ASA Filament: The Complete 3D Printing Guide
ASA is for you if you’re searching for a tough, long-lasting filament for producing a wide range of weather-resistant and outdoor items. The two-part ASA is similar to ABS in terms of characteristics. Still, it has a few distinctions and benefits, and it’s quickly becoming a favourite for 3D printing out-of-door prototypes.
ASA Properties and Printing Parameters
- The printing temperature varies from 220 to 250 degrees Celsius.
- The optimum setting for the target temperature is between 77°F and 90°F.
Like ABA, ASA is a thermoplastic with a high melting temperature and excellent heat resistance. It was initially designed as a UV-repellant of ABS, resulting in it being more durable and suited to open-air usage.
Aside from that, no other filament on sale compares to ASA in terms of quality. The yellowing time for ASAL White is about two times longer than for ABS, owing to the used Acrylate rubber in its production rather than Butadiene in the case of ABS.
Acrylate tends to be more durable plastic than Butadiene. It’s perfect for various applications since it has outstanding chemical resistance, temperature resistance and impact. It’s also a tremendous multi-purpose material for most products intended to operate in extreme environments.
However, this does imply that the 3D printing process is more complicated. The higher temperatures required to work with ASA are comparable to those needed for ABS printing. While generating at the low edge of the scale is feasible, operating at temperatures around 250 Degrees Celcius extruder temperature and 110° Degrees Celsius for the bed is recommended.
In our experience, a failed ASA print (left) has more apparent flaws than an improved ASA print (right).
The suggested temperature is between 350- and 400-degrees Fahrenheit (177 to 205 degrees Celsius). It’s essential to start at a higher temperature and reduce it until you get the ideal temperature. ASA must cool down gradually over time, so keep an eye on it. Although a too-high temperature might produce some straining and uneven overhangs, the layer adhesion is likely to be poor if it’s too cold, resulting in any printing being almost unusable.
The best practice for ASA printing is, to begin with, small components to understand what you’re doing before proceeding with a larger project. You will, however, get a long-lasting product if you fulfil all of that criteria.
What’s The Cost of The ASA Filament?
Unlike its relatives, the ASA offers a higher level of protection than past versions. As a result, it costs more than previous versions. You’ll see that ASA is typically priced at about $30-35 per kilogram when you look around.
For individuals who have time, you may also get ASA pellets. It allows you to colour your ABS parts with dye. Calcium bentonite is the most common material used to make ASASA pellets, although other minerals and fillers are also employed. The cost of each kilo of calcium bentonite varies according to source and destination.
- We recommend these ASA filaments from Matterhackers on the following page.
- We would recommend this one on 3DJake for the UK and European creators.
How to Use ASA 3D Printing to Its Strengths
Buy or Build an Enclosure
Free-flowing air is the most important thing to keep away from producing ASA. The extrusion process can also lead to various issues, likely as the filament cools. For this reason, it’s a good idea to invest in or construct a ring for the printer to keep away cool air while also maintaining a consistent temperature so that the cooling process may run smoothly.
You may buy enclosures on Amazon or at Matterhackers.
Don’t Use Fans
You can’t utilise your 3D printer’s fans when creating ASA, as you could previously. There may be more vapours coming off, although you’ll have to put up with it.
Some individuals have printed minor parts with their fans at 10% power, but no more and not for larger goods. Take it for a test drive and note if it’s working for you. Expect nothing, however.
Use an Acetone Slurry
Using an ASA and acetone slurry to assist in the bonding procedure is one option. A slurry over a heated build-plate will provide an outstanding film that will keep your components in place.
ABS, for example, has a melting temperature of 427 degrees Fahrenheit (224 Celsius), but this is beneficial when making objects that endure rigorous conditions like heat or cold. Many 3D printing filaments have similar characteristics, except hardness.
Importance of ASA
More Stable and Long-Lasting
Acrylate rubber is a type of rubber that has exceptional impact strength and tensile strength. The Fused filament fabrication (FFF) process is a technique of manufacturing that uses a heated bed to print objects in three dimensions. The product has been discontinued, but it’s sure to be a hit with 3D printing enthusiasts who appreciate its toughness and versatility. It may withstand anything Mother Nature throws at you: sun, water, impact, chemicals.
Longer Lifespan
The completed product will be more durable than other materials before decaying, discolouring, warping in providing the more excellent ASA content. You may rest confident that it will outlast the test of time.
Greater Versatility
Like ABS, for example, may not be cost-effective to break down in this situation, ASA has a considerably more versatile set of applications than ABS.ABS is the same as ASA, so it can do anything ABS can and more. As a result, it’s much more flexible than ABS.
Disadvantages of ASA
High Cost
ASA’s durability is more excellent than its competitors, making it expensive to buy in terms of filament. This can quickly add up if you want to print more significant items.
Difficult to Print
Producing an ASA is both times- The printing procedure with an ASA ASA is lengthy, intricate, and demanding. Aside from the higher temperatures required to achieve optimum results, insufficient aftercare might invalidate everything you’ve accomplished, so be careful.
Harmful and Smelly Fumes
Because the manufacturing process necessitates lowering temperatures, those fans should be avoided. The problem is that the carbon block in a gas fireplace generates more heat than it can dissipate. Because there are no filters and extractions, the heated gases will accumulate. Exhaust fumes from a gas fireplace can be hazardous to one’s health.
How to Keep ASA
Before you employ it, keep the ASA filament in a sealed container away from direct sunshine. It is not influenced by factors outside the manufacturing process, such as liquids or chemicals.
Because ASA is hygroscopic, it absorbs moisture much like other 3D filaments. The plastic expands when it gets hot, causing bubbles to form in the casing. Because, if at all feasible, place a desiccant in the case to delay this and avoid bubble formation when the plastic is hot.
If you detect moisture on your filament, you may dry it in a convection oven. If you’ve exhausted all other options, this is the last option.
Applications of ASA
Cars
ASA has been used in a variety of sectors to demonstrate efficacy.
ASA most significant and most exciting application is in 3D printed automobiles.
The durability of TISA and its resistance to harsh weather and impact make it an excellent choice for exterior automobile components.
