ASA

ASA is an engineering-grade thermoplastic designed for long-term outdoor use. It offers similar strength and heat resistance to ABS but with significantly improved UV and weather resistance, making it ideal for parts exposed to sunlight and harsh environments.

In this guide, we’ll explain what ASA is, its advantages and limitations, when it’s the right choice, and how ASA is priced at Precision Print Co.

What Is ASA?

ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) is a thermoplastic developed as an advanced alternative to ABS. It retains ABS’s strength and heat resistance while adding excellent resistance to UV exposure, weathering, and colour fading.

At Precision Print Co, ASA is commonly used for outdoor components, automotive parts, enclosures, brackets, and functional parts that must withstand the elements.

Advantages of ASA 3D Printing

ASA offers several benefits for demanding applications.

Excellent UV Resistance

ASA maintains its strength and colour when exposed to sunlight, unlike ABS which degrades over time.

Good Heat Resistance

ASA performs well in warm environments and maintains structural integrity better than PLA or PETG.

Strong and Impact Resistant

ASA is tough enough for real-world use and can handle knocks and vibration.

Ideal for Outdoor Applications

ASA is one of the best materials for parts that will live outdoors long-term.

Limitations of ASA

Despite its strengths, ASA has some limitations to consider.

Requires Controlled Printing Conditions

Like ABS, ASA must be printed in a controlled environment to prevent warping.

Strong Odour During Printing

ASA produces fumes during printing, which is why professional equipment and ventilation are required.

Not as Flexible as PETG or TPU

ASA is rigid and strong, but not suitable for parts that need to flex.

When Is ASA the Right Choice?

ASA is an excellent option when your project involves:

  • Outdoor parts exposed to sunlight

  • Automotive exterior components

  • Weather-resistant enclosures

  • Functional brackets and mounts

  • Parts requiring heat and UV resistance

ASA is often chosen when ABS lacks UV stability, but PA6 would be unnecessary or over-engineered.

ASA Pricing at Precision Print Co

We maintain clear and transparent pricing for engineering materials like ASA.

ASA printing at Precision Print Co is priced at:

  • £0.25 per gram of material

  • £3.00 per hour of print time

Final pricing depends on:

  • Part size and weight

  • Print duration

  • Layer height and infill

  • Quantity ordered

If ASA isn’t suitable for your application, we’ll always recommend a more appropriate material.

ASA vs Other Materials

ASA fits into our material lineup as follows:

  • PLA – prototypes and visual parts

  • PLA-CF – rigid structural components

  • PETG – durable functional parts

  • ABS – indoor heat-resistant parts

  • ASA – outdoor and UV-stable parts

  • TPU – flexible components

  • PA6 (Nylon 6) – high-strength engineering parts

ASA is the go-to material for outdoor durability without stepping into higher-cost engineering plastics.

ASA at Precision Print Co

We recommend ASA for customers who need long-lasting, weather-resistant parts that perform reliably outdoors.

Our goal is to ensure the material matches the environment the part will actually be used in — not just what’s easiest to print.

Need Help Choosing a Material?

If you’re unsure whether ASA is right for your project, we’re happy to help. We’ll review how your part will be used and recommend the most suitable material based on performance, environment, and cost.

👉 Learn more about our custom 3D printing services:
https://precisionprint.uk/pages/custom-3d-printing-services

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