3D Printing Info

Filament comparison

ASA Aero vs ASA-GF

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

Foaming ASA (ASA Aero) guideGlass-fibre ASA (ASA-GF) guide

2 selected · all documented properties

Open these two in the interactive comparisonMore ASA Aero comparisonsMore ASA-GF comparisons
ASA Aero vs ASA-GF — documented properties and sources
PropertyFoaming ASA (ASA Aero)ASAGlass-fibre ASA (ASA-GF)ASA
Market snapshot
Listing priceUSD/kg; dated snapshots$49.99/kg median; $49.99–$49.99/kg across 1 dated product listings$29.95/kg median; $26.99–$33.99/kg across 3 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 glass fibre — 10 wt% (Spectrum ASA-X GF10), 15 wt% (ZYLtech ASA-GF)[3][4]
Densityg/cm³0.99 filament (Bambu Lab, ISO 1183); Formfutura's grade reaches 0.33 g/cm³ fully expanded[1][2]1.07 (ZYLtech) and 1.11 (Spectrum), ISO 1183[3][4]
Typical priceUSD/kg1 kg spools cluster near 50[5]1 kg spools cluster near 28[6][7]
Price range across brandsUSD/kg50 at Bambu Lab's 1 kg listing[5]27–34 across brands; Ambrosia 27, ZYLtech 30, Siraya Tech 34[6][7][8]
Market availability1–5Niche, a handful of specialist brands[5][2]Niche, a handful of specialist brands[6][3][4]
Spool sizes & diameters1.75 mm; 1 kg spools[5]1.75 and 2.85 mm; 1 kg spools[4][6]
Typical applicationsDrone airframes, RC parts and floating or outdoor applications where mass matters and UV exposure rules out LW-PLA[2]Outdoor brackets and mounts that need stiffness and dimensional stability under sun and moisture[3][4]
Diameter tolerance± mmNot documented±0.01 at 95 % probability and ±0.02 at 100 % (ZYLtech)[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]240–270 (Spectrum); 240–280 (ZYLtech)[3][4]
Bed temperature°C80–90 (Bambu Lab); 50–90 (Formfutura)[1][2]80–100 (Spectrum); 90–110 on PEI (ZYLtech)[3][4]
Enclosure / chamber requirement1–5Enclosure recommended — Bambu Lab specifies a 45–60 °C chamber[1][9]Enclosure recommended[9]
Recommended chamber temperature°C45–60 (Bambu Lab)[1]Not documented
Part cooling fan0–80 % (Bambu Lab); 0–50 % (Formfutura)[1][2]0–20 % (Spectrum)[3]
Bed surface & adhesion aidPEI sheet, BuildTak or an adhesion aid such as Magigoo (Polymaker); Simplify3D also lists Kapton tape and ASA slurry[10][11]PEI sheet, BuildTak or an adhesion aid such as Magigoo (Polymaker); Simplify3D also lists Kapton tape and ASA slurry[10][11]
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][12]2.4–5.6 at Spectrum's 30–70 mm/s on a 0.4 mm nozzle at 0.2 mm layer; ZYLtech allows up to 200 mm/s[3][4][12]
Warping tendency1–5Not documentedModerate — needs adhesion aid or draught shield[9]
Bed-adhesion difficulty1–5Needs a specific surface plus adhesive[10]Needs a specific surface plus adhesive[10]
Stringing / oozing tendency1–5Slight — Polymaker advises 1–2 mm retraction at 20–30 mm/s[10]Slight — Polymaker advises 1–2 mm retraction at 20–30 mm/s[10]
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; ZYLtech requires a hardened nozzle of 0.6 mm or larger[4][3]
Extruder requirementNot documentedZYLtech specifies a hardened nozzle 0.6 mm or larger; Spectrum bases its settings on a 0.5 mm nozzle[4][3]
Hardware Wear & Reliability
Nozzle hardness required1–4Brass fine indefinitely[9]Hardened steel required — Spectrum recommends ruby or hardened, ZYLtech requires hardened[3][4]
Abrasiveness1–5Non-abrasive[9]Highly abrasive — standard GF composite[3][4]
Nozzle clog risk1–5Not documentedModerate — needs dry filament and a clean nozzle; Prusa lists higher risk of nozzle clogging for glass-filled composites[13]
Heat-creep / jam sensitivity1–5Slightly sensitive[11]Slightly sensitive[11]
Hotend requirementNo special hotend required[11]No special hotend required[11]
Moisture Behaviour
Moisture absorption (hygroscopicity)1–5High — 0.80 % saturated at 25 °C / 55 % RH, nearly double unfilled Bambu Lab ASA[1][14]Moderate — the ASA matrix takes up 0.40–0.45 % saturated at 25 °C / 55 % RH; no glass-filled grade publishes its own figure[14][15][16]
Equilibrium moisture content at ~50 % RH%0.80 saturated at 25 °C / 55 % RH (Bambu Lab)[1]Not documented
Drying temperature & time80 °C for 8 h (Bambu Lab)[1]Not documented
Symptoms when wetBubbling and popping at the nozzle, stringing and a rough surface[17]Bubbling and popping at the nozzle, stringing and a rough surface[17]
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[17]No dry-versus-conditioned figures are published; Polymaker groups the styrenics as moderate-sensitivity and absorbed water shows as bubbling and poor layer adhesion[17]
Storage requirementSealed with desiccant; Polymaker rates the styrenics moderate-sensitivity[17]Sealed with desiccant; Polymaker rates the styrenics moderate-sensitivity[17]
Mechanical Properties
Tensile strength (XY)MPa32 ± 4 printed XY, ISO 527 (Bambu Lab)[1]33–36 at break, ISO 527 (ZYLtech; specimen type not stated); Spectrum quotes 55 at break on injection-moulded specimens[4][3]
Young's modulusMPa2010 ± 260 printed XY, ISO 527 (Bambu Lab)[1]2540–2890 (ZYLtech; specimen type not stated) and 2550 (Spectrum, injection-moulded), ISO 527[4][3]
Elongation at break%5.1 ± 1.6 printed XY, ISO 527 (Bambu Lab)[1]3.4 at break (ZYLtech; specimen type not stated); Spectrum quotes 2.80 at yield on injection-moulded specimens[4][3]
