ASA vs PC
How ASA and PC compare, from typical settings across every filament we list.
- ASA is easier to print and better outdoors; PC is tougher, stiffer and more heat resistant.
- PC typically prints about 35 °C hotter at the nozzle.
- PC typically prints about 10 °C hotter on the bed.
- ASA is less dense, so a 1 kg spool holds about 43 m more 1.75 mm filament.
- There are 109 ASA filaments in 638 colours, and 47 PC filaments in 131 colours.
At a glance
Our rating, out of 5| ASA | PC | |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | Easier to print | |
| Toughness | Tougher | |
| Stiffness | Stiffer | |
| Heat resistance | More heat resistant | |
| Outdoor and UV | Better outdoors | |
| Flexibility | ||
| Setup | Needs an enclosure, Needs ventilation | Needs an enclosure, Dry before printing, Needs ventilation |
| ASA | PC | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate | Polycarbonate |
| Filaments listed | 109 | 47 |
| Brands | 66 | 27 |
| Colours | 638 | 131 |
| Nozzle temperature | 235–260 °C | 260–300 °C |
| Bed temperature | 90–110 °C | 100–120 °C |
| Density | 1.07 g/cm³ | 1.20 g/cm³ |
| Length of 1 kg (1.75 mm) | about 389 m | about 346 m |
| Max drying temperature | 85 °C | 75 °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
23 brands make both ASA and PC; these have the most of each.