Many people searching for custom 3D printing type ABS 3D printing or ABS filament into Google — completely understandably, since ABS is one of the oldest and most widely recognized names in thermoplastics. But for most of the projects customers bring to us — outdoor fixtures, automotive brackets, agricultural parts, functional components in the sun — ABS is not the optimal choice. ASA is.
In this guide we honestly explain what ABS and ASA are, how they differ, and when to choose which. ABS has its legitimate niche and we are not going to bash it unfairly. But for FDM printing outdoors or in demanding conditions, ASA simply wins — and that is why at 3DnaKlik we offer ASA, not ABS.
What is ABS?
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is one of the oldest and best-known FDM filaments. It has been used in industry for decades: LEGO bricks are made from ABS, as are household appliance housings, keyboards, dashboards, and thousands of industrial plastic components. The material is rigid, dimensionally stable, and withstands temperatures up to ~95–105 °C (heat deflection temperature under load).
One particular advantage of ABS is acetone smoothing: a printed part's surface can be smoothed with acetone vapor, which blurs the layer lines and gives a smooth, almost injection-molded appearance. For aesthetic prototypes and models where appearance is critical and a layer-free surface is desired without sanding, this is a unique property.
Where is the problem? ABS has two serious weaknesses that are decisive for most FDM projects:
- Poor UV resistance. In sunlight, ABS yellows within weeks and months, becomes brittle, and cracks. This is a direct consequence of the butadiene monomer in its chemical composition, which is UV-sensitive.
- Warping and demanding print conditions. ABS shrinks more than most materials on cooling, causing edges to lift from the build plate (warping) and layer delamination. For reliable printing it needs a heated enclosure and good ventilation — because at high temperatures it emits styrene fumes that are unpleasant and potentially harmful with prolonged exposure.
What is ASA?
ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate) is the direct successor to ABS, developed specifically to eliminate its key weakness. Chemically, ASA is extremely similar to ABS — the difference is in the third monomer only. In ABS it is butadiene (a rubbery elastomer that provides toughness but is UV-sensitive), while in ASA it is an acrylic elastomer (also provides toughness, but is far more UV-stable).
ASA was primarily developed for the automotive industry — exterior mirrors, antenna mounts, bumpers, body panels. The requirements were clear: the material must withstand years of exposure to sun, rain, frost, and temperature swings without losing color or mechanical strength. The FDM community discovered this, and today ASA is the standard choice for anything that will ever see sunlight.
The key difference in one sentence: ASA has comparable mechanical properties to ABS, equal or better heat resistance, significantly better UV stability, less warping during printing, and lower fume emissions. For functional, outdoor-exposed parts, ASA is in almost every respect the better choice.
ABS vs ASA — comparison table
| Property | ABS | ASA |
| UV resistance | Poor — yellows and becomes brittle | Excellent — color and strength stable for years |
| Weather resistance | Poor — rain, moisture, and frost damage it | Excellent — designed for outdoor use |
| Warping | High — requires a heated enclosure | Low to moderate — prints more reliably |
| Fumes during printing | Styrene — unpleasant, requires ventilation | Lower — ventilation still recommended |
| Heat resistance (HDT) | ~95–105 °C | ~95–105 °C — comparable to ABS |
| Mechanical strength | Good | Comparable to ABS or better |
| Acetone smoothing | Yes — a unique ABS advantage | No |
| Available at 3DnaKlik | No | Yes — grey, white, black |
When ABS and when ASA?
When ABS makes sense
ABS is not without value — it has a specific niche where it excels:
- Parts that will be acetone-smoothed. Acetone smoothing works only with ABS — it is not possible with ASA. For aesthetic models and prototypes requiring a smooth, layer-free surface, ABS is the right choice.
- Closed industrial processes where printing takes place in a controlled environment with a heated enclosure and a fume-extraction system.
- Parts that will never be outdoors — though PETG is often an equally good or better alternative for general indoor functional parts.
