ASAUV-Resistant Thermoplastic for Outdoor Applications
ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) is a thermoplastic known for its exceptional resistance to ultraviolet (UV) light, weather, and environmental conditions, making it ideal for outdoor applications. ASA possesses similar mechanical and thermal properties to ABS, but with enhanced UV stability and superior aesthetics. It retains color and gloss over time in outdoor exposure.
Quick Specifications
Advanced Materials
UV Resistant Outdoor Thermoplastic
ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) is a high-performance thermoplastic designed for demanding outdoor applications. It offers the mechanical strength of ABS with superior UV resistance, making it ideal for parts exposed to sunlight, weather, and environmental stress. ASA retains its strength, color, and surface finish over time—without yellowing or becoming brittle. With excellent electrical insulation properties, including high volume resistivity and dielectric strength, ASA is also well-suited for electronic housings and enclosures. At Forge Labs, we use only premium-grade ASA to ensure durability, dimensional stability, and long-term performance in real-world conditions.
Functional Applications
From automotive to marine applications, ASA delivers reliable performance across demanding requirements. Its unique combination of exceptional uv resistance and weatherability, superior color retention and gloss stability, excellent mechanical properties similar to abs makes it a trusted choice for engineers.
Automotive Exteriors
Exterior trim, body panels, and components requiring UV resistance and weatherability
Outdoor Equipment
Garden tools, sporting goods, and fixtures exposed to harsh environmental conditions
Marine Applications
Boat components, marine hardware, and equipment requiring salt water resistance
Architectural Elements
Building facades, outdoor signage, and decorative elements requiring long-term durability
Functional Prototypes
Testing and validation of outdoor products before committing to production tooling
Technical Datasheet
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.
Industrial-grade FDM technology delivers reliable performance and mechanical properties for ASA production. Our advanced thermoplastic extrusion process ensures optimal layer adhesion and dimensional accuracy.
- Layer Height: 0.127 - 0.508 mm. Fine layer resolution delivers smooth surface finish and precise feature definition.
- Tolerance: ± 0.25% (min ± 0.3 mm). Consistent dimensional accuracy across complex geometries and thin-wall features.
- Build Volume: 762 × 1041 × 762 mm. Large production capacity enables efficient manufacturing of multiple parts or assemblies.
Technical Data
Mechanical Properties
ASA exhibits excellent mechanical properties, making it ideal for functional prototypes and end-use parts that need to meet demanding performance requirements in automotive and marine applications.
Technical Specifications
| Measurement | Value | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 32.8 MPa | ISO/ASTM |
| Tensile Strength (XZ) | 32.8 MPa | ISO/ASTM |
| Tensile Strength (ZX) | 28.3 MPa | ISO/ASTM |
| Flexural Strength (XZ) | 61.5 MPa | ISO/ASTM |
| Flexural Modulus (XZ) | 1.98 GPa | ISO/ASTM |
| Elongation at Break (XZ) | 5.9 % | ISO/ASTM |
| Elongation at Break (ZX) | 1.8 % | ISO/ASTM |
| Impact Strength (Notched XZ) | 43.1 J/m | ISO/ASTM |
| Impact Strength (Unnotched XZ) | 285 J/m | ISO/ASTM |
Performance Characteristics
ASA delivers exceptional mechanical performance with good impact strength and durability, effectively handling demanding load conditions. Its balanced mechanical profile allows it to maintain structural integrity while preventing brittleness in critical applications.
These qualities make it well-suited for automotive exterior trim and body panels, marine hardware and boat components, outdoor furniture and garden equipment, providing long-term durability in demanding environments. ASA maintains dimensional stability over time, ensuring consistent performance across temperature and stress variations.
This makes it a reliable choice for applications requiring precise geometries and tight tolerances across automotive, marine, architecture industries. Its versatility and durability allow it to perform consistently across a wide range of mechanical applications, ensuring parts maintain their integrity under repetitive stress and environmental conditions.
