Marine
Underwater Vehicle Hull Mounts & Fairings
Hull mounts and one-piece plane extensions for an underwater vehicle, at well under half the cost of traditional fabrication.
Fused Deposition Modeling ASA (Stratasys ASA) For UV-Stable Outdoor Parts and Enclosures
Large Build Volume
Up to 914 × 610 × 914 mm
FDM material
ASA overview
ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate) is a tough plastic, 3D printed by FDM, for parts that spend their working life outdoors, from enclosures and covers to automotive trim and marine hardware. It is as strong as ABS but stands up to sun and weather, keeping its strength, colour and surface finish without yellowing. Parts go outside unpainted, in their final colour with a matte finish, and are installed as printed. It is also a good electrical insulator, which suits electrical housings and outdoor equipment covers. Stratasys ASA is the grade for parts that stay outdoors in direct sun, and it keeps almost all of its strength after long accelerated UV weathering tests.
Also available in Triton ASA.
How ASA is manufactured
ASA is manufactured using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) on Stratasys Fortus systems, which extrude the thermoplastic layer by layer and build large parts without tooling. Soluble supports allow complex outdoor fixtures, enclosed features and clean sealing surfaces. Combined with its UV resistance, FDM makes ASA a practical route to end-use marine hardware, automotive exteriors and architectural elements exposed to harsh conditions.
- Build volume
- 914 × 610 × 914 mm
- Lead time
- 2-4 business days
- Layer height
- 0.127-0.508 mm
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Industry applications
Industry applications for ASA
With exceptional UV and weather resistance, ASA is the preferred choice for outdoor applications and automotive exteriors. Unlike standard thermoplastics that degrade in sunlight, ASA holds up to sun exposure, with almost no loss of strength after 1,000 hours of accelerated UV weathering.
ASA keeps the processability that makes ABS so popular and comes in more colours than any other FDM material, so it suits both functional and aesthetic applications. From rapid prototyping to production runs, teams rely on ASA to hold tight tolerances while reducing assembly complexity through consolidated part designs.
ASA goes outside without the paint or coating that nylon needs, so mounts, covers and housings exposed to sun and weather can be printed in their final colour and installed as printed.
Forge Labs' climate-controlled storage and optimized print parameters keep colour consistent across builds, critical for multi-part assemblies, and vapor smoothing gives ASA parts a production-quality, injection-moulded appearance.
Robotics
Welding Cell Covers & Equipment Guards
UV-resistant covers for welding robot cells, reordered in repeat lots that mostly shipped early.
Automotive
Sensor Covers, Exterior Trim & Fleet Service Parts
Sensor covers and exterior trim for sun-exposed parts, and replacement trim reordered for out-of-production buses.
Clean Tech
Power Equipment Plates, Brackets & Covers
Plates, brackets and covers in repeat lots, including one plate printed more than 600 times.
Industrial Design
Product Enclosures & Outdoor Gear
Prototype enclosures and outdoor products, from smart-tool housings revised overnight to sports equipment parts.
Architecture
Large-Format Site Models & Outdoor Displays
Large site models printed in sections, plus outdoor displays and long-term exhibits.
Marine
Underwater Vehicle Hull Mounts & Fairings
Underwater vehicle builders use ASA for hull mounts, sensor brackets and plane extensions on parts that ride awash at the surface and sit in the sun on deck. Mounts are modelled to the inside of the hull and located with printed drilling templates, and a multi-piece fibreglass plane extension became one solid printed part, painted only to match the hull. A historical quote priced one hull mount at CAD $395.12, against a reported $1,000 to fabricate it by hand. The same UV resistance suits boat instrumentation housings and navigation light housings that sit in the sun all season.
- Hull mounts and sensor brackets
- One-piece plane extensions and fairings
- Instrumentation and light housings
Robotics
Welding Cell Covers & Equipment Guards
Robot builders use ASA for equipment covers in welding cells, where the arc gives off intense ultraviolet light. Covers are reordered in small repeat lots from the same files, with the material and layer height recorded on the released drawing, so each lot matches the parts before it without a mould. Most dated lots shipped one to two days early.
