3D Printing Info

Filament comparison

ASA Aero vs ASA-CF

Compare printing settings, strength, heat resistance, dated prices and sources.

Foaming ASA (ASA Aero) guideCarbon-fibre ASA (ASA-CF) guide

2 selected · all documented properties

Open these two in the interactive comparisonMore ASA Aero comparisonsMore ASA-CF comparisons
ASA Aero vs ASA-CF — documented properties and sources
PropertyFoaming ASA (ASA Aero)ASACarbon-fibre ASA (ASA-CF)ASA
Market snapshot
Listing priceUSD/kg; dated snapshots$49.99/kg median; $49.99–$49.99/kg across 1 dated product listings$36.99/kg median; $25.00–$90.00/kg across 5 dated product listings
Identity & Market
Base polymer / chemistryASA with a heat-activated blowing agent that expands at the nozzle[1][2]ASA reinforced with chopped carbon fibre — Formfutura's ApolloX CF10 is 10 wt%[3][4][5]
Densityg/cm³0.99 filament (Bambu Lab, ISO 1183); Formfutura's grade reaches 0.33 g/cm³ fully expanded[1][2]1.02 (Bambu Lab), 1.1 (Formfutura ApolloX CF10) and 1.11 (3DXTech), ISO 1183[3][4][5]
Typical priceUSD/kg1 kg spools cluster near 50[6]1 kg spools cluster near 37[7][8]
Price range across brandsUSD/kg50 at Bambu Lab's 1 kg listing[6]25–90 across brands; IEMAI 25, Ambrosia 33, Bambu Lab 37, Polymaker Fiberon 40, 3DXTech 90[9][7][8][10][11]
Market availability1–5Niche, a handful of specialist brands[6][2]Available from several mainstream brands[7][8][10][9]
Spool sizes & diameters1.75 mm; 1 kg spools[6]1.75 and 2.85 mm; 0.5, 0.75 and 1 kg spools[8][10][7]
Typical applicationsDrone airframes, RC parts and floating or outdoor applications where mass matters and UV exposure rules out LW-PLA[2]Outdoor structural parts, drone and antenna mounts where stiffness and UV stability both matter[3][4]
Printing Parameters
Nozzle temperature°C240–280 (Bambu Lab); 220–285 (Formfutura), with foaming activating near 230 °C and peaking between 270 and 285 °C[1][2]250–280 (Bambu Lab)[3]
Bed temperature°C80–90 (Bambu Lab); 50–90 (Formfutura)[1][2]80–100 (Bambu Lab)[3]
Enclosure / chamber requirement1–5Enclosure recommended — Bambu Lab specifies a 45–60 °C chamber[1][12]Enclosure recommended — Bambu Lab specifies a 45–60 °C chamber[3][12]
Recommended chamber temperature°C45–60 (Bambu Lab)[1]45–60 (Bambu Lab)[3]
Part cooling fan0–80 % (Bambu Lab); 0–50 % (Formfutura)[1][2]Fan on (Bambu Lab)[3]
Bed surface & adhesion aidPEI sheet, BuildTak or an adhesion aid such as Magigoo (Polymaker); Simplify3D also lists Kapton tape and ASA slurry[13][14]PEI sheet, BuildTak or an adhesion aid such as Magigoo (Polymaker); Simplify3D also lists Kapton tape and ASA slurry[13][14]
Maximum volumetric flow (mm³/s; see test conditions)mm³/s12 at Bambu Lab's 150 mm/s cap on a 0.4 mm nozzle at 0.2 mm layer[1][15]20 at Bambu Lab's 250 mm/s cap on a 0.4 mm nozzle at 0.2 mm layer[3][15]
Warping tendency1–5Not documentedModerate — needs adhesion aid or draught shield; the fibre reduces warping against unfilled ASA[12]
Bed-adhesion difficulty1–5Needs a specific surface plus adhesive[13]Needs a specific surface plus adhesive[13]
Stringing / oozing tendency1–5Slight — Polymaker advises 1–2 mm retraction at 20–30 mm/s[13]Slight — Polymaker advises 1–2 mm retraction at 20–30 mm/s[13]
Overall printing difficulty1–5Advanced — enclosure, hardware upgrades, tuning; flow has to be cut to match the expansion and the density follows nozzle temperature[2][1]Intermediate — dry filament and a tuned profile; hardened nozzle mandatory[12]
Hardware Wear & Reliability
Nozzle hardness required1–4Brass fine indefinitely[12]Hardened steel required[12]
Abrasiveness1–5Non-abrasive[12]Highly abrasive — standard CF composite[12]
Nozzle clog risk1–5Not documentedModerate — needs dry filament and a clean nozzle; Prusa lists higher risk of nozzle clogging for fibre-filled composites and Simplify3D a higher tendency to clog[16][17]
