Comparing ASA vs ABS for 3D Printing Applications

When choosing materials for FDM 3D printing, ASA and ABS often come up as close contenders. In this post, we compare ASA and ABS filaments based on tested properties from Bambu’s technical data sheets.

Upside Parts - ASA vs ABS 3D Printing

If you are considering ASA vs ABS for your next FDM project, this guide provides clear data to help make the right decision.

Why Compare ABS vs ASA

ABS and ASA are commonly used thermoplastics in 3D printing for their strength, impact resistance, and heat tolerance. However, they are not interchangeable. ASA was developed to solve some of ABS’s limitations, especially outdoors. As a 3D printing service, we often help customers select between these two based on project goals, environmental conditions, and print quality expectations.

Mechanical Properties of ASA vs ABS

Here is a side-by-side comparison of mechanical performance based on Bambu’s TDS results, tested under consistent conditions:

Property	Bambu ASA	Bambu ABS
Tensile Strength (X-Y)	37 ± 3 MPa	33 ± 3 MPa
Young's Modulus (X-Y)	2450 ± 270 MPa	2200 ± 190 MPa
Bending Strength (X-Y)	65 ± 5 MPa	62 ± 4 MPa
Impact Strength (notched X-Y)	19.6 ± 1.8 kJ/m²	21.5 ± 2.2 kJ/m²
Elongation at Break (X-Y)	9.2 ± 1.4 %	10.5 ± 1.0 %

While ASA and ABS are close in many respects, ASA offers a modest advantage in tensile strength, bending strength, and stiffness (Young’s modulus). These differences can translate into slightly stronger and more dimensionally stable parts under mechanical stress.

However, ABS shows higher impact strength and elongation at break, making it somewhat more flexible and better suited to absorb energy without fracturing. In practical terms, ASA is often better for rigid parts exposed to load or outdoor conditions, while ABS can be preferred for components where slight deformation and impact absorption are beneficial. 

Please review Bambu’s TDS for more information (ASA Bambu, ABS Bambu).

Heat Resistance and Temperature Limits

Heat resistance is important when printing functional parts that may experience elevated temperatures. Here is the ABS vs ASA comparison:

Property	Bambu ASA	Bambu ABS
Heat Deflection Temp (1.8 MPa)	92 °C (197.6 °F)	84 °C (183.2 °F)
Heat Deflection Temp (0.45 MPa)	100 °C (212 °F)	87 °C (188.6 °F)
Vicar Softening Temp	106 °C (222.8 °F)	94 °C (201.2 °F)

The difference is small, but ASA still holds a slight edge. For most indoor applications, both materials will perform similarly. In warmer environments, ASA may better retain dimensional accuracy.

While ABS is widely used, ASA was designed for better environmental resistance. According to Bambu, ASA is highly durable with exceptional UV, weather, mechanical, and thermal resistance. In our experience, ASA is the better choice over ABS when parts will be exposed to sunlight, rain, or fluctuating temperatures.

Printing Reliability and Considerations

From a service provider perspective, ABS and ASA are both sensitive to warping. They require enclosed printers and careful environmental control. However, ASA has slightly improved layer adhesion and generally shows less warping under the same settings.

ASA 3D printing also offers slightly better dimensional accuracy for larger parts, assuming correct chamber temperature is maintained. That said, for both materials, parts with large footprints may still require adhesion aids such as a 3D print brim.

We cover both materials as part of our ASA and ABS 3D printing service and have experience printing complex geometries in both materials.

Recyclability and Color Options

Both ABS and ASA are thermoplastics, which means they can be mechanically recycled, though success depends on local recycling capabilities and part purity. ASA, in particular, tends to be more stable after multiple heating cycles, which is useful for prototyping iterations.

In terms of appearance, ABS often comes in a wider range of vibrant colors, while ASA is more limited but maintains color better under UV exposure. This makes ASA more suitable for signage, outdoor fixtures, and parts requiring color longevity, while ABS remains a versatile choice for general-purpose applications with aesthetic requirements met indoors.

Summary of ASA vs ABS for 3D Printing

Use Case	Recommended Material
Indoor functional parts	ABS or ASA
Outdoor use	ASA
UV or weather exposure	ASA
High stiffness and durability	ASA
Price sensitivity	ABS

Practical Considerations

If your application requires outdoor durability, better weathering, and slightly higher mechanical performance, ASA is the safer and more robust option. For cost-sensitive projects indoors, ABS still offers solid strength and printability. When choosing ASA vs ABS, always consider the functional demands your part will face.

If you are unsure which material is right for your part, we are here to help. As a professional service offering 3D printing service in Boston, we support businesses nationwide with tailored material selection and expert guidance.