FDM TechnologyThermoplastic

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.

Tensile Strength
32.8 MPa
Flexural Modulus
1.98 GPa
Temperature Resistance
103 °C
Technology
FDM
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ASA 3D printed part example
Large Build Volume
Cost-Effective
FDM material

ASA overview

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.

Why manufacture with ASA

ASA combines exceptional uv resistance and weatherability and superior color retention and gloss stability, delivering excellent mechanical properties similar to abs for demanding applications. From rapid prototyping to production runs, teams rely on ASA to maintain tight tolerances while reducing assembly complexity through consolidated part designs.

FDM Production Technology

ASA revolutionizes outdoor FDM applications with exceptional UV resistance that maintains color and mechanical properties after years of sun exposure. The Stratasys Fortus system ensures consistent layer adhesion delivering 32.8 MPa tensile strength and 103°C heat deflection temperature—outperforming ABS in environmental durability. Available in 10 vibrant colors that resist fading, ASA's superior weatherability eliminates secondary UV coatings while maintaining aesthetic appeal. The material's chemical resistance to automotive fluids and salt water, combined with excellent dimensional stability (±0.25%), makes it ideal for marine hardware, automotive exteriors, and architectural elements exposed to harsh conditions.

Build Volume

914 × 610 × 914 mm

Max part size

Lead Time

2-4 business days

Fast turnaround available

Layer Height

0.127 - 0.508 mm

Resolution

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Manufactured in Forge Labs' North American production centers with serialized traceability for ASA.

ASA FDM cube sample showing high-performance thermoplastic properties
Technical resources

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Technical datasheet

Detailed specs for ASA.

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Applications & field work

Where ASA excels

ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) combines the mechanical strength of ABS with exceptional UV and weather resistance, making it the preferred choice for outdoor applications and automotive exteriors. Unlike standard thermoplastics that degrade in sunlight, ASA maintains its color, gloss, and mechanical properties after years of exposure.

The material's unique chemistry provides superior chemical resistance to automotive fluids while maintaining the processability that makes ABS so popular. With 10 color options—more than any other FDM material—ASA enables both functional and aesthetic applications without painting.

Forge Labs' climate-controlled storage and optimized print parameters ensure consistent color matching across builds, critical for multi-part assemblies. Our vapor smoothing capabilities transform ASA parts into production-quality components with injection-molded appearance.

Mechanical
Tensile Strength: 32.8 MPa
ASTM D638 - 32.8 MPa tensile
Thermal
Glass Transition Temperature: 104 °C
HDT 103°C @ 0.45 MPa
Physical
Density: 1.08 g/cm³
Electrical
Volume Resistivity (ASTM D257): >6.89×10¹⁴ Ω·cm
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Industry applications for ASA

From automotive exteriors to marine equipment, ASA enables durable products designed for harsh environments. Explore how industries leverage this weather-resistant material.

ASA's UV stability and chemical resistance make it ideal for exterior automotive applications. The material withstands years of sun exposure without yellowing or becoming brittle, maintaining both aesthetics and performance.

Key Applications

  • Side mirror housings and trim
  • Grilles and exterior vents
  • Spoilers and aerodynamic components
  • License plate frames and brackets

Performance Data

Retains 85% tensile strength after 2000 hours UV exposure (ASTM G154), exceeding OEM requirements for exterior trim components.

Marine environments demand materials that resist salt water, UV, and temperature extremes. ASA delivers this durability while maintaining the design freedom of 3D printing for custom marine components.

Key Applications

  • Boat instrumentation housings
  • Deck hardware and fixtures
  • Navigation light housings
  • Custom cleats and tie-downs

Performance Data

Survives 1000+ hours salt spray testing (ASTM B117) with <2% property degradation, meeting marine equipment standards.

ASA enables architectural models and outdoor fixtures that maintain appearance through seasons of weather exposure. The material's dimensional stability ensures accurate scale models and functional outdoor components.

Key Applications

  • Architectural scale models
  • Outdoor signage and displays
  • Decorative facade elements
  • Lighting fixture housings

Performance Data

Color retention ΔE<3 after 5000 hours weatherometer testing, maintaining architectural presentation quality for outdoor installations.

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Outdoor sporting equipment requires materials that survive impact, weather, and UV exposure. ASA provides this durability while enabling custom designs for specialized sports applications.

Key Applications

  • Helmet components and visors
  • Equipment housings and guards
  • Custom brackets for action cameras
  • Outdoor fitness equipment parts

Performance Data

Impact strength of 285 J/m (unnotched) maintained after 1 year outdoor exposure, ensuring safety equipment reliability.

