3D Printing Info

Filament comparison

ASA vs ASA-CF

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

ASA guideCarbon-fibre ASA (ASA-CF) guide

2 selected · all documented properties

Open these two in the interactive comparisonMore ASA comparisonsMore ASA-CF comparisons
ASA vs ASA-CF — documented properties and sources
PropertyASAASACarbon-fibre ASA (ASA-CF)ASA
Market snapshot
Listing priceUSD/kg; dated snapshots$28.98/kg median; $17.99–$50.00/kg across 14 dated product listings$36.99/kg median; $25.00–$90.00/kg across 5 dated product listings
Identity & Market
Base polymer / chemistryAcrylonitrile styrene acrylate — ABS with the butadiene rubber phase replaced by an acrylate rubber that has no UV-vulnerable double bonds[1][2]ASA reinforced with chopped carbon fibre — Formfutura's ApolloX CF10 is 10 wt%[3][4][5]
Densityg/cm³1.05 (Bambu Lab) to 1.13 (PolyLite ASA), ISO 1183; Prusament 1.07[6][7][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 30[8][9][10]1 kg spools cluster near 37[11][9]
Price range across brandsUSD/kg18–50 across brands; IEMAI 18, SUNLU 18, Ambrosia 23, Polymaker 26, Bambu Lab 30, YXPOLYER 30, Prusament 41, 3DXTech 50[12][9][8][13][10][14][15][16][17]25–90 across brands; IEMAI 25, Ambrosia 33, Bambu Lab 37, Polymaker Fiberon 40, 3DXTech 90[12][11][9][14][18]
Market availability1–5Stocked by most mainstream brands[8][9][14][10]Available from several mainstream brands[11][9][14][12]
Spool sizes & diameters1.75 and 2.85 mm; 0.8, 1, 4 and 10 kg spools[14][10][8]1.75 and 2.85 mm; 0.5, 0.75 and 1 kg spools[9][14][11]
Typical applicationsOutdoor fittings, signage, automotive exterior trim and anything that has to hold colour and strength in sunlight[19][1]Outdoor structural parts, drone and antenna mounts where stiffness and UV stability both matter[3][4]
Diameter tolerance± mm±0.04 (Prusament)[2]Not documented
Printing Parameters
Nozzle temperature°C230–270 across brands; Prusament 260 ± 10, Bambu Lab 240–270, PolyLite 230–260[6][7][2]250–280 (Bambu Lab)[3]
Bed temperature°C75–110; Prusament 110 ± 5, Bambu Lab 80–100, PolyLite 75–95[6][7][2]80–100 (Bambu Lab)[3]
Enclosure / chamber requirement1–5Enclosure recommended — Polymaker calls a chamber needed at ambient temperature, Bambu Lab requires an enclosed printer and rules out its P1P and A-series machines[7][20]Enclosure recommended — Bambu Lab specifies a 45–60 °C chamber[3][20]
Recommended chamber temperature°C45–60 (Bambu Lab)[6]45–60 (Bambu Lab)[3]
Part cooling fanLow — Prusament 30 % within a 0–50 % range, Bambu Lab 0–80 %, PolyLite off[2][6][7]Fan on (Bambu Lab)[3]
Bed surface & adhesion aidSatin, smooth PEI or powder-coated sheet with a glue stick; Prusa advises a 3 mm or taller brim on large parts[2][20]PEI sheet, BuildTak or an adhesion aid such as Magigoo (Polymaker); Simplify3D also lists Kapton tape and ASA slurry[1][21]
Maximum volumetric flow (mm³/s; see test conditions)mm³/s10–16 (PrusaSlicer guidance for ABS/ASA)[22]20 at Bambu Lab's 250 mm/s cap on a 0.4 mm nozzle at 0.2 mm layer[3][22]
Warping tendency1–5High — enclosure needed for reliable large parts; Prusa recommends a tall brim and Bambu Lab attributes cracking to cooling stress exceeding interlayer adhesion[2][20]Moderate — needs adhesion aid or draught shield; the fibre reduces warping against unfilled ASA[20]
Bed-adhesion difficulty1–5Needs a specific surface plus adhesive[2][20]Needs a specific surface plus adhesive[1]
Stringing / oozing tendency1–5Slight[7]Slight — Polymaker advises 1–2 mm retraction at 20–30 mm/s[1]
Overall printing difficulty1–5Intermediate — dry filament and a tuned profile[20][2]Intermediate — dry filament and a tuned profile; hardened nozzle mandatory[20]
Hardware Wear & Reliability
Nozzle hardness required1–4Brass fine indefinitely[20]Hardened steel required[20]
Abrasiveness1–5Non-abrasive[20]Highly abrasive — standard CF composite[20]
Nozzle clog risk1–5Low — no special hot-end required and clogging is not among the listed drawbacks; Prusa lists no drybox and no hardened nozzle[21][23]Moderate — 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[24][25]
Heat-creep / jam sensitivity1–5Slightly sensitive[21]Slightly sensitive[21]