Heat-creep / jam sensitivity1–5Slightly sensitive[14]Slightly sensitive[14]
Hotend requirementNo special hotend required[14]No special hotend required[14]
Moisture Behaviour
Moisture absorption (hygroscopicity)1–5High — 0.80 % saturated at 25 °C / 55 % RH, nearly double unfilled Bambu Lab ASA[1][18]Moderate — 0.33 % saturated at 25 °C / 55 % RH (Bambu Lab)[3]
Equilibrium moisture content at ~50 % RH%0.80 saturated at 25 °C / 55 % RH (Bambu Lab)[1]0.33 saturated at 25 °C / 55 % RH (Bambu Lab)[3]
Drying temperature & time80 °C for 8 h (Bambu Lab)[1]80 °C for 8 h (Bambu Lab)[3]
Symptoms when wetBubbling and popping at the nozzle, stringing and a rough surface[19]Bubbling and popping at the nozzle, stringing and a rough surface[19]
Effect of moisture on strengthNo dry-versus-conditioned figures are published; Polymaker groups the styrenics as moderate-sensitivity and absorbed water shows as bubbling and poor layer adhesion[19]No dry-versus-conditioned figures are published; Polymaker groups the styrenics as moderate-sensitivity and absorbed water shows as bubbling and poor layer adhesion[19]
Storage requirementSealed with desiccant; Polymaker rates the styrenics moderate-sensitivity[19]Sealed with desiccant; Polymaker rates the styrenics moderate-sensitivity[19]
Mechanical Properties
Tensile strength (XY)MPa32 ± 4 printed XY, ISO 527 (Bambu Lab)[1]34 ± 3 printed XY, ISO 527 (Bambu Lab); 3DXTech quotes 48 at break and Formfutura 79 at 23 °C[3][4][5]
Young's modulusMPa2010 ± 260 printed XY, ISO 527 (Bambu Lab)[1]4200 ± 270 printed XY, ISO 527 (Bambu Lab); 3DXTech quotes 5355 and Formfutura 7580[3][4][5]
Elongation at break%5.1 ± 1.6 printed XY, ISO 527 (Bambu Lab)[1]9.6 ± 1.4 printed XY, ISO 527 (Bambu Lab); 3DXTech quotes 3 at break and Formfutura 1.8[3][4][5]
Flexural strengthMPa58 ± 6 printed XY, ISO 178 (Bambu Lab)[1]72 ± 5 printed XY, ISO 178 (Bambu Lab); 3DXTech quotes 78[3][4]
Flexural modulusMPa1510 ± 120 printed XY, ISO 178 (Bambu Lab)[1]3740 ± 130 printed XY, ISO 178 (Bambu Lab); 3DXTech quotes 5210[3][4]
Charpy impact, notchedkJ/m²8.2 ± 1.6 printed XY, ISO 179, notched (Bambu Lab)[1]6.2 ± 1.4 printed XY, ISO 179, notched (Bambu Lab) — a third of unfilled Bambu Lab ASA's 19.6[3][18]
Other impact dataCharpy unnotched 32.0 ± 2.5 printed XY (Bambu Lab, ISO 179)[1]Charpy unnotched 14.0 ± 2.2 printed XY (Bambu Lab, ISO 179), against 41.0 for unfilled Bambu Lab ASA[3][18]
Layer adhesion / Z tensileMPa21 ± 4 printed Z, ISO 527 (Bambu Lab); flexural Z falls to 24 against 58 in XY[1]30 ± 4 printed Z, ISO 527 (Bambu Lab); flexural Z falls to 33 against 72 in XY[3]
Brittleness1–5Moderate[1]Brittle — snaps with little warning[3][4]
Creep resistance / sustained load1–5Below average — no creep test found; the foamed structure drops modulus to 2010 MPa and load is carried by a lower solid fraction[1][18]Good — no creep test found; chopped carbon fibre lifts modulus to 4200 MPa against 2379–2450 for unfilled ASA[3][20]
Fatigue / repeated-flex resistance1–5Moderate — no foamed-grade S-N curve; unfilled printed ASA holds a fatigue limit at 25 % of tensile strength[1][21]Below average — no CF-grade S-N curve; notched Charpy falls to 6.2 kJ/m² against 19.6 for unfilled Bambu Lab ASA[3][18]
Elasticity / flexibility1–5Rigid[1]Rigid[3]
Z strength as % of XY%66 by tensile, 41 by flexural (printed, Bambu Lab)[1]88 by tensile, 46 by flexural (printed, Bambu Lab)[3]
Thermal Properties
HDT at 0.45 MPa°C85 (ISO 75, 0.45 MPa, Bambu Lab) against 100 for unfilled Bambu Lab ASA[1][18]110 (ISO 75, 0.45 MPa, Bambu Lab) against 100 for unfilled Bambu Lab ASA[3][18]
HDT at 1.8 MPa°C78 (ISO 75, 1.8 MPa, Bambu Lab) against 92 for unfilled Bambu Lab ASA[1][18]102 (ISO 75, 1.8 MPa, Bambu Lab) against 92 for unfilled Bambu Lab ASA[3][18]
