Both materials are first-choice options for technical parts in FFF printing – but they solve different problems. Choosing the wrong one buys you trouble.
ASA: Built for Outdoors
ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate) was specifically developed for outdoor applications. The decisive advantage over ABS or PETG: UV resistance. ASA doesn’t yellow, doesn’t become brittle, and barely loses strength under sun exposure – even after years outdoors.
Further properties:
- Heat deflection up to approx. 95–100 °C (Vicat B)
- Good impact resistance even at sub-zero temperatures
- Resistant to rain, moisture, temperature fluctuations
- Matte surface, visually stable long-term
Typical applications: outdoor electronics housings, automotive add-on parts, façade-mounted brackets, signage, outdoor fasteners.
PETG-HF: Built for Load
PETG-HF (High Flow) is an optimized variant of classic PETG with improved melt viscosity. The result: better layer adhesion, less delamination, higher mechanical load capacity – with consistently precise geometry.
Further properties:
- Very good chemical resistance to oils, greases, weak acids
- Minimal warping – ideal for tight tolerances
- Heat deflection up to approx. 75–80 °C (Vicat B)
- Excellent surface quality straight off the printer
Typical applications: machine parts, jigs & fixtures, mechanical engineering brackets, fluid-carrying parts, production fixtures.
Direct Comparison
| Property | ASA | PETG-HF |
|---|---|---|
| UV resistance | Very good | Low |
| Heat deflection | ~95–100 °C | ~75–80 °C |
| Mechanical strength | Medium | High |
| Chemical resistance | Medium | High |
| Dimensional accuracy | Good | Very good |
| Outdoor use | Ideal | Not recommended |
Rule of Thumb
If the part goes permanently outdoors or into the sun → ASA. If the part carries loads, contacts chemicals, or needs tight tolerances → PETG-HF.
The two aren’t mutually exclusive: for an outdoor housing with mechanically loaded internals, we occasionally combine both materials – ASA for the housing, PETG-HF for the internal parts.
Printability
Neither ASA nor PETG-HF is suitable for consumer printers without an enclosed chamber. ASA warps in drafts, PETG-HF demands precisely calibrated flow rates. On our industrially tuned, enclosed manufacturing systems, both materials are processed reliably.
If you’re unsure about material choice: every inquiry includes free material consulting.