ASA can be considered the true successor to ABS . Compared to ABS, it is UV stable , it shrinks less during printing and the smell during printing is also much weaker. ASA prints are strong , tough and versatile. The solidification temperature is significantly higher than that of PLA and PETG, which gives ASA prints excellent heat resistance - signs of deformation do not appear until temperatures of around 93 °C . All these properties predetermine ASA for printing objects intended for long-term outdoor use .
The danger of shrinkage (warping) cannot be completely avoided even with ASA, especially with larger models . Even with a heated pad set to 110°C, large prints can start to curl and peel off the pad. But the twist is less than when printing with ABS. But this problem can be eliminated by printing in a printer box or a high skirt .
Printing from ASA requires specific conditions for printing. During printing, odors and substances that can be harmful to health are released. Therefore, always print in a well-ventilated separate room where you do not spend much time. However, do not create a draft in the immediate vicinity of the printer - it can negatively affect the quality of the print.
Preparation of the printing mat
When printing from ASA material, we recommend using a flexible printing plate with a smooth PEI surface. For a textured sheet with a PEI powder coating, the adhesion of the material may be too strong, which could lead to surface damage. Preparing a smooth PEI sheet is easy: simply clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol. To remove the print, wait for it to cool - it will then peel off easily.
Advantages:
Suitable for outdoor use - UV stable
High temperature resistance
Detailed printing without stringing
Possibility of smoothing with acetone vapors
Simple post-processing
High impact and wear resistance
Recyclable
Disadvantages:
Large models can twist
Odor during printing (but less than ABS)
Contains styrene
Hygroscopic
Very strong adhesion to the grain plate can cause damage to its surface - we recommend printing on a printing plate with a smooth PEI surface
