ASA FILAMENT: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

ASA, or Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate, is not the most popular filament for 3D printing. However, ASA filaments are a great option if you need to make 3D prints meant to be used outside.

This filament was created by scientists to improve upon ABS. All of the benefits of ABS are provided by ASA filaments, but none of the typical issues. Because of this, 3D prints made using these filaments remain white for a lot longer than ABS.

ASA filaments are used to create gnomes for gardens, planters, and a variety of other items since they are strong and do not break down in the sun. You’ve come to the correct place if you’re unaware of these issues.

In this guide, we will go over everything you need to know about printing with ASA filaments and how to prevent the common difficulties that come with them. You will get all the information you require regarding these filaments from these tips.

ASA Filament: What is it?

ASA Filament: Image Source: makenica.com

ASA is unique because it resists long-term UV deterioration and yellowing, which are frequent problems with many polymers. Its exceptional durability and chemical resistance also make it appropriate for parts exposed to hostile environments or chemicals. The degree of flexibility that ASA retains despite its hardness enables the development of pieces that can withstand tension and bending without breaking.

Proper bed adhesion procedures and temperature control are essential for optimal printing to counteract ASA’s propensity to warp. However, once understood ASA becomes a viable filament option for outdoor applications and more due to its capacity to produce visually appealing, weather-resistant, and durable parts.

Properties of ASA Filament

When it comes to automotive components, sporting goods, outdoor functional prototyping, end-use parts for outdoor infrastructure, and commercial applications like electrical enclosures, ASA outperforms ABS in terms of performance, practicality, and dependability. ASA filament is widely used in 3D printing due to a number of noticeable characteristics.

UV stability: This is a key feature that sets ASA apart from ABS. The UV stability of ASA filament is outstanding. For instance, UV-resistant parts are excellent for outdoor applications and may be 3D printed using SUNLU ASA filament. They also won’t deteriorate when exposed to sunshine for extended periods of time. Even when exposed to UV radiation, ASA can maintain its mechanical and physical characteristics. Because of this, SUNLU ASA filament is frequently used in the manufacturing of functional components or outdoor-oriented items.

High strength and durability: The strength and durability of ASA filament are well-known. Strong mechanical characteristics are displayed by it, including as strong tensile strength and good resistance to impact. Because of these characteristics, ASA filament can be used to create parts like protective enclosures, outdoor signage, and automotive components that need to be strong and durable.

Chemical resistance: ASA filament possesses strong chemical resistance, making it impervious to a wide range of substances, such as acids, alkalis, and other solvents. Because of this characteristic, parts printed with ASA can be exposed to chemicals without suffering substantial deterioration or damage.

Superior surface quality: ASA prints feature a matte appearance, in contrast to the majority of widely used 3D printing materials. Better printing quality and simpler layer line concealment are the results of this, and ASA-printed components appear smoother even in the absence of post-processing than PLA, PETG, or ABS prints, which makes them a great option for decorative applications.

Heat resistance: The heat resistance of ASA filaments is good. Similar to ABS, SUNLU ASA has a glass transition temperature of 108°C. Its filament’s heat distortion temperature is 80°C. Compared to other printing materials, SUNLU ASA has a better heat resistance and can still perform stable over a wider temperature range.

Post-processing: A variety of post-processing methods, including sanding, polishing, and painting, can be applied to ASA filaments. It is simply painted to improve the appearance of printed goods or sanded for a smoother surface finish.

Many colour options: For more creative freedom and personalisation possibilities, SUNLU ASA Supplies come in a range of vivid colours.

Simpler to print than ABS: Because ASA filament has a lower melting point during 3D printing, it requires less warping than ABS filament. Consequently, using ASA filament for 3D printing is simpler than using ABS filament.

All things considered, ASA filament is a great option for outdoor applications needing strength, durability, and UV stability since it combines the excellent qualities of ABS with enhanced weatherability.

3D Printing Tips for ASA Filament

Adhesion: To stop warping, beds must be adhered to properly. ASA shrinks easily, which leads to warping (bigger prints mostly). Bed sticking can be reduced by printing in a heated room and, if practical, by skirting your prints. Additional tools for improving adhesion include ABS/ASA slurry, PET sheets, and Kapton tape.

Post-processing: An appropriate surface finish can be obtained for ASA prints by post-processing them with methods including painting, sanding, or chemical smoothing. Additionally, acetone dissolves ASA, thus any contact with acetone will cause it to melt. Thus, layer lines can be effortlessly and rapidly removed from your print by using cold acetone instead of sanding it first.

Printers that are enclosed: ASA is made of styrene, which when printed creates toxic fumes if inhaled for an extended length of time. Use an enclosed 3D printer and vent the fumes when printing with an ASA, especially if your printer is placed in a location where you or other people will be exposed to the fumes frequently.

Supports: To give stability and stop overhangs from drooping, add supports as needed. As a print support, think about utilising a readily removable material like HIPS or PVA. HIPS is readily soluble in limonene and has print settings comparable to those of ASA.

Keep filaments dry: ASA absorbs moisture and is somewhat hygroscopic, like other plastics. For optimal printing results, you can use the SUNLU S2 filament drier oven to dry the filaments in accordance with the suggested drying settings for their ASA filaments before using them.

ASA Features for 3D Printing

In terms of additive manufacturing, there are specific characteristics that need to be considered before using it. This work should not be too difficult for people who have previously printed ABS 3D objects. If you lack this training, you need abide by several guidelines when it comes to manufacturing products with ASA. First off, while an open 3D printer can be used, it is advised to utilise one with a closed chamber instead because open printers can be susceptible to abrupt temperature variations throughout the production process. Furthermore, tape (Kapton Tape) should be used to provide electrical and thermal insulation as well as lessen the possibility of warping during printing.

Due to the great versatility of ASA, models with cantilevers less than 45º from the horizontal plane may require the integration of HIPS material as an auxiliary support. This will prevent issues like the 3D printer breaking or overheating and produce items that are created with greater quality. As a result, the fan will aid in the material’s solidification without causing a sharp temperature shift. The melting point of this thermoplastic is between 245 and 260ºC, while the exact range varies slightly depending on the 3D filament maker. To prevent deformation, it is convenient to set the printer bed temperature between 80 and 100ºC.

Which 3D Modeling Software is Best for Creating 3D Models?

SelfCAD: Image Source: selfcad.com

There are various 3D design applications available for creating 3D models, but we recommend using SelfCAD. It has been created for both advanced users and novices alike. A robust and easy-to-use online 3D modelling programme is SelfCAD. There is also a version available for download on Mac and Windows. With SelfCAD, users may easily and quickly modify pre-existing designs or create unique 3D models from scratch.

As SelfCAD comes with so many features and tools, it’s the greatest choice for seasoned users who want to create intricate models. Two examples are freehand drawing and sketching. Moreover, any photograph may be easily converted into a 3D model with the use of an image-to-3D application. Additionally, by generating the gcode that can be sent to your 3D printer, an integrated slicer may be used to generate designs for 3D printing.

Conclusion

ASA filament is well-known for its strong resistance to impact, high-temperature tolerance, and more challenging printing. Sunlu ASA filament is considered a premium material for outdoor use because of its exceptional resilience to UV radiation and severe weather. This makes it perfect for practical prototypes and final products that are subjected to extreme weather and sunshine.