3D Printing Info

Filament comparison

ASA-CF vs LW-PLA

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

Carbon-fibre ASA (ASA-CF) guideLightweight / foaming PLA (LW-PLA) guide

2 selected · all documented properties

Open these two in the interactive comparisonMore ASA-CF comparisonsMore LW-PLA comparisons
ASA-CF vs LW-PLA — documented properties and sources
PropertyCarbon-fibre ASA (ASA-CF)ASALightweight / foaming PLA (LW-PLA)PLA
Market snapshot
Listing priceUSD/kg; dated snapshots$36.99/kg median; $25.00–$90.00/kg across 5 dated product listings$47.48/kg median; $37.49–$50.00/kg across 4 dated product listings
Identity & Market
Base polymer / chemistryASA reinforced with chopped carbon fibre — Formfutura's ApolloX CF10 is 10 wt%[1][2][3]PLA with a blowing agent. Two distinct types: active-foaming grades that expand at the nozzle (Bambu Lab PLA Aero, colorFabb LW-PLA) and pre-foamed grades that do not (Polymaker PolyLite LW-PLA, PolyWood)[4][5][6][7]
Densityg/cm³1.02 (Bambu Lab), 1.1 (Formfutura ApolloX CF10) and 1.11 (3DXTech), ISO 1183[1][2][3]Filament 1.21 (Bambu Lab) and 1.24 (colorFabb); pre-foamed filament 0.8 (PolyWood, at 21.5 °C) and 0.9 (Polymaker LW-PLA); foamed prints reach 0.40[4][5][6][7]
Typical priceUSD/kg1 kg spools cluster near 37[8][9]1 kg-equivalent spools cluster near 45[10][5][9]
Price range across brandsUSD/kg25–90 across brands; IEMAI 25, Ambrosia 33, Bambu Lab 37, Polymaker Fiberon 40, 3DXTech 90[11][8][9][12][13]37–50 across brands; Polymaker LW-PLA 37, Bambu Lab Aero 45, colorFabb 50, PolyWood 50[9][10][5]
Market availability1–5Available from several mainstream brands[8][9][12][11]Available from several mainstream brands[10][9][5]
Spool sizes & diameters1.75 and 2.85 mm; 0.5, 0.75 and 1 kg spools[9][12][8]1.75 and 2.85 mm; 0.6, 0.75, 0.8 and 1 kg spools[9][5]
Typical applicationsOutdoor structural parts, drone and antenna mounts where stiffness and UV stability both matter[1][2]RC aircraft, drone airframes and large props where mass matters more than strength[4][5]
Printing Parameters
Nozzle temperature°C250–280 (Bambu Lab)[1]210–260 (Bambu Lab, foaming); 195–260 (colorFabb, foaming); 190–210 (Polymaker, pre-foamed)[4][5][6]
Bed temperature°C80–100 (Bambu Lab)[1]35–45 (Bambu Lab); 50–60 (colorFabb); 25–60 (Polymaker)[4][5][6]
Enclosure / chamber requirement1–5Enclosure recommended — Bambu Lab specifies a 45–60 °C chamber[1][14]Open frame is fine[6]
Recommended chamber temperature°C45–60 (Bambu Lab)[1]Not documented
Part cooling fanFan on (Bambu Lab)[1]Fan on[4][6]
Bed surface & adhesion aidPEI sheet, BuildTak or an adhesion aid such as Magigoo (Polymaker); Simplify3D also lists Kapton tape and ASA slurry[15][16]Not documented
Maximum volumetric flow (mm³/s; see test conditions)mm³/s20 at Bambu Lab's 250 mm/s cap on a 0.4 mm nozzle at 0.2 mm layer[1][17]3.2–8 at the 40–100 mm/s colorFabb specifies and the 50–100 mm/s Polymaker specifies, on a 0.4 mm nozzle at 0.2 mm layer[6][5][17]
Warping tendency1–5Moderate — needs adhesion aid or draught shield; the fibre reduces warping against unfilled ASA[14]Not documented
Bed-adhesion difficulty1–5Needs a specific surface plus adhesive[15]Not documented
Stringing / oozing tendency1–5Slight — Polymaker advises 1–2 mm retraction at 20–30 mm/s[15]Not documented
Overall printing difficulty1–5Intermediate — dry filament and a tuned profile; hardened nozzle mandatory[14]Intermediate — dry filament and a tuned profile; flow has to be cut to match the expansion[5]
Extruder requirementNot documentedBambu Lab PLA Aero is 0.4 mm nozzle only on the store and wiki, while its own TDS lists 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8[4][18]
Hardware Wear & Reliability
