3D printing is now widely used for printing various industrial parts, consumer goods, spare parts, and similar products. The new technology has made things easier for manufacturers to create high-quality & durable parts in less time. Ditching the traditional method, industries are now using 3D printing technology to print parts they need.
3D printing filaments make this possible. Using these materials, various parts can be created layer by layer printing using the various 3D printers. These 3D prints are suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. But not all filaments can be used for printing outdoor parts.
One of the best 3D printing filaments are the ASA filament or the Acrylic Styrene Acrylonitrile filament. It has the toughness of ABS filament with more advanced features that make it an ideal choice for outdoor application. If you are looking for printing heavy-duty outdoor parts, ASA filament is one of the best options.
In this post, you will learn about ASA and why it is the best material for outdoor parts.
What is ASA 3D Printing Filament?
ASA or Acrylic Styrene Acrylonitrile is a durable plastic that is used for 3D printing. It has very similar properties to the ABS plastic with added benefits. It is stronger, more durable and is UV Resistant than ABS, which is why it is considered as one of the best materials for outdoor application.
Here are the advantages of using ASA for printing outdoor parts:
High UV resistance
One of the things that make ASA superior is its high resistance to UV rays. Outdoor parts need to be in the sun for a long time. UV rays can be harmful for the parts, and can lead to discoloring. ASA is highly resistant to UV rays and can withstand its effects for a long time. Parts made out of ABS filament has the advantages of a strong UV resistance. This is one of the things that make it an ideal choice for outdoor application.
High Chemical Resistance
ASA filament is also highly resistant to chemicals. They can withstand various types of chemicals, such as saturated hydrocarbons, vegetable or animal oils lubricating oils, weak acid and alkalis, and water. If ASA parts are used in an environment where they will be exposed to chemicals, they can easily withstand it. This is one of the reasons why ASA is perfect for outdoor application.
High Water resistant
Like high resistance to UV rays, and chemicals, ASA is also highly resistant to water. Parts printed with ASA can withstand water exposure for a long time without any damage. Parts or products that need to be kept outside for a long time can benefit from ASA material.
High impact resistance
ASA filament has high resistance to impact too, which is why they are considered perfect for outdoor application. High impact resistance can protect the parts from getting damage in case they fall off or collide with something. This ensures that the parts are protected from all types of damages.
Tough and Durable
ASA filament is tough and durable and can last for a long time. Parts printed with ASA are designed to last for a long time. Outdoor parts need to be printed with filament that can withstand a wide range of elements and need to be tough and durable in nature. Along with that, ASA parts also some with good finish and Anti-static properties. You can use them for decorative parts or for covering HVAC systems or car.
These amazing features make ASA the perfect candidate for printing high-quality and durable parts.
What are the Applications of ASA Filament?
ASA filament is now widely used for printing high-quality and durable parts for industries and companies offering consumer goods. Due to its high resistance to chemicals, water, and UV rays, ASA is considered as one of the best options. Here are some of the ASA outdoor applications:
Industrial Covers
Industrial outdoor parts, equipment and machines need protection from various elements, such as sun, UV rays, water, and chemicals. Covers are used for protecting them. ASA is used for printing covers for industrial equipment and machines as they can easily withstand various outdoor elements. Such covers can save machine from damage and keep it well-protected.
Protective guards
Protective guards are used in industrial and commercial areas to protect the facility, machines, equipment and employees working. These guards protect people from coming in contact with the parts or machines as they are dangerous. ASA filament is used for printing high-quality, durable and highly resistant protective guards.
Outdoor Signage
ASA is used for printing outdoor signage as they can withstand UV rays, water and chemicals. Outdoor signs can last for a long time as they are printed using ASA filament, which is high resistance to UV rays and chemicals too.
Sporting Parts
Top brands like Reebok are now using 3D printing for printing their products, such as shoes, soles and sports accessories like helmets and protective parts. Printing these parts need less time and they can last for a long time. ASA is a durable material that can easily withstand impact and exposure to UV rays.
These are some of the best examples to show how reliable ASA is when it comes to printing outdoor parts.
The Bottomline
ASA filament is one of the best options for printing high-quality and durable outdoor parts. They offer a wide range of benefits and have features that make them one of the best options for 3D printing needs. Cost wise, ASA is also one of the best as 3D printing is much faster and doesn’t need dozen raw materials.