Flexural strengthMPa58 ± 6 printed XY, ISO 178 (Bambu Lab)[1]Not documented
Flexural modulusMPa1510 ± 120 printed XY, ISO 178 (Bambu Lab)[1]2130–2480 flexural modulus, ISO 178 (ZYLtech; specimen type not stated)[4]
Charpy impact, notchedkJ/m²8.2 ± 1.6 printed XY, ISO 179, notched (Bambu Lab)[1]8.3 notched Charpy at 23 °C on injection-moulded specimens (Spectrum, ISO 179-1eA); ZYLtech publishes notched Izod 6.9 by ISO 180 instead[3][4]
Other impact dataCharpy unnotched 32.0 ± 2.5 printed XY (Bambu Lab, ISO 179)[1]Charpy unnotched 25 kJ/m² at 23 °C on injection-moulded specimens (Spectrum, ISO 179-1eU); ZYLtech notched Izod 6.9 kJ/m² (ISO 180)[3][4]
Layer adhesion / Z tensileMPa21 ± 4 printed Z, ISO 527 (Bambu Lab); flexural Z falls to 24 against 58 in XY[1]Not documented
Brittleness1–5Moderate[1]Brittle — snaps with little warning; elongation at break 3.4 %[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][14]Good — no creep test found; chopped glass fibre lifts modulus to 2540–2890 against 2379–2450 for unfilled ASA[4][15][14]
Fatigue / repeated-flex resistance1–5Moderate — no foamed-grade S-N curve; unfilled printed ASA holds a fatigue limit at 25 % of tensile strength[1][18]Below average — no GF-grade S-N curve; elongation at break falls to 3.4 % against 6.7–9.2 % for unfilled ASA[4][15][14]
Elasticity / flexibility1–5Rigid[1]Rigid[4]
Z strength as % of XY%66 by tensile, 41 by flexural (printed, Bambu Lab)[1]Not documented
Thermal Properties
HDT at 0.45 MPa°C85 (ISO 75, 0.45 MPa, Bambu Lab) against 100 for unfilled Bambu Lab ASA[1][14]100 (Spectrum, injection-moulded, ISO 75 at 0.45 MPa)[3]
HDT at 1.8 MPa°C78 (ISO 75, 1.8 MPa, Bambu Lab) against 92 for unfilled Bambu Lab ASA[1][14]97–99 unannealed (ZYLtech, ISO 75 at 1.8 MPa; specimen type not stated); Spectrum 90 on injection-moulded specimens[4][3]
Melting point / Vicat°CNot documentedAmorphous ASA matrix; Vicat 98 (Spectrum, ISO 306). ZYLtech quotes a 210–220 °C melting range by ISO 11357 for its grade[3][4]
Continuous service temperature°C93 — Prusa publishes this as the temperature resistance of Prusament ASA[19]93 — Prusa publishes this as the temperature resistance of Prusament ASA[19]
Flammability / UL 94Flammable; no UL 94 rating published[14]Flammable; no UL 94 rating published[14]
Environment & Chemical
UV resistance1–5Excellent — designed for permanent outdoor use; Formfutura states the foaming grade retains ApolloX's UV resistance[2][20]Excellent — designed for permanent outdoor use; Spectrum states the parts resist prolonged UV and moisture exposure[3][20]
Chemical resistanceGood against weak acids, weak alkalis, oils and grease; dissolved by acetone[15]Good against weak acids, weak alkalis, oils and grease; dissolved by acetone[15]
Food contactNot food safe[10]Not food safe[10]
Biodegradability / compostabilityNot biodegradable[10]Not biodegradable[10]
RecyclabilityNot accepted in household plastic collection[10]Not accepted in household plastic collection[10]
Health & Safety
Fume toxicity1–5High — hazardous VOC such as styrene; enclosure and filtration needed[21][9]High — hazardous VOC such as styrene; enclosure and filtration needed[21][9]
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[9][21]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[9][21]
Ventilation / filtration requirement1–5Enclosure with carbon and HEPA filtration[21][9]Enclosure with carbon and HEPA filtration[21][9]
Dust & fibre handling hazardNot documentedGlass fibre is bound in the matrix; avoid inhaling sanding dust[3]
Post-Processing
Sanding & machiningSands well and takes filler before painting[10]Sands well and takes filler before painting[10]
Painting & finishingPaints readily; ASA holds colour outdoors so many parts are left unpainted[10]Paints readily; ASA holds colour outdoors so many parts are left unpainted[10]
Gluing & solvent weldingSolvent-welds with acetone[15]Solvent-welds with acetone[15]
Vapour / chemical smoothingAcetone vapour smoothing works[15]Acetone vapour smoothing works[15]
Support material pairingHIPS breaks away or dissolves in d-limonene; Bambu Lab sells a Support for ABS that also serves ASA[9]HIPS breaks away or dissolves in d-limonene; Bambu Lab sells a Support for ABS that also serves ASA[9]
Dimensional accuracy & detailMatte, textured surface that hides layer lines; colour lightens as the foaming degree rises, which doubles as a visual density cue[2]Not documented
Solvents & Solubility
Soluble inAcetone dissolves it (Polymaker); MEK, THF, ethyl acetate and the chlorinated solvents dissolve the styrenic backbone.[22][15]Acetone dissolves the resin and leaves the fibre; MEK, THF, ethyl acetate and chlorinated solvents attack the styrenic backbone.[22][15]
Softened or crazed byLimonene attacks some grades — Prusa reports Prusament ASA Orange flaking apart as layer adhesion fails.[23]Limonene attacks some grades — Prusa reports Prusament ASA Orange flaking apart as layer adhesion fails.[23]
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.[24]Acetone vapour reaches only the resin fraction, so the fibre is left standing proud of the smoothed surface.[24][15]