Key Strengths
Ideal Applications
Design Considerations
Technical Data
Thermal Properties
ASA exhibits exceptional thermal stability, with a melting point of 103°C and outstanding performance in demanding thermal environments.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Glass Transition Temperature | 104 °C | ISO/ASTM |
| Melting Point | 103 °C (Softening) | ISO/ASTM |
| HDT @ 0.45 MPa | 103 °C | ISO/ASTM |
| HDT @ 1.8 MPa | 98 °C | ISO/ASTM |
| Continuous Use Temperature | 95-100 °C | ISO/ASTM |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.168 W/m·K | ISO/ASTM |
| Coefficient of Linear Expansion | 69.4 ×10⁻⁶/K | ISO/ASTM |
Thermal Performance
ASA's thermal properties ensure minimal dimensional deviation under fluctuating thermal conditions, making it highly suitable for applications requiring tight tolerances and structural integrity at elevated temperatures. ASA maintains consistent mechanical performance even in thermally and environmentally variable conditions across automotive and marine and architecture and sporting goods and consumer products and outdoor equipment applications.
Its thermal conductivity and insulating properties make it an excellent candidate for consumer appliance housings. ASA resists thermal fatigue and creep deformation, particularly in cyclic thermal loading environments.
Prolonged exposure to temperatures approaching its upper limit (103°C) may lead to gradual material degradation. In applications requiring sustained operation in high-temperature environments, consult with our engineering team for material recommendations and design guidelines.
Resources
Operating Range
Thermal Benefits
Thermal Applications
Thermal Considerations
Technical Data
Electrical Properties
ASA electrical properties for reference and design considerations.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Standard | Unit | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volume Resistivity (ASTM D257) | - | Ω·cm | >6.89×10¹⁴ |
| Dielectric Constant (ASTM D150, 1 kHz) | - | - | 3.14 |
| Dielectric Constant (ASTM D150, 2 MHz) | - | - | 2.82 |
| Dissipation Factor (ASTM D150, 1 kHz) | - | - | 0.009 |
| Dissipation Factor (ASTM D150, 2 MHz) | - | - | 0.022 |
| Dielectric Strength (XZ) | DIN 53481 | V/mil | 329 |
| Dielectric Strength (ZX) | DIN 53481 | V/mil | 414 |
Electrical Performance
Electrical properties for ASA are provided for reference and design considerations. Please refer to the technical specifications table above for specific values and testing standards.
For detailed electrical performance data and material datasheets, please refer to the resources section or contact our team for additional information.
Resources
Electrical Applications
Electrical Considerations
Technical Data
Chemical Properties
ASA chemical compatibility data for reference and design considerations.
Chemical Compatibility Chart
| Chemical | Type | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Oil | Hydrocarbon | Excellent |
| Gasoline | Hydrocarbon | Good to Excellent |
| Salt Water | Salt Solution | Excellent |
| Ethanol | Solvent | Good |
| Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) | Solvent | Good |
| Acetic Acid (10%) | Acid | Good |
| Sodium Hydroxide (10%) | Base | Good to Excellent |
| Hydraulic Fluid | Hydrocarbon | Excellent |
Chemical Performance
ASA chemical compatibility data is provided for reference and design considerations. Please refer to the compatibility chart above for specific chemical resistance ratings.
For applications involving chemical exposure, please consult the compatibility chart and contact our team for application-specific guidance.
Resources
Resistance Categories
Chemical Considerations
Design Considerations
Technical Data
Biocompatibility & Compliance
ASA is biocompatible, meeting USP Class VI and ISO 10993 standards, making it safe for short-term contact with skin and mucosal membranes.
Compliance Standards
| Property | Compliance | Standard/Regulation |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Standards | Compliant | Meets applicable industry standards for automotive and marine and architecture and sporting goods and consumer products and outdoor equipment |
| Specific compliance certifications available upon request. Contact our engineering team for certification requirements specific to your application. | ||
Compliance Resources
Material Datasheets
Download comprehensive technical documentation for ASA, including safety data, compliance certificates, and design guidelines.
Technical Datasheets
Compliance Certificates
Design Resources
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Frequently asked questions
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