What is ASA 3D printing?
ASA is a weatherable thermoplastic printed on our large-format FDM platform, and the only UV-stable grade in our range. It offers 37 MPa tensile strength, a 100 °C heat deflection temperature and 19.6 kJ/m² notched impact. It is specified for outdoor enclosures, covers, housings and exterior trim — parts that have to keep their colour and their strength in daylight.
Is ASA good for outdoor use?
Yes — that is the entire reason to specify it. ASA is formulated to resist ultraviolet degradation, so it holds its colour and its mechanical properties in sunlight rather than yellowing, chalking and turning brittle the way ABS does. The UV resistance is inherent to the polymer rather than a surface coating, so it is not lost if the part is drilled, machined or scuffed in service.
ASA or ABS — which should I choose?
One question decides it: is the part going outside? If yes, ASA, because ABS degrades in sunlight and no amount of extra wall thickness fixes that. If no, ABS is the better buy — it costs less and is the more ductile at 10.5% elongation against 9.2%, though ASA holds more heat (100 vs 87 °C) and is slightly stronger (37 vs 33 MPa). ABS is the tougher of the two on impact at 21.5 against 19.6 kJ/m².
How strong is ASA?
37 MPa tensile strength with 19.6 kJ/m² notched impact, a tough figure for a general-purpose grade. Elongation at break is 9.2%, so it is stiffer and less forgiving than ABS. It is a housing and cover material rather than a load-carrying one; for load-bearing parts we would point you at PA6-GF or PA6-CF.
What is ASA used for?
Outdoor enclosures and weatherproof covers, automotive exterior trim, EV charge point housings, signage and fascias, sensor and camera housings, solar mounting components, agricultural fittings and marine topside parts — up to 500 × 500 × 900 mm in one piece.
Does ASA warp?
ASA shrinks as it cools like every styrenic, so wide unsupported flat areas are the classic warp risk. It is a geometry and orientation problem rather than a material fault: ribs, a split, or rotating the part usually resolves it. We review the geometry free with your quote and flag anything likely to move before it is printed.
How much does ASA 3D printing cost?
Upload your CAD to our instant online quote and select FDM ASA — the price appears immediately, with no minimum order and instant pricing on runs up to 100,000 parts. It sits in a similar bracket to ABS, so the UV stability costs far less than most people expect.
Where can I find ASA material properties and a datasheet?
How do I order ASA 3D printed parts in the UK?
Upload your CAD to our instant online quote and select FDM ASA. As a UK 3D printing service bureau we print, finish and inspect in-house in Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire, and ship UK-wide — from single weatherproof covers to production batches.