Hotend requirementNo special hot-end required[21]No special hotend required[21]
Moisture Behaviour
Moisture absorption (hygroscopicity)1–5Moderate — 0.45 % saturated at 25 °C / 55 % RH (Bambu Lab) and 0.40 % equilibrium (Polymaker); Prusa measures only 0.17 % after 7 days at 22 % RH[6][7][2]Moderate — 0.33 % saturated at 25 °C / 55 % RH (Bambu Lab)[3]
Equilibrium moisture content at ~50 % RH%0.45 saturated at 25 °C / 55 % RH (Bambu Lab); 0.40 equilibrium (Polymaker); 0.17 after 7 days at 24 °C / 22 % RH (Prusa)[6][7][2]0.33 saturated at 25 °C / 55 % RH (Bambu Lab)[3]
Drying temperature & time80 °C for 8 h (Bambu Lab); 70 °C for 7 h (Polymaker)[6][7]80 °C for 8 h (Bambu Lab)[3]
Symptoms when wetBubbling and popping at the nozzle, stringing, rough surface and weak layers[26]Bubbling and popping at the nozzle, stringing and a rough surface[26]
Effect of moisture on strengthNo dry-versus-conditioned figures are published for ASA; Polymaker groups the styrenics as moderate-sensitivity and the loss shows as poor layer adhesion rather than a stated strength delta[26]No dry-versus-conditioned figures are published; Polymaker groups the styrenics as moderate-sensitivity and absorbed water shows as bubbling and poor layer adhesion[26]
Storage requirementSealed with desiccant; Polymaker rates the styrenics moderate-sensitivity[26]Sealed with desiccant; Polymaker rates the styrenics moderate-sensitivity[26]
Mechanical Properties
Tensile strength (XY)MPa37 ± 3 (Bambu Lab) to 43.8 (PolyLite) printed XY, ISO 527; Prusament 42 ± 1 at yield; Formfutura quotes 47.5 at yield[6][7][2][27]34 ± 3 printed XY, ISO 527 (Bambu Lab); 3DXTech quotes 48 at break and Formfutura 79 at 23 °C[3][4][5]
Young's modulusMPa2379 (PolyLite) to 2450 (Bambu Lab) printed XY, ISO 527; Prusament 1600, Formfutura 2020[6][7][2][27]4200 ± 270 printed XY, ISO 527 (Bambu Lab); 3DXTech quotes 5355 and Formfutura 7580[3][4][5]
Elongation at break%6.7 (PolyLite) to 9.2 (Bambu Lab) at break, printed XY, ISO 527; Formfutura quotes 15 at break, Prusament 3.4 at yield[6][7][27][2]9.6 ± 1.4 printed XY, ISO 527 (Bambu Lab); 3DXTech quotes 3 at break and Formfutura 1.8[3][4][5]
Flexural strengthMPa64 ± 1 printed horizontal (Prusament, ISO 178); Bambu Lab 65 ± 5, PolyLite 73.4[2][6][7]72 ± 5 printed XY, ISO 178 (Bambu Lab); 3DXTech quotes 78[3][4]
Flexural modulusMPa1920 ± 130 (Bambu Lab) to 3206 (PolyLite) printed XY, ISO 178; Prusament 2000[6][7][2]3740 ± 130 printed XY, ISO 178 (Bambu Lab); 3DXTech quotes 5210[3][4]
Charpy impact, notchedkJ/m²10.3 (PolyLite) to 19.6 (Bambu Lab) printed XY, ISO 179, notched; Prusament 12 ± 1, Formfutura 18[7][6][2][27]6.2 ± 1.4 printed XY, ISO 179, notched (Bambu Lab) — a third of unfilled Bambu Lab ASA's 19.6[3][6]
Other impact dataCharpy unnotched 25 ± 3 printed horizontal and 38 ± 11 printed vertical (Prusament, ISO 179-1); Bambu Lab 41.0 ± 2.3 printed XY[2][6]Charpy unnotched 14.0 ± 2.2 printed XY (Bambu Lab, ISO 179), against 41.0 for unfilled Bambu Lab ASA[3][6]
Layer adhesion / Z tensileMPa11 ± 1 (Prusa interlayer adhesion test); 31 ± 4 (Bambu Lab) and 32 (PolyLite) printed Z tensile, ISO 527[2][6][7]30 ± 4 printed Z, ISO 527 (Bambu Lab); flexural Z falls to 33 against 72 in XY[3]
Brittleness1–5Tough — absorbs impact, yields before breaking[6][2]Brittle — snaps with little warning[3][4]
Hardness (scale-specific)Shore A / Shore D / Rockwell78 Shore D (Prusa Polymers method)[2]Not documented
Creep resistance / sustained load1–5Moderate — no printed-ASA creep test found; Tg of 98 °C keeps room-temperature service far below softening, unlike PLA[7][2]Good — no creep test found; chopped carbon fibre lifts modulus to 4200 MPa against 2379–2450 for unfilled ASA[3][7]
Fatigue / repeated-flex resistance1–5Moderate — fatigue limit at 25 % of tensile strength (8 MPa) on printed specimens, the best of the four polymers in that study[28]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][6]
Elasticity / flexibility1–5Rigid[6]Rigid[3]
Z strength as % of XY%84 (Bambu Lab, printed Z against XY tensile); 73 for PolyLite ASA[6][7]88 by tensile, 46 by flexural (printed, Bambu Lab)[3]
Thermal Properties
