PLA vs ASA: Easy Indoor Prints or Parts That Live Outside
Pick PLA for anything that stays indoors: it is the easiest filament to print and gives the best detail. Pick ASA for parts that live outside or get hot. It shrugs off sun, rain and heat that would soften or warp PLA, but it needs an enclosure and ventilation to print.
PLA vs ASA Prices Right Now
PLA
ASA
PLA currently averages 10% less per kg than ASA.
PLA and ASA Side by Side
| Property | PLA | ASA |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle temperature | 190-220°C | 240-260°C |
| Bed temperature | 40-60°C | 100-110°C |
| Enclosure | Not needed | Required |
| Drying | 50-55°C, 4-8h | 65-80°C, 4-8h |
| Heat resistance | ~55°C | ~90-100°C |
| Difficulty | Easy | Intermediate |
| Best for | everyday prototypes, models, and indoor parts that won't face heat or heavy stress | 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 PLA
PLA prints on any machine with no enclosure, barely warps and holds fine detail, which makes it ideal for models, prototypes, decor and cosplay.
Outdoors it struggles: summer sun can soften it, and it degrades over time.
When to Choose ASA
ASA resists UV, weather and heat to around 90 to 100°C, so it is a common choice for garden parts, exterior car trim, mounts and anything that sits in direct sun.
It is also tough, bending under impact rather than cracking.
Printing Differences
ASA needs a hot bed around 100 to 110°C and an enclosure, and it gives off fumes while printing. PLA needs neither. If you do not have an enclosure, PETG is a middle ground for light outdoor use.
Cost Differences
ASA usually costs more per kilogram than PLA, and it needs an enclosure if you do not have one. The live prices on this page show where the two stand right now.
Cheapest PLA and ASA Spools
PLA vs ASA FAQ
Can PLA be used outdoors?
For short periods in shade, yes. In direct summer sun PLA can soften and deform, and it breaks down over time. ASA or PETG last much longer outside.
Is ASA hard to print?
It is harder than PLA: it needs an enclosure, a hot bed and ventilation. With those in place it prints reliably.
Is ASA stronger than PLA?
ASA is tougher and far more heat and UV resistant. PLA is stiffer, but it cracks more easily and softens at much lower temperatures.