{a} vs {b}
| Property | ABS | ASA |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle temperature | 240–260 °C | 240–260 °C |
| Bed temperature | 95–110 °C | 95–110 °C |
| Enclosure | Recommended | Recommended |
| Density | 1.04 g/cm³ | 1.07 g/cm³ |
| Strength | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Heat resistance | ~95 °C | ~95 °C |
| UV resistance | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Flexibility | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Print difficulty | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Typical price | ~$20/kg | ~$28/kg |
Quick verdict
- Stronger part: ASA
- More heat resistant: A tie.
- Better outdoors: ASA
- Easier to print: A tie.
- Cheaper: ABS
{name} in short
A classic engineering plastic with high heat resistance and the ability to be smoothed with acetone. Warps badly without an enclosure and produces fumes, so ventilation is required.
{name} in short
ABS with far better UV and weather resistance. The go-to material for anything that lives outdoors. Same enclosure and ventilation requirements as ABS.