TM3D printing guide

How do you print with TM3D ASA?

ASA is a strong, impact-resistant, and UV-resistant filament for functional parts used both indoors and outdoors. In this guide, you’ll find our recommended settings, tips for preventing warping, and solutions to common ASA printing problems.

The most important ASA settings

Use these values as a starting point. The ideal settings may vary slightly depending on the printer, nozzle, print bed, and print speed.

Nozzle temperature 240–260 °C
Print bed 90–110 °C
Fan 0–10%
Print chamber Enclosed and heated

What is ASA?

A strong, weather-resistant technical filament for functional applications indoors and outdoors.

ASA stands for acrylonitrile styrene acrylate. The material has many properties similar to ABS, but is more resistant to UV radiation and weathering. This makes ASA particularly suitable for parts used outdoors for extended periods.

Advantages of ASA

  • Good UV resistance
  • Suitable for long-term outdoor use
  • Good impact resistance
  • Higher temperature resistance than PLA
  • Good adhesion between print layers
  • Suitable for functional and technical parts

Suitable applications

  • Outdoor enclosures and protective covers
  • Parts for vehicles and machinery
  • Garden and outdoor parts
  • Mounting brackets and holders
  • Technical prototypes
  • Parts that withstand sunlight and heat
ASA is prone to shrinkage ASA shrinks as it cools. Therefore, preferably use an enclosed print chamber and avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.

Recommended print settings for ASA

Start with the settings below, then adjust one value at a time.

Setting Recommended value Explanation
Nozzle temperature 240–260 °C Start at around 250–255 °C and adjust the temperature based on print speed, layer adhesion, and surface quality.
Print bed 90–110 °C A heated print bed reduces shrinkage and helps prevent the model’s corners from coming loose.
First layer 15–30 mm/s A slow first layer gives the material enough time to adhere properly to the print bed.
Other layers 40–150 mm/s Depending on the printer, hotend, nozzle, model size, and desired quality.
First-layer fan 0% Keep the fan off during the first layer to improve adhesion.
Fan for other layers 0–10% Use as little cooling as possible. Limited cooling may only be needed for bridges and small details.
Print chamber Enclosed and heated A stable ambient temperature reduces warping and cracking between the layers.
Nozzle From 0.4 mm A standard brass nozzle is suitable for normal, unfilled ASA.
Good starting point Set the nozzle to 250–255 °C, the print bed to 100 °C, and turn off the fan. Preheat the enclosed printer before starting the print.

Preparing the printer

A stable temperature and good bed adhesion are especially important with ASA.

Clean the print bed Remove dust, grease, and old adhesive residue. Use a cleaning method suitable for your build plate.
Check the build plate Use a print surface suitable for ASA and high bed temperatures. If necessary, apply a suitable adhesion layer.
Close the print chamber Keep doors, lids, and panels closed during printing and prevent cold air currents.
Preheat the printer Heat the print bed and allow the temperature in the enclosed print chamber to stabilize first.
Calibrate the first layer Check the bed leveling and adjust the Z-offset correctly.
Select an ASA profile In the slicer, choose the standard or Generic ASA profile and use it as a starting point.
Check the filament Use dry filament and check that the spool can unwind without resistance.

How to get a good first layer

A reliable first layer prevents the ASA print from coming loose or warping during printing.

You can recognize a good first layer by:

  • The print lines touch each other neatly
  • The filament adheres across the entire surface
  • The lines are evenly flattened
  • No open spaces form between the lines
  • The corners remain flat on the build plate

Check the following when adhesion is poor:

  • Whether the print bed is clean and free of grease
  • Whether the Z-offset is set correctly
  • Whether the print bed is at least 90 °C
  • Whether the first layer is printed slowly enough
  • Whether the fan is off during the first layer
  • Whether cold air is flowing past the printer
Use a brim for large models A brim of approximately 5 to 15 mm increases the contact area and reduces the chance of the corners lifting during printing.

Why an enclosed print chamber is important

ASA shrinks as it cools. An enclosed print chamber keeps the temperature around the model more stable.

