ABS vs ASA
How ABS and ASA compare, from typical settings across every filament we list.
Short answer
ASA is the better choice for almost anything outdoors: it prints much like ABS and has similar strength and heat resistance, but it resists UV and weather instead of yellowing and turning brittle. ABS is usually a little cheaper and smooths more easily with acetone, so it still suits indoor parts.
- ASA is better outdoors.
- ASA typically prints about 5 °C hotter at the nozzle.
- ABS and ASA print at about the same temperature on the bed.
- ABS is less dense, so a 1 kg spool holds about 11 m more 1.75 mm filament.
- There are 151 ABS filaments in 1,021 colours, and 109 ASA filaments in 638 colours.
At a glance
Our rating, out of 5| ABS | ASA | |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | ||
| Toughness | ||
| Stiffness | ||
| Heat resistance | ||
| Outdoor and UV | Better outdoors | |
| Flexibility | ||
| Setup | Needs an enclosure, Needs ventilation | Needs an enclosure, Needs ventilation |
| ABS | ASA | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene | Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate |
| Filaments listed | 151 | 109 |
| Brands | 72 | 66 |
| Colours | 1,021 | 638 |
| Nozzle temperature | 230–260 °C | 235–260 °C |
| Bed temperature | 90–110 °C | 90–110 °C |
| Density | 1.04 g/cm³ | 1.07 g/cm³ |
| Length of 1 kg (1.75 mm) | about 400 m | about 389 m |
| Max drying temperature | 80 °C | 85 °C |
Temperatures are medians across each material's filaments, rounded to 5 °C. Always check the maker's settings for a specific filament.
Brands that make both
54 brands make both ABS and ASA; these have the most of each.
ABS vs ASA questions
What is the difference between ABS and ASA?
They are close relatives with similar toughness and heat resistance (around 95–100 °C). The big difference is sunlight: ASA is UV stable, while ABS yellows and becomes brittle outdoors.
Do ABS and ASA print the same way?
Very similarly. Both need a hot bed, an enclosure to stop warping, low part cooling and good ventilation. ASA often runs a little hotter and gives a more matte finish.
Which should I use for car parts?
ASA for anything in the sun, such as exterior trim and mirror housings. Either works for interior parts out of direct sunlight.
Is ASA more expensive than ABS?
Often slightly, but the difference is usually small compared with the extra lifespan outdoors.
Can ASA be smoothed with acetone like ABS?
Yes, though it usually takes longer to smooth than ABS.