ASA vs ABS: how they differ

What they have in common

ABS and ASA are thermoplastics with roughly the same toughness and a softening temperature around 100 °C. Both print at a high temperature, need a heated bed and an enclosed chamber, and shrink as they cool (warping). Both smell noticeably while printing. Both can be smoothed with acetone vapour.

Differences

The key difference is UV resistance. Instead of butadiene, which is sensitive to sun, ASA has an acrylate rubber. ABS yellows and turns brittle in the sun, while ASA keeps its colour and surface for years, which is why it is used for mirror housings and exterior trim (UV resistance). ASA is usually a little more expensive and, above all, harder to find in a wide range of colours.

ABS is more widespread, so cheap filament and guides are easier to find. Mechanically they are almost the same, and ASA is a little more stable dimensionally.

Which of them we print

Neither. We print only PLA and PETG. If you need a part for a hot environment or long-term sun, PETG is the closest option and is enough for many outdoor things, but it will not cope with temperatures the way ASA or ABS do. When ordering you choose PETG and we show you the price and delivery date.

If ASA or ABS is essential, write to jakub.novak@boostello.com. We do not promise to print it.

How to choose if you print neither

If you need a part for the sun, start by asking what temperatures it will see. For an ordinary garden, balcony or window sill, PETG is usually enough. For a car roof, an engine bay or near heating, it is not. In that case you really need ASA or another print, and we cannot do that for you.

What the part does helps too. A decoration and a small holder will last in PETG. A load-bearing element exposed to sun and heat deserves a suitable engineering plastic. If we cannot agree, we would rather tell you straight than sell you a part that deforms in the sun.