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. Spectrum ASA-X GF10 Technical Data Sheet (mechanical and thermal data marked injection-moulded) Spectrum Filaments · 2026-08 · tds
  4. ZYLtech ASA-GF Filament Technical Data Sheet v1 ZYLtech · 2026-08 · tds
  5. ASA Aero — product page Bambu Lab US Store · 2026-08 · vendor
  6. Filastruder product catalogue Filastruder · 2026-08 · vendor
  7. ZYLtech ASA-GF Glass Fiber filament — product page ZYLtech · 2026-08 · vendor
  8. Siraya Tech Fibreheart ASA-GF Filament product page Siraya Tech · 2026-08 · vendor
  9. ABS / ASA / PC Usage Guide Bambu Lab Wiki · 2026-08 · doc
  10. ASA — material basics Polymaker Wiki · 2026-08 · doc
  11. ASA — Ultimate 3D Printing Materials Guide Simplify3D · 2026-08 · doc
  12. Max volumetric speed Prusa Knowledge Base · 2026-08 · doc
  13. Composite materials filled with carbon, kevlar or glass Prusa Knowledge Base · 2026-08 · doc
  14. Bambu Filament Technical Data Sheet V3.0 — ASA Bambu Lab · 2026-08 · tds
  15. PolyLite ASA Technical Data Sheet Polymaker · 2024-11 · tds
  16. Prusament ASA Technical Datasheet v1.1 Prusa Polymers · 2024-05 · tds
  17. Wet Filament — signs, causes and drying Polymaker Wiki · 2026-08 · doc
  18. 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
  19. Prusament ASA — material page Prusa Polymers · 2026-08 · doc
  20. ASA — FDM Material Data Sheet (includes 1000 h QUV exposure results) Stratasys · 2026-08 · tds
  21. 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
  22. Chemical resistance — resistance of Ensinger plastics to chemicals (DIN 50 014, 23/50) Ensinger · 2026-08 · tds
  23. HIPS — Knowledge Base Prusa Research · 2026-08 · doc
  24. Improve your 3D prints with chemical smoothing Prusa Research · 2026-08 · doc