PLA vs ASA Filament: Which One is Best for Outdoor Use

3D printing has revolutionized many industries, including product development, engineering, and even art. It has become an essential tool for creating prototypes, parts, and models quickly and accurately. With so many different filaments available, it can be challenging to know which one to choose for your project. In this blog post, we'll compare two widely used materials for 3D printing - PLA and ASA - and help you decide which one to use for your outdoor projects.

PLA Filament

PLA (polylactic acid) is a biodegradable thermoplastic made from renewable resources, such as corn starch or sugar cane. It is one of the most commonly used filaments due to its ease of use, low cost, and availability. PLA is also known for its high print quality and vibrant colors.

Advantages of PLA Filament

• Environmentally friendly: PLA is biodegradable and compostable, making it an eco-friendly option compared to other filaments.
• Easy to print: PLA has a low printing temperature and requires less power to print. It also has less warping and shrinking, making it easier to print without a heated bed or enclosure.
• High print quality: PLA produces high-quality prints with vibrant colors and has a glossy finish.
• Compatibility: PLA is compatible with most 3D printers, making it a convenient option.

Disadvantages of PLA Filament

• Limited durability: PLA is not as durable as other filaments, making it unsuitable for projects that require high strength and toughness.
• Poor heat resistance: PLA has a low glass transition temperature (Tg) of 60-65°C, which means it can deform or melt in high-temperature environments.

ASA Filament

ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate) is a filament that is more resistant to UV light and weathering than other filaments. It is often used for outdoor projects that require durability and strength. ASA is a modification of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) and shares many of its properties but is less prone to warping and fading due to its improved composition.

Advantages of ASA Filament

• Weather resistance: ASA is highly resistant to weathering, UV light, and chemicals, making it suitable for outdoor projects.
• Durability: ASA has excellent impact strength and toughness, making it suitable for applications that require high durability.
• Easy to print: ASA has similar printing settings to ABS, making it easy to print for those experienced with ABS.

Disadvantages of ASA Filament

• Difficult to print: ASA requires a high printing temperature, around 255-270°C, and often requires a heated bed and enclosure to prevent warping.
• Limited color options: ASA's color options are limited compared to other filaments, making it challenging to achieve colorful prints.
• Toxic fumes: ASA can emit toxic fumes during printing, so it's essential to print in a well-ventilated space or use a respirator.

PLA vs ASA Filament Comparison

Conclusion

In conclusion, both PLA and ASA filaments have their advantages and disadvantages. PLA is environmentally friendly and easy to print but lacks durability and heat resistance. ASA, on the other hand, is suitable for outdoor projects due to its weather and chemical resistance but requires a high printing temperature and emits toxic fumes. Ultimately, the choice of filament depends on your project's requirements and personal preferences.

We hope this comparison has provided you with valuable insights, and you can now choose the right filament for your outdoor projects.

References

1. "PLA vs ABS vs ASA: What's the difference?" by Runawayi3D, runawayi3d.com, 11 Mar 2021, https://www.runawayi3d.com/single-post/PLA-vs-ABS-vs-ASA-Whats-the-Difference
2. "What is ASA filament and should you use it for 3D printing?" by Zsolt Vaszary, 3dinsider.com, 8 Apr 2021, https://3dinsider.com/asa-filament/