Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA) is a thermoplastic that you can 3D print and has many properties that make it good for engineering and outdoor purposes. ASA is basically the new and improved cousin of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) which is more widely known and used (like Lego). ASA has many of the benefits of ABS without some of its drawbacks

ASA, like ABS, is a little difficult to 3D print because it’s sensitive to heat while being printed. However, after printing, ASA parts are very heat-resistant and durable. ASA prints are also rigid and strong, and can even be more so than the same parts made from ABS. Unlike what many users notice with ABS prints, ASA won’t turn yellow when left outside.

In this article, we’ll go over six different ASA filaments and the specifics of each brand. Before that though, we’ll discuss some pros, cons, and uses of the material. We’ll also provide some printing suggestions for working with ASA.