ASA vs ABS at a glance
| Property | ASA | ABS |
|---|---|---|
| UV and weather resistance | Excellent | Poor — yellows and turns brittle in sun |
| Heat resistance | Good | Good |
| Impact toughness | Good | Good |
| Surface finish | Clean matte | Matte to satin |
| Best environment | Outdoors, near windows, vehicles | Indoors |
Choose ASA when
- The part lives outdoors or in sunlight
- You need colour and finish to hold up over time
- Exterior car trim, covers and enclosures
Choose ABS when
- The part stays indoors
- You're matching an existing ABS part
- Housings and covers with no sun exposure
Comparisons are general and qualitative. Results depend on part design and print settings.