Nozzle hardness required1–4Hardened steel required[14]Brass fine indefinitely[6][7]
Abrasiveness1–5Highly abrasive — standard CF composite[14]Non-abrasive[6][7]
Nozzle clog risk1–5Moderate — 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[19][20]High — jams from moisture, heat creep or particles; Bambu Lab warns the foamed extrudate swells and easily clogs the nozzle, and rules out 0.2 mm nozzles[18]
Heat-creep / jam sensitivity1–5Slightly sensitive[16]Not documented
Hotend requirementNo special hotend required[16]Not documented
Moisture Behaviour
Moisture absorption (hygroscopicity)1–5Moderate — 0.33 % saturated at 25 °C / 55 % RH (Bambu Lab)[1]Moderate — 0.45 % saturated at 25 °C / 55 % RH (Bambu Lab); 0.40 % equilibrium (Polymaker)[4][6]
Equilibrium moisture content at ~50 % RH%0.33 saturated at 25 °C / 55 % RH (Bambu Lab)[1]0.45 saturated at 25 °C / 55 % RH (Bambu Lab); 0.40 equilibrium (Polymaker)[4][6]
Drying temperature & time80 °C for 8 h (Bambu Lab)[1]55 °C for 6–8 h[4][6]
Symptoms when wetBubbling and popping at the nozzle, stringing and a rough surface[21]Not documented
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[21]Polymaker rates PLA low-sensitivity and publishes no dry-versus-conditioned figures for this grade; absorbed water flashes to steam and shows as bubbling and poor layer adhesion[21]
Storage requirementSealed with desiccant; Polymaker rates the styrenics moderate-sensitivity[21]Not documented
Mechanical Properties
Tensile strength (XY)MPa34 ± 3 printed XY, ISO 527 (Bambu Lab); 3DXTech quotes 48 at break and Formfutura 79 at 23 °C[1][2][3]24 ± 2 (Bambu Lab) and 24.4 (Polymaker) printed XY, ISO 527; colorFabb falls from 43.1 unfoamed to 10.8 at 45 % flow[4][6][5]
Young's modulusMPa4200 ± 270 printed XY, ISO 527 (Bambu Lab); 3DXTech quotes 5355 and Formfutura 7580[1][2][3]1350 ± 250 (Bambu Lab) and 1689 (Polymaker) printed XY, ISO 527; colorFabb falls from 3334 unfoamed to 864 foamed[4][6][5]
Elongation at break%9.6 ± 1.4 printed XY, ISO 527 (Bambu Lab); 3DXTech quotes 3 at break and Formfutura 1.8[1][2][3]2.6 ± 0.7 (Bambu Lab) and 8.8 (Polymaker) printed XY, ISO 527[4][6]
Flexural strengthMPa72 ± 5 printed XY, ISO 178 (Bambu Lab); 3DXTech quotes 78[1][2]45 ± 4 (Bambu Lab) and 50.2 (Polymaker) printed XY, ISO 178[4][6]
Flexural modulusMPa3740 ± 130 printed XY, ISO 178 (Bambu Lab); 3DXTech quotes 5210[1][2]1690 ± 120 (Bambu Lab) and 1959 (Polymaker) printed XY, ISO 178[4][6]
Charpy impact, notchedkJ/m²6.2 ± 1.4 printed XY, ISO 179, notched (Bambu Lab) — a third of unfilled Bambu Lab ASA's 19.6[1][22]8.2 ± 0.7 printed XY, ISO 179, notched (Bambu Lab); colorFabb 3.67 foamed[4][5]
Other impact dataCharpy unnotched 14.0 ± 2.2 printed XY (Bambu Lab, ISO 179), against 41.0 for unfilled Bambu Lab ASA[1][22]Charpy unnotched 28.8 printed XY (Bambu Lab); colorFabb 5.46 foamed[4][5]
Layer adhesion / Z tensileMPa30 ± 4 printed Z, ISO 527 (Bambu Lab); flexural Z falls to 33 against 72 in XY[1]18 ± 3 printed Z, ISO 527 (Bambu Lab); flexural Z collapses to 17 against 45 in XY[4]
Brittleness1–5Brittle — snaps with little warning[1][2]Brittle — snaps with little warning; elongation at break 2.6 % in XY and 1.2 % in Z[4]
Creep resistance / sustained load1–5Good — no creep test found; chopped carbon fibre lifts modulus to 4200 MPa against 2379–2450 for unfilled ASA[1][23]Poor — no foamed-grade creep test; plain printed PLA sagged from 12 to 16.2–21.8 mm over 5 days at 1.25 kg, and the foam carries less solid[24][25][26]
Fatigue / repeated-flex resistance1–5Below average — no CF-grade S-N curve; notched Charpy falls to 6.2 kJ/m² against 19.6 for unfilled Bambu Lab ASA[1][22]Poor — no grade-specific S-N curve; plain printed PLA ran 38 000–49 000 cycles at 30 % of tensile strength and elongation at break falls to 2.6 % in XY and 1.2 % in Z[27][4]
