ABS and ASA Filament Guide
While PLA and PETG are the go-to for most hobbyist projects, ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and its successor ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) are the industry standards for functional, high-strength parts. ABS is famous for its toughness and heat resistance, the same material used in house waste pipes, while ASA offers nearly identical mechanical properties with superior UV and weather resistance. Both require an enclosure but they offer durability that PLA or PETG simply cannot match.
The Technical Face-off: ABS vs ASA
| Feature | PLA | PETG | ABS | ASA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Print | Very High | Medium | Low | Low-Med |
| Strength / Impact | Medium | High | Very High | Very High |
| Heat Resistance | 55°C | 80°C | 100°C | 100°C |
| UV Resistance | Low | Medium | Low | High |
| Fumes / Odor | Minimal | Minimal | Significant | Moderate |
| Shrinkage / Warp | Minimal | Low | High | Med-High |
Optimal Printing Settings
Both materials require a heated chamber or enclosure to prevent delamination (layers splitting). This is not optional. Without an enclosure, results will be inconsistent at best.
ABS Settings
Run a temperature tower to find the ideal setting for your brand. ABS needs higher heat than PETG to flow properly and bond between layers.
A hot bed is critical for ABS adhesion and minimizing warp. A PEI sheet works well. Add a glue stick or hairspray for extra insurance on large prints.
Keep speed moderate. Rushing ABS increases the risk of layer delamination and warping, especially on larger prints.
Fan off is critical for layer strength. Cooling ABS too quickly is the single most common cause of delamination and corner warping.
ASA Settings
ASA runs slightly hotter than ABS. Run a temperature tower first then build a dedicated slicer profile for each brand.
Same bed requirements as ABS. A high bed temperature is non-negotiable for good first layer adhesion with ASA.
ASA benefits from slightly slower speeds than ABS for better layer bonding and surface quality.
A very low fan setting can help with fine detail but stay close to 0%. Going above 10% risks delamination.
ABS & ASA Drying Time
Both materials are moderately hygroscopic. Moisture produces surface "zits" and causes brittle, weak parts. Dry before every print session if the filament has been sitting out.
| Method | Duration | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Filament Dryer | 8 hours | 75 to 85°C |
Important: If your dryer only goes to 50°C, you will need 12+ hours to see any effect. Do NOT dry ABS or ASA on a spool made from PLA or PETG because the spool will deform and melt at these temperatures. Speaking from experience on that one.
Common Challenges & Solutions
Warping and Layer Splitting
ABS and ASA shrink as they cool. If the ambient air is too cold, corners will lift off the bed or layers will delaminate mid-print.
Solution: Use an enclosure. If you don't have one, even a large cardboard box over the printer helps trap heat. Turn off all cooling fans.
Fumes and VOCs
ABS produces a distinct burnt-plastic smell and releases Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). ASA is better but still produces odors. You must vent. Prolonged exposure to ABS fumes is harmful. Do not print in occupied rooms.
Solution: Use an enclosure with a HEPA/Carbon filter such as a Nevermore or BentoBox, or vent outdoors. Avoid being in the room during ABS or ASA prints.
Bed Adhesion
High shrinkage makes first layer adhesion tricky and removal can be difficult once the print cools.
Solution: Use a PEI sheet and gently scrape off the print once cooled, or apply Elmer's glue stick, hairspray, or Kapton tape as a release layer.
Common Uses
ABS and ASA are the materials you reach for when durability, high heat, or outdoor exposure are hard requirements.
Automotive Parts
Interior trim, knobs, and brackets that live in high-heat environments.
Outdoor Fixtures (ASA)
Security camera mounts, mailboxes, and garden tool handles that won't degrade in the sun.
Mechanical Prototypes
Parts that need to be sanded, drilled, or tapped with threads for real-world use.
Acetone Vapor Smoothing
ABS can be finished with acetone vapor to create a glass-smooth surface, a technique no other common filament supports.
Fume warning: Never print ABS or ASA in an occupied, unventilated room. Use a filtered enclosure or vent outdoors. Prolonged exposure to ABS fumes is a health hazard.
ABS and ASA Cost
ABS is often the most affordable technical filament, typically running between $14 and $20 per kg. ASA is slightly more expensive at $22 to $30 per kg due to the UV-stabilizing additives. Both are worth the premium over PLA when your application demands it.
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