- Robot cell equipment covers
- Equipment housings and guards
- Repeat-lot service parts
Automotive
Sensor Covers, Exterior Trim & Fleet Service Parts
Automotive teams print sun-exposed parts in ASA: sensor covers for autonomous vehicles, and mirror housings, grilles, vents, spoilers and plate brackets for custom builds and low-volume production. A transit fleet has reordered 75 replacement trim parts over two orders for buses that are no longer in production, with no minimum order or stored inventory.
- Sensor covers
- Mirror housings and exterior trim
- Replacement trim for older vehicles
Clean Tech
Power Equipment Plates, Brackets & Covers
Power equipment makers use ASA for mounting plates, brackets and covers, and its UV resistance suits hardware fitted to cabinets and enclosures that stand outside. Every lot prints from the same saved file and print settings: one ASA plate for a power equipment maker has run to more than 600 pieces, released in three batches with no mould. Line fixtures and field spares print the same way, so replacements are available without stock on the shelf.
- Mounting plates and brackets
- Equipment and enclosure covers
- Repeat lots from saved files
Industrial Design
Product Enclosures & Outdoor Gear
Product teams use ASA for full-scale prototypes of outdoor gear, sports equipment and consumer products, and for enclosures that need to look finished. Smart-tool drill and driver enclosures were prototyped in ASA and ABS to refine grip, electronics packaging and modular attachments before tooling, with attachment revisions printed overnight so a revised shape was ready for the next round of evaluation. ASA's impact strength and UV stability suit outdoor fitness parts and action camera brackets.
- Tool and appliance enclosures
- Sports and outdoor equipment parts
- Action camera brackets
Architecture
Large-Format Site Models & Outdoor Displays
Architects and developers use ASA for large-format site models, outdoor displays and long-term exhibitions. Forge prints base models and large-volume forms in ABS and ASA, choosing ASA wherever a model will be shown outdoors or kept on display, and models larger than the build volume print in sections while ASA's dimensional stability keeps scale features accurate across the joins. The same weather resistance suits outdoor signage, decorative facade elements and lighting fixture housings.
- Site and massing models
- Outdoor signage and displays
- Facade elements and light housings
Performance data
Technical performance for ASA
Values from the Stratasys ASA datasheet (F900, 0.254 mm layers), tested to the standard listed with each property.
Mechanical performance
Mechanical properties
ASA delivers dependable strength and impact resistance, giving teams a proven FDM baseline for automotive exterior trim, marine hardware and outdoor equipment.
FDM parts are strongest along their layers. The XZ value is measured on specimens printed on edge and the ZX value on specimens printed upright, across the layers, so orient load-bearing features, clips and thin walls to carry load along the layers.
PropertyValue
- Tensile Strength, Yield (XZ / ZX)ASTM D638
- 32.8 MPa / No yield
- Tensile Strength at Break (XZ / ZX)ASTM D638
- 31.9 / 28.3 MPa
- Tensile Modulus (XZ / ZX)ASTM D638
- 2140 / 2050 MPa
- Elongation at Yield (XZ / ZX)ASTM D638
- 2.5 % / No yield
- Elongation at Break (XZ / ZX)ASTM D638
- 5.9 / 1.8 %
- Flexural Strength at 5% Strain (XZ)ASTM D790, Procedure A
- 61.5 MPa
- Flexural Strength at Break (XZ / ZX)ASTM D790, Procedure A
- No break / 51.0 MPa
- Flexural Strain at Break (XZ / ZX)ASTM D790, Procedure A
- No break / 3.93 %
- Flexural Modulus (XZ / ZX)ASTM D790, Procedure A
- 1980 / 1760 MPa
- Compressive Yield Strength (XZ / ZX)ASTM D695
- 75.4 / 188 MPa
- Compressive Modulus (XZ / ZX)ASTM D695
- 2050 / 2420 MPa
- Izod Impact Strength, Notched (XZ / ZX)ASTM D256
- 43.1 / 23.8 J/m
- Izod Impact Strength, Unnotched (XZ / ZX)ASTM D4812
- 285 / 91.1 J/m
Material makeup
Physical properties
Consistent density and surface quality keep critical features in tolerance and downstream finishing predictable, and low density keeps large parts light.