HDT at 0.45 MPa°C93 (Prusament) to 103 (PolyLite), ISO 75 at 0.45 MPa; Bambu Lab 100[2][7][6]110 (ISO 75, 0.45 MPa, Bambu Lab) against 100 for unfilled Bambu Lab ASA[3][6]
HDT at 1.8 MPa°C86 (Prusament) to 100 (PolyLite), ISO 75 at 1.8 MPa; Bambu Lab 92[2][7][6]102 (ISO 75, 1.8 MPa, Bambu Lab) against 92 for unfilled Bambu Lab ASA[3][6]
Glass transition (Tg)°C98 (PolyLite, DSC)[7]Not documented
Melting point / Vicat°CAmorphous — no melting point; Vicat 105 (PolyLite, ISO 306)[7]Not documented
Continuous service temperature°C93 — Prusa publishes this as the temperature resistance of Prusament ASA[29]93 — Prusa publishes this as the temperature resistance of Prusament ASA[29]
Thermal expansion (CTE)µm/m·K69 ± 17 in XY and 115 ± 24 in the build direction (printed, TMA, 40–70 °C)[30]Not documented
Flammability / UL 94Flammable; no UL 94 rating published for standard ASA[6]Flammable; no UL 94 rating published[6]
Environment & Chemical
UV resistance1–5Excellent — designed for permanent outdoor use. After 1000 h of QUV exposure to ASTM G154 Stratasys measured yield strength falling only from 30.5 to 30.3 MPa and stress at break by 3.0 %[19]Excellent — designed for permanent outdoor use; the acrylate rubber phase is unchanged by the fibre[19][1]
Outdoor durability1000 h QUV per ASTM G154, cycling 8 h at 60 °C and 4 h at 50 °C with condensation: yield 30.5 → 30.3 MPa, stress at break 30.5 → 29.5 MPa, elongation 2.8 → 2.3 %, modulus 1.82 → 1.95 GPa[19]Not documented
Chemical resistanceGood against weak acids, weak alkalis, oils and grease; dissolved by acetone[7]Good against weak acids, weak alkalis, oils and grease; dissolved by acetone[7]
Water / humidity resistance in service1–5Good — minor absorption[6]Not documented
Food contactNot food safe[1]Not food safe[1]
Biodegradability / compostabilityNot biodegradable[1]Not biodegradable[1]
RecyclabilityNot accepted in household plastic collection[1]Not accepted in household plastic collection[1]
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[31][20]High — hazardous VOC such as styrene; enclosure and filtration needed[31][20]
VOC emission rateµg/min12–113 styrene, the range measured across the styrenic filaments tested; ASA itself was not among them[31]Not documented
Ultrafine-particle emission rateparticles/min2 × 10¹⁰ to 9 × 10¹⁰ median for ABS, the closest styrenic tested; ASA itself was not measured[31]Not documented
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[20][31]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[20][31]
Ventilation / filtration requirement1–5Enclosure with carbon and HEPA filtration[31][20]Enclosure with carbon and HEPA filtration[31][20]
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[1]Sands well and takes filler before painting[1]
Painting & finishingNot documentedPaints readily; ASA holds colour outdoors so many parts are left unpainted[1]
Gluing & solvent weldingSolvent-welds with acetone[7]Solvent-welds with acetone[7]
Vapour / chemical smoothingAcetone vapour smoothing works — ASA dissolves in acetone[7]Acetone vapour smoothing works[7]
Support material pairingHIPS breaks away or dissolves in d-limonene; Bambu Lab sells a dedicated Support for ABS that also serves ASA[20]HIPS breaks away or dissolves in d-limonene; Bambu Lab sells a Support for ABS that also serves ASA[20]
Dimensional accuracy & detailWarping and cooling-stress cracking are the accuracy limits; Stratasys notes the matte finish as a deliberate aesthetic advantage[20][19]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.[32][7]Acetone dissolves the resin and leaves the fibre; MEK, THF, ethyl acetate and chlorinated solvents attack the styrenic backbone.[32][7]
Softened or crazed byLimonene attacks some grades — Prusa reports Prusament ASA Orange flaking apart as layer adhesion fails.[33]Limonene attacks some grades — Prusa reports Prusament ASA Orange flaking apart as layer adhesion fails.[33]
Solvent welding & smoothing agentAcetone vapour, ~20 min at 80 °C over 5 mm of liquid (15–40 min across brands); layer adhesion up, tensile slightly down.[34]Acetone vapour reaches only the resin fraction, so the fibre is left standing proud of the smoothed surface.[34][7]

