Material comparison
ABS vs ASA
How ABS and ASA compare on strength, heat, ease of printing and price, and the cheapest reels of each in stock on Amazon UK and Eryone UK.
- typical ABS
- £15.99/kg
- typical ASA
- £17.99/kg
- cheaper right now
- ABS
ABS vs ASA at a glance
| Property | ABS | ASA |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle | 240-270°C | 240-270°C |
| Bed | 90-110°C | 90-110°C |
| Enclosure | Required | Required |
| Heat resistance | 87°C | 100°C |
| Strength | 3 out of 5 | 3 out of 5 |
| Flexibility | 2 out of 5 | 2 out of 5 |
| UV resistance | 1 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 |
| Ease of printing | 2 out of 5 | 2 out of 5 |
| Absorbs moisture | Low | Low |
| Drying | 80°C, 6h | 80°C, 6h |
| Typical price | £15.99/kg | £17.99/kg |
| Cheapest in stock | £9.99/kg | £13.80/kg |
Ratings are out of 5. Temperatures and ratings are typical values from manufacturers' data sheets; prices are live from Amazon UK and Eryone UK.
Cheapest ABS per kg
Prices checked 5 Oct, 03:00 – 6 Oct, 06:00 (UK time) and may change.We earn a small commission if you buy. Your price stays the same.
Cheapest ASA per kg
Prices checked 5 Oct, 03:02 – 6 Oct, 06:00 (UK time) and may change.We earn a small commission if you buy. Your price stays the same.
ABS vs ASA: which should you buy?
Choose ASA if the part has to survive heat: ASA holds its shape to about 100°C, against 87°C for ABS; or it will live outdoors or in sunlight.
On price, a typical ABS reel costs £15.99 per kilogram on Amazon UK and Eryone UK right now, against £17.99 for ASA.
The figures are typical values from manufacturers' data sheets (Polymaker, Prusament, Bambu Lab); individual brands vary, so the range on the reel always wins.
Common questions
Is ABS stronger than ASA?
They're about as strong as each other; the bigger difference is heat resistance (ABS 87°C, ASA 100°C).
Is ABS or ASA cheaper in the UK?
ABS: a typical reel costs £15.99 per kg on Amazon UK and Eryone UK right now, against £17.99 for ASA. The cheapest of each are listed on this page.
Can I print ABS without an enclosure?
Small parts, sometimes; anything bigger tends to warp and split in a draught, so ABS really needs an enclosed printer. Check which printers can print it in our printer guides.
Can I print ASA without an enclosure?
Small parts, sometimes; anything bigger tends to warp and split in a draught, so ASA really needs an enclosed printer. Check which printers can print it in our printer guides.
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