Elasticity / flexibility1–5Rigid[1]Rigid[4]
Z strength as % of XY%88 by tensile, 46 by flexural (printed, Bambu Lab)[1]75 by tensile, 38 by flexural (printed, Bambu Lab)[4]
Thermal Properties
HDT at 0.45 MPa°C110 (ISO 75, 0.45 MPa, Bambu Lab) against 100 for unfilled Bambu Lab ASA[1][22]53 (Bambu Lab) and 54 (Polymaker), ISO 75 at 0.45 MPa[4][6]
HDT at 1.8 MPa°C102 (ISO 75, 1.8 MPa, Bambu Lab) against 92 for unfilled Bambu Lab ASA[1][22]48 (Bambu Lab) and 50 (Polymaker), ISO 75 at 1.8 MPa[4][6]
Glass transition (Tg)°CNot documented55 (Bambu Lab) and 59 (Polymaker), DSC[4][6]
Melting point / Vicat°CNot documented150 peak melt (Polymaker, DSC); Vicat 60 °C[6]
Continuous service temperature°C93 — Prusa publishes this as the temperature resistance of Prusament ASA[28]Not documented
Annealing responseNot documentedBambu Lab advises against annealing thin, low-infill Aero prints[4]
Flammability / UL 94Flammable; no UL 94 rating published[22]Not documented
Environment & Chemical
UV resistance1–5Excellent — designed for permanent outdoor use; the acrylate rubber phase is unchanged by the fibre[29][15]Degrades within weeks outdoors[30]
Chemical resistanceGood against weak acids, weak alkalis, oils and grease; dissolved by acetone[23]Not documented
Food contactNot food safe[15]Not documented
Biodegradability / compostabilityNot biodegradable[15]Not documented
RecyclabilityNot accepted in household plastic collection[15]Not documented
Electrical & ESD propertiesSurface resistance above 10⁹ ohm/sq — not static-dissipative (3DXTech, ASTM D257)[2]Not documented
Health & Safety
Fume toxicity1–5High — hazardous VOC such as styrene; enclosure and filtration needed[31][14]Low hazard — minimal VOC and particle emission[31]
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[14][31]Not documented
Ventilation / filtration requirement1–5Enclosure with carbon and HEPA filtration[31][14]None needed in a normal room[31]
Dust & fibre handling hazardCarbon fibre is bound in the matrix; sanding dust should not be inhaled[2]Not documented
Post-Processing
Sanding & machiningSands well and takes filler before painting[15]Not documented
Painting & finishingPaints readily; ASA holds colour outdoors so many parts are left unpainted[15]Not documented
Gluing & solvent weldingSolvent-welds with acetone[23]Not documented
Vapour / chemical smoothingAcetone vapour smoothing works[23]Not documented
Support material pairingHIPS breaks away or dissolves in d-limonene; Bambu Lab sells a Support for ABS that also serves ASA[14]Not documented
Dimensional accuracy & detailMatte fibre-filled finish hides layer lines[1]Foamed surfaces are rough and matte; dimensional accuracy depends on holding the foaming temperature steady[4][5]
Solvents & Solubility
Soluble inAcetone dissolves the resin and leaves the fibre; MEK, THF, ethyl acetate and chlorinated solvents attack the styrenic backbone.[32][23]Chloroform dissolves the PLA matrix; the foamed wall wicks solvent right through instead of only skinning over.[33]
Softened or crazed byLimonene attacks some grades — Prusa reports Prusament ASA Orange flaking apart as layer adhesion fails.[34]Acetone, ethyl acetate and toluene plasticise the matrix but dissolve <1 % even at 65 °C; acetone submersion crazes parts.[33][35]
Solvent welding & smoothing agentAcetone vapour reaches only the resin fraction, so the fibre is left standing proud of the smoothed surface.[35][23]Chloroform vapour reaches only the resin skin; no workshop-safe smoothing agent exists for PLA of any kind.[36][35]

