Polymaker™ ASA

Polymaker™ ASA – Weather-Resistant Filament for Outdoor and Functional Parts

Polymaker™ ASA is Polymaker’s outdoor-grade filament, engineered as a direct alternative to ABS with one key advantage: significantly better resistance to UV light, moisture, and environmental stress. It is the material of choice for parts that need to perform reliably outdoors over extended periods — without fading, cracking, or losing mechanical integrity.

Note: This product is being renamed from PolyLite™ ASA to Polymaker™ ASA. Same great formula, new name.

UV Resistance and Weather Durability

ASA was developed specifically to overcome ABS’s weakness to UV exposure. In natural aging tests, Polymaker™ ASA showed a color change value (ΔE) below 2.5 after two years of outdoor exposure. In accelerated aging tests under 8000 kJ/m² irradiation, color change remained below ΔE 5 with minimal tensile strength loss — performance that clearly surpasses ABS. Parts printed with Polymaker™ ASA are documented to maintain structural integrity for a minimum of two years under outdoor conditions including sunlight, rain, and temperature fluctuations.

Mechanical Properties

Polymaker™ ASA delivers mechanical strength and rigidity comparable to ABS, making it suitable for functional parts, housings, enclosures, and prototypes that need to withstand real-world stress. Heat resistance reaches up to 105°C, and the material also offers good impact resistance and water resistance — a well-rounded profile for demanding applications.

Printing Behaviour

Polymaker™ ASA prints with settings very similar to ABS, making it a straightforward transition for users already familiar with ABS workflows. An enclosed printer is recommended to maintain chamber temperature and minimise warping, particularly for larger prints. The cooling fan should be kept off during printing. The material produces a matte surface finish that visually softens layer lines compared to ABS.

For larger prints (parts exceeding approximately 15–20 cm in any direction), an actively heated chamber of 70°C or more is recommended for best results. Bed adhesion products such as Magigoo Original or BuildTak can help with larger prints.

Print Settings

• Printing temperature: 240°C – 260°C
• Bed temperature: 75°C – 95°C
• Printing speed: 30–50 mm/s
• Cooling fan: Off
• Direct drive retraction: 1 mm / 20 mm/s
• Bowden retraction: 3 mm / 40 mm/s

Handling and Storage

ASA is partially hygroscopic and will absorb moisture if left unprotected. If the filament has been exposed to humid conditions, drying at 70°C for 6 hours is recommended before printing. Humidity-controlled storage is advised for long-term storage.

Post-Processing

Polymaker™ ASA can be smoothed with acetone, similarly to ABS. Acetone is a hazardous chemical — handle with appropriate safety precautions and in a well-ventilated area.

Typical Applications

• Outdoor enclosures, housings, and brackets
• Automotive exterior parts and accessories
• Garden and agricultural equipment components
• Functional prototypes requiring UV and weather resistance
• Parts requiring UV sterilisation compatibility