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. ASA — material basics Polymaker Wiki · 2026-08 · doc
  2. Prusament ASA Technical Datasheet v1.1 Prusa Polymers · 2024-05 · 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. Bambu Filament Technical Data Sheet V3.0 — ASA Bambu Lab · 2026-08 · tds
  7. PolyLite ASA Technical Data Sheet Polymaker · 2024-11 · tds
  8. ASA — product page Bambu Lab US Store · 2026-08 · vendor
  9. Polymaker product catalogue Polymaker · 2026-08 · vendor
  10. Printed Solid product catalogue Printed Solid · 2026-08 · vendor
  11. ASA-CF — product page Bambu Lab US Store · 2026-08 · vendor
  12. Filastruder product catalogue Filastruder · 2026-08 · vendor
  13. ZYLtech ASA-GF Glass Fiber filament — product page ZYLtech · 2026-08 · vendor
  14. 3DXTech product catalogue 3DXTech · 2026-08 · vendor
  15. IEMAI ASA 3D Printing Filament product page IEMAI 3D · 2026-08 · vendor
  16. SUNLU ASA 3D Printer Filament 1 kg SUNLU · 2026-08 · vendor
  17. YXPOLYER ASA Purple product page YXPOLYER · 2026-08 · vendor
  18. IEMAI CF-ASA 3D Printing Filament product page IEMAI 3D · 2026-08 · vendor
  19. ASA — FDM Material Data Sheet (includes 1000 h QUV exposure results) Stratasys · 2026-08 · tds
  20. ABS / ASA / PC Usage Guide Bambu Lab Wiki · 2026-08 · doc
  21. ASA — Ultimate 3D Printing Materials Guide Simplify3D · 2026-08 · doc
  22. Max volumetric speed Prusa Knowledge Base · 2026-08 · doc
  23. Filament Material Guide Prusa Knowledge Base · 2026-08 · doc
  24. Composite materials filled with carbon, kevlar or glass Prusa Knowledge Base · 2026-08 · doc
  25. Carbon Fiber Filled — Ultimate 3D Printing Materials Guide Simplify3D · 2026-08 · doc
  26. Wet Filament — signs, causes and drying Polymaker Wiki · 2026-08 · doc
  27. ApolloX Technical Data Sheet Formfutura · 2026-08 · tds
  28. 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
  29. Prusament ASA — material page Prusa Polymers · 2026-08 · doc
  30. Basalt Fiber Composites with Reduced Thermal Expansion for Additive Manufacturing Polymers 14(15):3216 · 2022-08 · paper
  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. HIPS — Knowledge Base Prusa Research · 2026-08 · doc
  34. Improve your 3D prints with chemical smoothing Prusa Research · 2026-08 · doc