The weathering rows compare upright specimens before and after accelerated UV exposure to ASTM G154, in alternating cycles of UV light and condensation, and show how little ASA's strength changes. Stratasys tested a separate set of natural-colour specimens for weathering, so read these rows against each other rather than against the mechanical table.
PropertyValue
- Specific Gravity (23 °C)ASTM D792, moulded plaque
- 1.08
- Stress at Break, Before / After 1,000 h UV (ZX)ASTM G154 exposure; ASTM D638
- 30.5 / 29.5 MPa
- Elongation at Break, Before / After 1,000 h UV (ZX)ASTM G154 exposure; ASTM D638
- 2.8 / 2.3 %
- Tensile Modulus, Before / After 1,000 h UV (ZX)ASTM G154 exposure; ASTM D638
- 1.82 / 1.95 GPa
Heat performance
Thermal properties
ASA's heat resistance suits parts in sun-heated enclosures, vehicle exteriors and equipment near heat sources.
Heat deflection sits just below the glass transition, so parts hold their shape under load almost up to the softening point. Low thermal conductivity makes ASA an insulating enclosure material, and the expansion coefficient helps size clearances where large parts mount to metal.
PropertyValue
- HDT @ 0.45 MPa (XY / XZ)ASTM D648, Method B
- 103 / 102 °C
- HDT @ 1.8 MPa (XY / XZ)ASTM D648, Method B
- 98.2 / 97.6 °C
- Glass Transition TemperatureASTM D7426 (inflection point), moulded plaque
- 104 °C
- Coefficient of Linear Expansion (XY / XZ, −50 to 90 °C)ASTM E831
- 69.38 / 63.55 ×10⁻⁶/K
- Thermal Conductivity (0–90 °C)ASTM E1952, moulded plaque (ASA Natural)
- 0.156–0.169 W/m·K
- Thermal Diffusivity (0–90 °C)ASTM E1952, moulded plaque (ASA Natural)
- 0.077–0.108 mm²/s
Functional performance
Electrical properties
Volume resistivity shows how well ASA blocks leakage current through a wall, and dielectric strength how much voltage a wall withstands before it breaks down: the two values to check for electrical housings, connectors, insulating features and outdoor enclosures.
The dissipation factor helps evaluate dielectric losses in signal-sensitive or high-frequency use cases, such as covers over antennas and sensors.
PropertyValue
- Volume ResistivityASTM D257, moulded plaque
- > 6.89×10¹⁴ Ω·cm
- Dielectric Constant, 1 kHz (XY / XZ)ASTM D150
- 3.14 / 4.74
- Dielectric Constant, 2 MHz (XY / XZ)ASTM D150
- 2.82 / 2.83
- Dissipation Factor, 1 kHz (XY / XZ)ASTM D150
- 0.009 / 0.009
- Dissipation Factor, 2 MHz (XY / XZ)ASTM D150
- 0.022 / 0.024
- Dielectric Strength (XZ / ZX)ASTM D149-09, Method A (Fortus 400mc, ASA Natural, 2015 Stratasys spec sheet)
- 329 / 414 V/mil
Compatibility data
Chemical properties
Stratasys rates ASA relative to its other FDM materials for exposure at room temperature: excellent means unlikely to degrade in prolonged contact, and good means unlikely to degrade in short-term contact. ASA resists weak acids, bases and water, and handles fuels, coolant and washer fluid in short-term contact.
Ketones such as acetone and MEK, phenols, silicone oils and halogenated hydrocarbons attack it, and motor oil, brake fluid and transmission fluid are rated limited. Chemical ratings are screening guidance; confirm them with application-specific testing before production release.