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-CF Bambu Lab · 2026-08 · tds
  2. CarbonX Carbon Fiber ASA Technical Data Sheet 3DXTech · 2026-08 · tds
  3. ApolloX CF10 Technical Data Sheet Formfutura · 2026-08 · tds
  4. Bambu Filament Technical Data Sheet V4.0 — PLA Aero Bambu Lab · 2026-08 · tds
  5. LW-PLA technical data sheet colorFabb · 2026-08 · tds
  6. PolyLite LW-PLA Technical Data Sheet (V7.0) Polymaker · 2026-08 · tds
  7. PolyWood Technical Data Sheet Version 4.0 (Nov 2018) Polymaker (copy hosted by 3Dee) · 2018-11 · tds
  8. ASA-CF — product page Bambu Lab US Store · 2026-08 · vendor
  9. Polymaker product catalogue Polymaker · 2026-08 · vendor
  10. PLA Aero — product page Bambu Lab US Store · 2026-08 · vendor
  11. Filastruder product catalogue Filastruder · 2026-08 · vendor
  12. 3DXTech product catalogue 3DXTech · 2026-08 · vendor
  13. IEMAI CF-ASA 3D Printing Filament product page IEMAI 3D · 2026-08 · vendor
  14. ABS / ASA / PC Usage Guide Bambu Lab Wiki · 2026-08 · doc
  15. ASA — material basics Polymaker Wiki · 2026-08 · doc
  16. ASA — Ultimate 3D Printing Materials Guide Simplify3D · 2026-08 · doc
  17. Max volumetric speed Prusa Knowledge Base · 2026-08 · doc
  18. PLA Usage Guide Bambu Lab Wiki · 2026-08 · doc
  19. Composite materials filled with carbon, kevlar or glass Prusa Knowledge Base · 2026-08 · doc
  20. Carbon Fiber Filled — Ultimate 3D Printing Materials Guide Simplify3D · 2026-08 · doc
  21. Wet Filament — signs, causes and drying Polymaker Wiki · 2026-08 · doc
  22. Bambu Filament Technical Data Sheet V3.0 — ASA Bambu Lab · 2026-08 · tds
  23. PolyLite ASA Technical Data Sheet Polymaker · 2024-11 · tds
  24. BambuLab PLA Basic vs PLA Tough vs PLA-CF — results spreadsheet My Tech Fun (Igor Gaspar) · 2026-08 · test
  25. Polymaker PLA Pro vs PLA-CF — results spreadsheet My Tech Fun (Igor Gaspar) · 2026-08 · test
  26. Carbon Fiber PLA vs META-PLA vs PLA+ vs PLA by Sunlu — results spreadsheet My Tech Fun (Igor Gaspar) · 2026-08 · test
  27. Mechanical Properties of Additively Manufactured Polymeric Materials — PLA and PETG — For Biomechanical Applications Polymers 16(13):1868 · 2024-06 · paper
  28. Prusament ASA — material page Prusa Polymers · 2026-08 · doc
  29. ASA — FDM Material Data Sheet (includes 1000 h QUV exposure results) Stratasys · 2026-08 · tds
  30. PLA — material guide Prusa Knowledge Base · 2026-08 · doc
  31. 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
  32. Chemical resistance — resistance of Ensinger plastics to chemicals (DIN 50 014, 23/50) Ensinger · 2026-08 · tds
  33. Solubility Study of Ingeo Biopolymer Grades in Common Organic Solvents (NWPD003) NatureWorks · 2019-10 · tds
  34. HIPS — Knowledge Base Prusa Research · 2026-08 · doc
  35. Improve your 3D prints with chemical smoothing Prusa Research · 2026-08 · doc
  36. Effect of vapour smoothing in trichloromethane on 3D printed PLA — surface, mechanical and chemical structure Pitale, Keche & Chopra, Engineering Research Express 6(4) 045579 · 2024-12 · paper