ABS vs ASA: Same Toughness, Different Weather
ABS and ASA print almost the same way and handle similar heat. The difference is sunlight: ASA is built to resist UV, so it keeps its color and strength outdoors, while ABS yellows and turns brittle over time in the sun. Use ASA for anything that lives outside and ABS for indoor parts.
ABS vs ASA Prices Right Now
ABS
ASA
ABS currently averages 11% less per kg than ASA.
ABS and ASA Side by Side
| Property | ABS | ASA |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle temperature | 230-260°C | 240-260°C |
| Bed temperature | 100-110°C | 100-110°C |
| Enclosure | Required | Required |
| Drying | 65-80°C, 4-8h | 65-80°C, 4-8h |
| Heat resistance | ~90-100°C | ~90-100°C |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Best for | durable, heat-resistant parts like enclosures and automotive components printed in a controlled chamber | UV-stable outdoor parts that need to survive sun and weather without yellowing |
Settings are starting points. The full settings cheat sheet covers every material.
When to Choose ABS
ABS is the right pick for tough, heat resistant parts that stay indoors or out of direct sun: enclosures, tool parts and interior car pieces.
It is widely available in many colors and can be acetone smoothed.
When to Choose ASA
ASA is the outdoor version. It resists UV and weathering, so garden fixtures, exterior car parts, mounts and signs keep their color and strength for years.
If a part will see the sun, ASA is worth choosing over ABS.
Printing Differences
Both need a hot bed around 100 to 110°C and an enclosure, and both give off fumes, so ventilation matters for either. Many people find ASA slightly less prone to warping than ABS, but the setup is the same.
Cost Differences
ASA often costs a little more per kilogram than ABS, though the gap varies with sales. The live prices on this page show where the two stand right now.
Cheapest ABS and ASA Spools
ABS vs ASA FAQ
Is ASA better than ABS?
For outdoor parts, yes, because of its UV resistance. Indoors they perform about the same, so ABS is fine and sometimes cheaper.
Can I use ASA settings for ABS?
Very close. Both run a similar nozzle range and a bed around 100 to 110°C in an enclosure. Start from the same profile and fine tune.
Does ASA smell when printing?
Yes. Like ABS it releases fumes while printing, so print it in a ventilated space or a filtered enclosure.