When ASA is the right choice
For our customers, this applies to practically every scenario involving outdoor exposure:
- All outdoor parts — signage, lights, sensors, brackets, protective covers
- Automotive parts — reverse camera brackets, radar and antenna mounts, mirror mounts, bodywork components
- Agricultural and industrial equipment — exposed to rain, UV, and temperature swings from −20 to +80 °C
- Balcony and garden projects with functional, visible parts (plain PLA is fine for aesthetic planters in shade; for functional parts in the sun, choose ASA)
- Electrical enclosures and covers installed outdoors
Why we print ASA at 3DnaKlik (not ABS)
The decision was not random. We print on the Bambu Lab P2S in a partially open enclosure where ambient temperature is managed but not fully sealed. With ABS this would mean greater risk of warping and poor layer adhesion — especially on geometrically demanding models. ASA sits in the same print-difficulty class, but with far more predictable results.
Beyond that, our customers mostly bring projects that will be outdoors or in demanding conditions — automotive parts, agricultural equipment, outdoor signage. For those projects ASA gives better results because it was developed for exactly that purpose. For batch orders, material reliability is key — fewer failed prints means faster delivery and lower cost for the customer.
For a deep dive on ASA and outdoor project examples, read: ASA Black — The Best Filament for Outdoor Use. For the full range of materials we offer, visit the materials page.
Example projects we print in ASA
Concrete projects where ASA is the right choice:
- Automotive camera and radar brackets — parts that live in sun and rain for months and years; ASA holds shape and color
- Protective covers for outdoor electrical enclosures — UV-resistant, waterproof, frost-resistant
- House numbers and outdoor signage — remain legible and unchanged for years
- Antenna system mounts and brackets — stable in summer heat and winter frost
- Agricultural machinery replacement parts — replacements for obsolete plastic parts no longer in stock
- Outdoor industrial equipment — covers, protective masks, guides, and brackets
Have a specific project? Get a price in 30 seconds on the instant quote — no registration, no waiting for email.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is ASA really better than ABS for outdoor use?
Yes. For FDM-printed parts exposed to UV radiation and outdoor weather, ASA is significantly the better choice. The chemical composition of ASA (acrylic elastomer instead of butadiene) ensures stable color and mechanical properties for years, while ABS yellows in sunlight within months and becomes brittle.
Why doesn't 3DnaKlik print in ABS?
Because our customers mostly need functional, outdoor-exposed parts for which ASA is the better choice. ASA prints more reliably on the Bambu Lab P2S (less warping, fewer fumes) and delivers better long-term results in weathering conditions. For projects that might have called for ABS, we recommend ASA as a direct and improved alternative.
Can ASA withstand the high temperatures inside a car in summer?
ASA has a heat deflection temperature (HDT) of around 95–105 °C — comparable to ABS. The interior of a car in summer sun can reach up to ~80 °C, which ASA handles without issue. For parts directly above the engine or near the exhaust system, we recommend materials with higher heat resistance such as PA6-GF or PAHT-CF.
Is ASA more expensive than ABS?
In our lineup, ASA is priced comparably to other technical materials. You will see the exact price for your specific model in 30 seconds on the instant quote — no guessing, no registration required.
Which material should I choose for a part that will be outdoors in the sun?
For parts exposed to UV and outdoor weather, we recommend ASA. It is the standard industrial choice for outdoor plastics (automotive industry, signage, equipment). If the part also needs exceptional mechanical strength alongside UV resistance, check out PA6-GF; for the combination of heat resistance and stiffness at low weight, look at PAHT-CF. A full overview of all materials is on the Materials page.
Does ASA emit fumes during printing?
ASA emits fewer fumes than ABS during printing, but we still recommend good room ventilation. The fumes are not comparable to ABS, but a well-ventilated setup remains good practice with any technical filament.
Summary: ABS or ASA?
For most projects requiring functional FDM-printed parts — especially outdoors, in a vehicle, or in the sun — ASA is the clear winner. Comparable mechanical properties, equal heat resistance, significantly better UV stability, less warping, and fewer fumes during printing. ABS only makes sense in narrow cases: acetone smoothing, closed industrial setups, and parts that will never be outdoors.
At 3DnaKlik we print ASA in three colors (grey, white, black) and deliver across Slovenia. Upload an STL or 3MF file, choose your material, and get an exact price in 30 seconds — no registration.
Also read: ASA Black — The Best Filament for Outdoor Use | All materials