ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate)
Frequently asked questions
Can ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) be laser cut?
With some limitations: ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) can be laser cut. Adequate extraction/ventilation is required.
Can ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) be CNC machined?
Yes: ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) can be CNC machined.
Can ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) be 3D printed?
Yes, using FDM.
Is ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) food safe?
No, ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) is not considered food safe.
Physical properties
| Density | 1050.0–1080.0 kg/m³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 45.0 MPa |
| Glass transition (Tg) | 100.0 °C |
| Thermal expansion | 90.0 µm/m·K |
| Moisture absorption | Low |
Laser processing
Like ABS, releases styrene (respiratory irritant, suspected carcinogen) and acrylate derivatives. Forced external ventilation or fume extraction hood mandatory. Not acutely toxic like PVC but should not be underestimated.
CO₂: Behavior similar to ABS under CO2 laser. Cuttable but with slightly carbonized edges. Good quality engraving on flat surfaces.
Diode: Not recommended. Styrene fumes without adequate filtration system. Acrylate may form additional irritating compounds compared to ABS.
Fiber: Not applicable.
CNC / milling processing
CNC machinability virtually identical to ABS. Tg of 100°C ensures clean chips and no melting on the bit. Excellent choice for technical parts for outdoor use.
3D printing
Plotter and thermoforming
Post-processing
Sanding: Sanding similar to ABS. Can be sanded dry without excessive clogging issues. Grit 180 → 240 → 400. Does not react to acetone like ABS.
Primer: mandatory. Filler primer recommended on FDM prints to hide layer lines before painting.
Gluing: Bondable with cyanoacrylate or epoxy adhesives. Does not react to acetone like ABS (acrylate phase replaces butadiene), so chemical welding is not as effective as for pure ABS.
Over time: UV resistance clearly superior to ABS: the acrylate phase absorbs UV radiation without degrading. Color and mechanical properties stable for years under direct sunlight exposure. First choice for exterior parts on vehicles, home automation and outdoor robotics.
Common defects
- Warping and bed detachment without a heated enclosure (similar to ABS)
- Irritating fumes during printing — do not use in unventilated spaces
- Higher cost than ABS for only marginally superior performance in indoor contexts
Safety
Recommended PPE: mask_p2
Like ABS, produces irritating fumes during FDM printing. Use only with ventilation or filtration system. Avoid prolonged inhalation of vapors.
Availability and formats
Commercial formats: filament 1.75mm, filament 2.85mm, extruded sheets
Related materials
Sources
- ISO 6402 — Rubber and plastics hoses — ASA material specification
- Datasheet tecnici BASF Luran S (ASA)
Information on compatibility, processing parameters and safety is purely indicative. MakerSpecs accepts no liability for damage to persons or property arising from the use of this data. Always check the safety rules and the manufacturer's official manuals before carrying out any processing.