Continuous service temperature°C93 — Prusa publishes this as the temperature resistance of Prusament ASA[22]93 — Prusa publishes this as the temperature resistance of Prusament ASA[22]
Flammability / UL 94Flammable; no UL 94 rating published[18]Flammable; no UL 94 rating published[18]
Environment & Chemical
UV resistance1–5Excellent — designed for permanent outdoor use; Formfutura states the foaming grade retains ApolloX's UV resistance[2][23]Excellent — designed for permanent outdoor use; the acrylate rubber phase is unchanged by the fibre[23][13]
Chemical resistanceGood against weak acids, weak alkalis, oils and grease; dissolved by acetone[20]Good against weak acids, weak alkalis, oils and grease; dissolved by acetone[20]
Food contactNot food safe[13]Not food safe[13]
Biodegradability / compostabilityNot biodegradable[13]Not biodegradable[13]
RecyclabilityNot accepted in household plastic collection[13]Not accepted in household plastic collection[13]
Electrical & ESD propertiesNot documentedSurface resistance above 10⁹ ohm/sq — not static-dissipative (3DXTech, ASTM D257)[4]
Health & Safety
Fume toxicity1–5High — hazardous VOC such as styrene; enclosure and filtration needed[24][12]High — hazardous VOC such as styrene; enclosure and filtration needed[24][12]
Hazardous species emittedStyrene. Bambu Lab states ABS and ASA release harmful gases such as styrene at printing temperature, which can be toxic and cause dizziness or nausea. Azimi et al. measured styrene from every styrenic filament tested but did not test ASA itself[12][24]Styrene. Bambu Lab states ABS and ASA release harmful gases such as styrene at printing temperature, which can be toxic and cause dizziness or nausea. Azimi et al. measured styrene from every styrenic filament tested but did not test ASA itself[12][24]
Ventilation / filtration requirement1–5Enclosure with carbon and HEPA filtration[24][12]Enclosure with carbon and HEPA filtration[24][12]
Dust & fibre handling hazardNot documentedCarbon fibre is bound in the matrix; sanding dust should not be inhaled[4]
Post-Processing
Sanding & machiningSands well and takes filler before painting[13]Sands well and takes filler before painting[13]
Painting & finishingPaints readily; ASA holds colour outdoors so many parts are left unpainted[13]Paints readily; ASA holds colour outdoors so many parts are left unpainted[13]
Gluing & solvent weldingSolvent-welds with acetone[20]Solvent-welds with acetone[20]
Vapour / chemical smoothingAcetone vapour smoothing works[20]Acetone vapour smoothing works[20]
Support material pairingHIPS breaks away or dissolves in d-limonene; Bambu Lab sells a Support for ABS that also serves ASA[12]HIPS breaks away or dissolves in d-limonene; Bambu Lab sells a Support for ABS that also serves ASA[12]
Dimensional accuracy & detailMatte, textured surface that hides layer lines; colour lightens as the foaming degree rises, which doubles as a visual density cue[2]Matte fibre-filled finish hides layer lines[3]
Solvents & Solubility
Soluble inAcetone dissolves it (Polymaker); MEK, THF, ethyl acetate and the chlorinated solvents dissolve the styrenic backbone.[25][20]Acetone dissolves the resin and leaves the fibre; MEK, THF, ethyl acetate and chlorinated solvents attack the styrenic backbone.[25][20]
Softened or crazed byLimonene attacks some grades — Prusa reports Prusament ASA Orange flaking apart as layer adhesion fails.[26]Limonene attacks some grades — Prusa reports Prusament ASA Orange flaking apart as layer adhesion fails.[26]
Solvent welding & smoothing agentAcetone vapour, ~20 min at 80 °C over 5 mm of liquid; the foamed wall absorbs solvent, so cut the exposure well short.[27]Acetone vapour reaches only the resin fraction, so the fibre is left standing proud of the smoothed surface.[27][20]