ASA production examples

FDM applications showcase

FDM applications showcase

Industrial FDM Applications

ASA automotive mirror housing

ASA automotive mirror housing

Automotive Applications

Architectural massing model

Architectural massing model

Architectural Applications

Performance Dashboard

Technical performance for ASA

ASA delivers dependable strength and impact resistance for Automotive exterior trim and body panels and Marine hardware and boat components, helping teams move from prototype to production with confidence.

Mechanical Properties

Tensile Strength

32.8 MPa

ASA records Tensile Strength at 32.8 MPa, reinforcing its mechanical properties story.

Mechanical Properties

Tensile Strength (XZ)

32.8 MPa

ASA records Tensile Strength (XZ) at 32.8 MPa, reinforcing its mechanical properties story.

Mechanical Properties

Tensile Strength (ZX)

28.3 MPa

ASA records Tensile Strength (ZX) at 28.3 MPa, reinforcing its mechanical properties story.

ASA combines Exceptional UV resistance and weatherability and Superior color retention and gloss stability to support Automotive exterior trim and body panels and Marine hardware and boat components that demand production-ready durability.

Measurement
ASABase
Standard
Tensile Strength32.8 MPa—
Tensile Strength (XZ)32.8 MPa—
Tensile Strength (ZX)28.3 MPa—
Flexural Strength (XZ)61.5 MPa—
Flexural Modulus (XZ)1.98 GPa—
Elongation at Break (XZ)5.9 %—
Elongation at Break (ZX)1.8 %—
Impact Strength (Notched XZ)43.1 J/m—
Impact Strength (Unnotched XZ)285 J/m—
Mechanical Performance

Mechanical Properties

ASA delivers dependable strength and impact resistance for Automotive exterior trim and body panels and Marine hardware and boat components, helping teams move from prototype to production with confidence.

ASA delivers exceptional mechanical performance with excellent strength characteristics, 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, and 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, and Architecture. 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.

ASA combines Exceptional UV resistance and weatherability and Superior color retention and gloss stability to support Automotive exterior trim and body panels and Marine hardware and boat components that demand production-ready durability.

Key metric

Tensile Strength

32.8 MPa

Key metric

Tensile Strength (XZ)

32.8 MPa

Key metric

Tensile Strength (ZX)

28.3 MPa

Dive into the data

Detailed mechanical measurements live in the performance dashboard above. Switch tabs to compare against other materials instantly.

Material Makeup

Physical Properties

ASA offers consistent density and surface quality so critical features hold tolerances and downstream finishing remains predictable.

ASA exhibits a density of 1.08 g/cm³ that contributes to lightweight yet durable parts. Its low moisture absorption ensures dimensional stability in varying environmental conditions.

These physical properties enable consistent part quality and predictable performance across Automotive exterior trim and body panels, Marine hardware and boat components, and Outdoor furniture and garden equipment. The material's inherent characteristics minimize warpage and maintain tight tolerances throughout the part lifecycle.

For Automotive, Marine, and Architecture, these physical attributes translate to reliable production outcomes with minimal post-processing requirements, ensuring parts meet specifications straight from the build platform.

ASA delivers 1.08 g/cm³ density so assemblies fit and finish without secondary rework.

Key metric

Density

1.08 g/cm³

Key metric

Specific Gravity

1.08

Key metric

UV Resistance

Excellent

Dive into the data

Detailed physical properties measurements live in the performance dashboard above. Switch tabs to compare against other materials instantly.

Heat Performance

Thermal Properties

ASA maintains dimensional stability through temperature swings, making it a reliable option for Automotive and Marine programs that see repeated thermal cycling.

ASA demonstrates excellent thermal stability with robust heat resistance, enabling it to maintain dimensional accuracy in elevated temperature environments. This thermal performance ensures parts retain their shape and mechanical properties even under thermal stress.

The material's thermal characteristics make it ideal for Automotive exterior trim and body panels, Marine hardware and boat components, and Outdoor furniture and garden equipment that experience temperature fluctuations. Its ability to withstand thermal cycling without degradation ensures long-term reliability in Automotive, Marine, and Architecture.

With broad temperature tolerance, ASA provides engineers with confidence when designing parts for thermally demanding applications, from under-hood automotive components to industrial equipment exposed to heat sources.

ASA maintains geometry with a Glass Transition Temperature of 104 °C, protecting dimensional integrity during heat cycling.

