modulus	D638M	2,400 MPa
Elongation at Break (%)	D638M	3%
Flexural Strength	D790M	48 MPa
Flexural Modulus	D790M	1,630 MPa
IZOD Impact (notched)	D256A	64 J/m
Heat Deflection Temperature at .45 MPa/66 psi (°C)	D648	98 °C

Technology:

FDM

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) uses a heated filament, like ABS or PLA, which is extruded through a nozzle that follows a programmed path to deposit material layer by layer on a build platform. The thermoplastics used in FDM create strong, durable parts that can endure mechanical stress. Its use of standard materials makes it a cost-effective choice for prototyping and low-volume production.

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Applications:

UV-Stable Thermoplastic

ASA is the go-to material for projects requiring durability, high-quality finishes, and outdoor performance. From automotive components to commercial infrastructure, ASA offers strength and reliability with the added benefit of UV stability, ensuring your parts maintain their integrity and appearance over time.General-purpose prototyping

End-use parts
Outdoor commercial and infrastructure parts
Sporting goods
Tools
Automotive components and accessories

Advantages:

UV Stability: ASA is highly resistant to ultraviolet (UV) light, making it ideal for outdoor applications. It retains its color, mechanical properties, and durability even after prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Mechanical Strength: ASA offers excellent toughness, impact resistance, and strength, making it suitable for demanding applications such as automotive components and outdoor commercial products.
Weather Resistance: Beyond UV stability, ASA is also resistant to moisture and environmental conditions, making it durable in harsh weather environments.
Good Aesthetic Qualities: ASA produces parts with a smooth surface finish and fine detail, making it excellent for both functional parts and visual prototypes.
Chemical Resistance: ASA is resistant to a variety of chemicals, including oils, greases, and many industrial solvents, enhancing its durability in industrial settings.
Wide Color Range: ASA is available in a broad range of colors, giving designers and engineers more flexibility in prototyping and production.

Disadvantages:

Printability: Compared to other materials like PLA, ASA can be more difficult to print, as it tends to warp during cooling. Proper temperature control and an enclosed build chamber are often required.
Cost: ASA tends to be more expensive than standard ABS or PLA filaments, which can increase production costs, particularly for large-scale or high-volume prints.
Lower Heat Resistance: While ASA is UV and weather-resistant, it doesn’t offer as high heat resistance as some other thermoplastics like polycarbonate (PC) or ULTEM, which may limit its use in high-temperature environments.
Fumes During Printing: Like many thermoplastics, ASA can release fumes during printing, so proper ventilation is required when using this material.

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