Material entries describe families or representative grades, not an interchangeable specification for every spool. Test methods, orientations and conditions may differ. Unknown values are marked “Not documented”. Prices and source dates remain historical snapshots; check the linked guide for product details. Differences highlight text, not a universal winner.

Sources for this comparison

  1. Bambu Filament Technical Data Sheet V1.0 — ASA Aero Bambu Lab · 2026-08 · tds
  2. ApolloX Foaming Technical Data Sheet Formfutura · 2025-07 · tds
  3. Bambu Filament Technical Data Sheet V1.0 — ASA-CF Bambu Lab · 2026-08 · tds
  4. CarbonX Carbon Fiber ASA Technical Data Sheet 3DXTech · 2026-08 · tds
  5. ApolloX CF10 Technical Data Sheet Formfutura · 2026-08 · tds
  6. ASA Aero — product page Bambu Lab US Store · 2026-08 · vendor
  7. ASA-CF — product page Bambu Lab US Store · 2026-08 · vendor
  8. Polymaker product catalogue Polymaker · 2026-08 · vendor
  9. Filastruder product catalogue Filastruder · 2026-08 · vendor
  10. 3DXTech product catalogue 3DXTech · 2026-08 · vendor
  11. IEMAI CF-ASA 3D Printing Filament product page IEMAI 3D · 2026-08 · vendor
  12. ABS / ASA / PC Usage Guide Bambu Lab Wiki · 2026-08 · doc
  13. ASA — material basics Polymaker Wiki · 2026-08 · doc
  14. ASA — Ultimate 3D Printing Materials Guide Simplify3D · 2026-08 · doc
  15. Max volumetric speed Prusa Knowledge Base · 2026-08 · doc
  16. Composite materials filled with carbon, kevlar or glass Prusa Knowledge Base · 2026-08 · doc
  17. Carbon Fiber Filled — Ultimate 3D Printing Materials Guide Simplify3D · 2026-08 · doc
  18. Bambu Filament Technical Data Sheet V3.0 — ASA Bambu Lab · 2026-08 · tds
  19. Wet Filament — signs, causes and drying Polymaker Wiki · 2026-08 · doc
  20. PolyLite ASA Technical Data Sheet Polymaker · 2024-11 · tds
  21. Mechanical, Fatigue, and Thermal Characterization of ASA, Nylon 12, PC and PC-ABS Manufactured by Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) Polymers 18(2):302 · 2026-01 · paper
  22. Prusament ASA — material page Prusa Polymers · 2026-08 · doc
  23. ASA — FDM Material Data Sheet (includes 1000 h QUV exposure results) Stratasys · 2026-08 · tds
  24. Emissions of Ultrafine Particles and Volatile Organic Compounds from Commercially Available Desktop Three-Dimensional Printers with Multiple Filaments (Azimi et al.) Environmental Science & Technology 50(3) 1260-1268 · 2016-01 · paper
  25. Chemical resistance — resistance of Ensinger plastics to chemicals (DIN 50 014, 23/50) Ensinger · 2026-08 · tds
  26. HIPS — Knowledge Base Prusa Research · 2026-08 · doc
  27. Improve your 3D prints with chemical smoothing Prusa Research · 2026-08 · doc