Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA) Filament for 3D Printing
Overview
Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA) is a high-performance thermoplastic that is widely used in 3D printing due to its superior weather resistance, UV stability, and excellent mechanical properties. ASA is often chosen for outdoor applications and projects requiring long-term durability and stability.
Advantages
- UV and Weather Resistance: ASA offers excellent resistance to UV rays and weather conditions, making it ideal for outdoor applications.
- High Impact Resistance: This material is known for its toughness and ability to withstand impacts, ensuring durability in various applications.
- Excellent Chemical Resistance: ASA is resistant to many chemicals, which enhances its longevity and reliability.
- Dimensional Stability: Provides consistent performance and maintains dimensional accuracy over time.
- Smooth Surface Finish: Offers a high-quality surface finish that is aesthetically pleasing and requires minimal post-processing.
Disadvantages
- Printing Temperature: Requires higher printing temperatures compared to PLA, which may not be suitable for all printers.
- Fumes: Emits fumes during printing, so it is recommended to use in well-ventilated areas.
Technical Specifications
- Density: 1.07 g/cm³ (67 lb/ft³)
- Dielectric Constant (Relative Permittivity): 3.0
- Dielectric Strength (Breakdown Potential): 15 kV/mm (0.6 V/mil)
- Elastic (Young’s, Tensile) Modulus: 2.1 GPa (0.31 x 10⁶ psi)
- Elongation at Break: 35%
- Flexural Modulus: 2.3 GPa (0.33 x 10⁶ psi)
- Flexural Strength: 70 MPa (10 x 10³ psi)
- Glass Transition Temperature: 105°C (221°F)
- Heat Deflection Temperature at 1.82 MPa (264 psi): 94°C (201°F)
- Heat Deflection Temperature at 455 kPa (66 psi): 100°C (212°F)
- Melting Onset (Solidus): 220°C (428°F)
- Refractive Index: 1.59
- Shear Strength: 50 MPa (7.3 x 10³ psi)
- Specific Heat Capacity: 1500 J/kg-K
- Strength-to-Weight Ratio: 50 kN-m/kg
- Tensile Strength: Ultimate (UTS): 45 MPa (6.5 x 10³ psi)
- Thermal Conductivity: 0.22 W/m-K
- Thermal Diffusivity: 0.17
- Thermal Expansion: 70 µm/m-K
- Water Absorption After 24 Hours: 0.1%
Material Properties for 3D Printing
- Printing Temperature: 240-260°C
- Flow Tweak: 0.94
- Bed Temperature: 90-110°C
- Bed Preparation: Apply two layers of glue stick or use a PEI sheet for better adhesion
Features
- High UV Stability: Ideal for outdoor applications where prolonged exposure to sunlight is expected.
- Weather Resistance: Withstands harsh weather conditions, including rain, wind, and extreme temperatures.
- Impact and Chemical Resistance: Ensures long-lasting durability and resistance to various chemicals.
- Smooth Finish: Produces aesthetically pleasing prints with minimal post-processing required.
Additional Considerations
- Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation when printing with ASA to avoid inhaling fumes.
- Nozzle Wear: ASA can be abrasive, so using a hardened steel nozzle is recommended for prolonged use.
- Storage: Store ASA filament in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture absorption, which can affect print quality.
Application Examples
- Outdoor Signage: Perfect for signs and displays that require UV and weather resistance.
- Automotive Parts: Ideal for printing durable and heat-resistant components for vehicles.
- Sports Equipment: Suitable for creating robust and impact-resistant sports gear.
- Electrical Enclosures: Used for producing enclosures that need chemical and UV resistance.
By understanding these properties and considerations, you can effectively use ASA in your 3D printing projects to achieve high-quality, durable, and UV-resistant results.
ASA is a preferred choice for many 3D printing applications due to its excellent weather resistance, UV stability, and strong mechanical properties, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.