ChemicalRating
- Weak acids (pH 3–6)
- Excellent
- Strong acids (pH below 3)
- Limited
- Weak bases (pH 8–10)
- Excellent
- Strong bases (pH above 10)
- Excellent
- Deionized water
- Excellent
- Alcohol / ethanol
- Good
- Windshield washer fluid
- Good
- Antifreeze / engine coolant
- Good
- Brake fluid
- Limited
- Esters
- Limited
- Ketones (e.g. MEK, acetone)
- Poor
- Phenols
- Poor
- Petroleum fuels
- Good
- Petroleum greases
- Good
- Aliphatic hydrocarbons (e.g. propane, butane)
- Good
- Motor oil
- Limited
- Transmission fluid
- Limited
- Aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g. benzene)
- Limited
- Silicone greases / oils
- Poor
- Halogenated hydrocarbons (e.g. CFCs)
- Poor
Compliance
Compliance profile
Stratasys's ASA specification sheet lists a UL 94 HB flame classification. ASA is not a flame-retardant grade; for flame-rated parts, choose a flame-retardant material such as ULTEM 9085.
Stratasys publishes no food-contact or biocompatibility statement for ASA.
StandardStatus
- UL 94 flammabilityStratasys rating, not a flame-retardant grade
- HB
Related materials
Compare ASA with similar materials
Resources
Datasheets and design resources
Datasheets, design guidance and supplier documentation for ASA.
Download center
Access the most recent datasheet and supporting documentation maintained by our engineering team.
ASA datasheetDesign guidelines
Explore printable geometry recommendations, wall thickness tips, and finishing playbooks for FDM.
View FDM design guide
Advanced Manufacturing
Built with Precision FDM Technology
ASA is manufactured using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology, offering reliable performance for functional prototypes and end-use parts. It runs on Stratasys Fortus platforms with heated build chambers and qualified material profiles, so layer adhesion and mechanical integrity stay consistent from build to build.
- Tolerance
- ±0.25 mm or ±0.3%, whichever is greater
- Production capacity
- Large parts, or multiple parts and assemblies in each build
- Quality control
- In-process monitoring and batch traceability for consistent part quality and material properties
- Colours & finishes
- Black, white, gray, dark gray, red, orange, yellow, green or blue, with a matte finish; support removal, sanding, vapor smoothing, painting, drilling and tapping
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about ASA
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- ASA is known for its exceptional UV resistance and weatherability, with mechanical properties similar to ABS, making it suitable for automotive and marine applications.
- Yes. ASA is made for parts that see sun and weather: Stratasys measured almost no loss of strength after 1,000 hours of accelerated UV weathering (ASTM G154), so mounts, covers, housings and trim can be installed outside as printed.
- ASA is printed by Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) on Stratasys Fortus systems, which build parts layer by layer with soluble supports. Teams use it for automotive exterior trim, marine hardware, outdoor equipment covers and housings, and functional prototypes for outdoor testing.
- ASA is used across automotive, marine, architecture, sporting goods, consumer products and outdoor equipment, for exterior trim and sensor covers, hull mounts and boat hardware, outdoor furniture and garden equipment, site models and signage, and appliance housings.
- ASA resists UV and weather, has mechanical properties and heat resistance similar to ABS, with a heat deflection temperature of 98.2 °C at 1.8 MPa, and comes in more colours than any other FDM material. It resists weak acids, bases and water, and is an electrical insulator.
- ASA prints and performs much like ABS, with similar strength and heat resistance, but adds better UV resistance. Choose ASA for parts that see sunlight or weather, and ABS for indoor parts where UV exposure is not a concern.
- ASA costs more than standard ABS, and its properties are anisotropic: elongation at break is 5.9% printed on edge (XZ) but 1.8% printed upright (ZX). Ketones such as acetone and MEK attack it, Stratasys rates it limited against motor oil and brake fluid, and complex overhangs need support structures, which are soluble.
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