{"id":1546,"date":"2021-11-22T18:32:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-22T18:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sybridge.com\/?p=1546"},"modified":"2023-09-22T12:03:58","modified_gmt":"2023-09-22T17:03:58","slug":"acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate-asa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sybridge.com\/acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate-asa\/","title":{"rendered":"Know Your Materials: Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Previously published on fastradius.com on November 22, 2021<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fused deposition modeling (FDM), a common form of 3D printing that offers low cost per part, short lead times, and the ability to create larger parts than most other\u00a0additive technologies<\/a>. Ideal for creating prototypes, final products, and anything in between, FDM uses a heated nozzle to extrude\u00a0thermoplastic<\/a>\u00a0filaments and build components layer by layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FDM is compatible with a wide range of filaments, so finding the perfect one for your needs can be overwhelming. Learning about each material\u2019s advantages, disadvantages, properties, and common applications is an essential step in determining which material to use. Is acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA) right for your next project? Here\u2019s everything you need to know about ASA plastic material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

ASA was originally developed as an alternative to acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)<\/a>. Both materials have similar mechanical properties and structures, but ASA is formulated by introducing a grafted acrylic ester elastomer (in the form of a powder) during the copolymerization of acrylonitrile and styrene. Formulating ABS, on the other hand, requires butadiene rubber. ASA also lacks double bonds, which makes this material more resistant to weathering, heat, chemicals, and UV radiation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Since ASA comes in the form of resin, filament, films, or sheets, it can be used for a wide variety of manufacturing processes like 3D printing, thermoforming, injection molding, structural foam molding, and extrusion blow molding. You can also coextrude ASA filament alongside other polymers. In this case, only the ASA layer would be exposed to high temperatures and weathering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate Properties and Mechanical Specifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

ASA plastic is a tough and strong material known for its high impact, wear, and UV resistance. ASA can also withstand extremely high and low temperatures as well as several chemicals like saturated hydrocarbons, aqueous salt solutions, weak acids and alkalis, and many oils. Parts built using ASA have nice glossy surfaces and will retain their color, gloss, and mechanical properties when exposed to outdoor environments. When it comes to post-processing, ASA is well suited for many techniques, such as sanding, painting, milling, drilling, gluing, or cutting. You can also quickly smooth layer lines on ASA parts with acetone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of ASA\u2019s mechanical properties include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n