Key metric

Glass Transition Temperature

104 °C

Key metric

Melting Point

103 °C (Softening)

Key metric

HDT @ 0.45 MPa

103 °C

Dive into the data

Detailed thermal properties measurements live in the performance dashboard above. Switch tabs to compare against other materials instantly.

Functional Performance

Electrical Properties

ASA provides predictable electrical behavior for housings and functional prototypes that need controlled resistivity and dielectric strength.

ASA provides controlled electrical resistivity of >6.89×10¹⁴ Ω·cm, making it suitable for electrical housings and insulators. Its dielectric strength of 329 V/mil ensure reliable performance in electrical assemblies.

These electrical characteristics enable its use in Automotive exterior trim and body panels, Marine hardware and boat components, and Outdoor furniture and garden equipment where electrical performance is critical. The material maintains consistent electrical properties across its operating temperature range, ensuring stable performance in varying conditions.

For Automotive, Marine, and Architecture requiring precise electrical behavior, ASA delivers the consistency and reliability needed for functional prototypes and production parts that interact with electrical systems.

ASA posts >6.89×10¹⁴ Ω·cm Volume Resistivity (ASTM D257), giving enclosures dependable insulating performance.

Key metric

Volume Resistivity (ASTM D257)

>6.89×10¹⁴ Ω·cm

Key metric

Dielectric Constant (ASTM D150, 1 kHz)

3.14

Key metric

Dielectric Constant (ASTM D150, 2 MHz)

2.82

Dive into the data

Detailed electrical properties measurements live in the performance dashboard above. Switch tabs to compare against other materials instantly.

Compatibility Data

Chemical Properties

ASA offers tested chemical resistance across acids, bases, solvents, and hydrocarbons to ensure reliable performance in harsh environments.

ASA demonstrates broad chemical resistance with testing against 8 different chemicals, showing excellent compatibility with 3 substances and good compatibility with 5 others. This extensive chemical resistance profile makes it suitable for harsh industrial environments.

The material's resistance to acids, bases, solvents, and hydrocarbons enables its use in Automotive exterior trim and body panels, Marine hardware and boat components, and Outdoor furniture and garden equipment that require exposure to aggressive chemicals. Its chemical inertness ensures parts maintain their mechanical properties even after prolonged chemical exposure.

For Automotive, Marine, and Architecture, this chemical stability translates to longer service life and reduced maintenance requirements, making ASA a cost-effective choice for chemically demanding applications.

ASA has been tested against 8 chemicals with 3 showing excellent compatibility for demanding chemical environments.

Key metric

Motor Oil

Excellent

Type: Hydrocarbon

Key metric

Salt Water

Excellent

Type: Salt Solution

Key metric

Hydraulic Fluid

Excellent

Type: Hydrocarbon

Dive into the data

Detailed chemical properties measurements live in the performance dashboard above. Switch tabs to compare against other materials instantly.

Chemical Resistance

Chemical compatibility for ASA

Evaluate how ASA responds to common chemicals before you commit to production tooling. Filter the grid to focus on acids, bases, solvents, or hydrocarbons.

8 of 8 chemicals shown

ChemicalTypeCompatibility
Motor OilHydrocarbonExcellent
GasolineHydrocarbonGood to Excellent
Salt WaterSalt SolutionExcellent
EthanolSolventGood
Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)SolventGood
Acetic Acid (10%)AcidGood
Sodium Hydroxide (10%)BaseGood to Excellent
Hydraulic FluidHydrocarbonExcellent
Resources

Datasheets and design resources

Equip your team with certification packs, design guides, and spec sheets tailored to ASA.

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Access the most recent datasheet and supporting documentation maintained by our engineering team.

Resources

Material DatasheetMechanical Properties Overview

Design guidelines

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Compliance certificates

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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.

FDM Manufacturing Lab

ASA runs on industrial FDM platforms with heated chambers, hardened extrusion paths, and qualified material profiles to guarantee consistent layer adhesion and mechanical integrity.

Process Parameters

Layer Height
0.127 - 0.508 mm
Tolerance
± 0.25% (min ± 0.3 mm)
  • Build Volume: 914 × 610 × 914 mm. Large production capacity enables efficient manufacturing of multiple parts or assemblies.
  • Quality Control. In-process monitoring and batch traceability ensure consistent part quality and material properties.

Finishing Options

Support removalSandingVapor smoothingPaintingDrilling/Tapping
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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about ASA

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ASA is known for its exceptional uv resistance and weatherability, superior color retention and gloss stability, excellent mechanical properties similar to abs, making it suitable for automotive and marine applications.

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