Benefits of an enclosed printer

  • Fewer temperature differences
  • Less chance of warping
  • Better adhesion between the layers
  • Less chance of cracking in tall models
  • More reliable printing of large parts

Avoid during printing:

  • Opening doors and panels
  • Air conditioning directed at the printer
  • An open window next to the printer
  • Significant temperature fluctuations
  • Removing a hot print immediately
Allow the print to cool down gradually Do not open the print chamber immediately after printing. Allow the part and print plate to cool down gradually to prevent warping and cracking.

Useful slicer settings

These settings have a major influence on the part's strength, dimensional accuracy, shrinkage, and print quality.

Part Starting value Effect
Layer height 0.20 mm A good balance between quality and print speed with a 0.4 mm nozzle.
Wall lines 3–5 More wall lines make functional parts stronger and more robust.
Top and bottom layers 4–6 Creates closed surfaces and a sturdy top and bottom.
Infill 15–30% Suitable for most functional and lightly loaded parts.
Infill for heavily loaded parts 30–50% Use more infill when the part is subjected to heavier mechanical loads.
Brim 5–15 mm Improves bed adhesion and reduces the risk of corners lifting.
Fan 0–10% Use as little cooling as possible for normal layers. Extra cooling may only be needed temporarily for bridges.
Support distance Printer-dependent Choose sufficient distance so that the support remains easy to remove after printing.

Adjusting the nozzle temperature

The best ASA temperature depends on the print speed, nozzle, hotend, and desired layer adhesion.

Temperature may be too low

  • Poor adhesion between the layers
  • Rough or matte extrusion
  • The extruder clicks or skips steps
  • The part cracks between the layers
  • The material exits the nozzle unevenly

Temperature may be too high

  • A lot of stringing or thin strands
  • Sagging overhangs and bridges
  • Details run into each other
  • Material leaks from the nozzle during travel moves
  • The surface becomes unnecessarily glossy or soft
Change one setting at a time Adjust the nozzle temperature in increments of approximately 5 °C. This makes it easier to assess which change improves the print result.

Solving common ASA problems

Click a problem to view the possible causes and solutions.

The corners of the print lift up
  • Clean and degrease the print bed thoroughly.
  • Use a 5 to 15 mm brim.
  • Increase the print bed temperature.
  • Turn the fan off or set it very low.
  • Use an enclosed print chamber.
  • Avoid cold air currents around the printer.
Cracks appear between the layers
  • Increase the nozzle temperature by 5–10 °C.
  • Reduce the print speed.
  • Turn off the fan.
  • Increase the temperature in the print chamber.
  • Keep the doors and panels closed during printing.
  • Allow the print to cool slowly after printing.
The print does not adhere to the print bed
  • Clean and degrease the print bed.
  • Check the bed leveling and Z-offset.
  • Reduce the first-layer speed.
  • Use a bed temperature of 90–110 °C.
  • Use a suitable adhesion layer for ASA.
  • Turn off the fan during the first layer.
The extruder clicks or skips steps
  • Check whether the nozzle is partially clogged.
  • Slightly increase the nozzle temperature.
  • Reduce the print speed or volumetric speed.
  • Check the tension of the extruder gear.
  • Check that the filament unwinds freely from the spool.
Many strings form between parts
  • First check that the filament is dry.
  • Lower the nozzle temperature in 5 °C increments.
  • Calibrate the retraction settings.
  • If necessary, increase the travel speed.
  • Limit unnecessary movements across open spaces.
Overhangs and bridges sag
  • Reduce the speed of bridges and overhangs.
  • Slightly lower the nozzle temperature.
  • Use limited cooling temporarily only for bridges.
  • Use support for heavy overhangs.
  • If necessary, reduce the layer height.
The surface is rough or has small holes
  • Check whether the filament has absorbed moisture.
  • Dry the filament if necessary.
  • Calibrate the flow or extrusion multiplier.
  • Reduce the print speed.
  • Check the nozzle for contamination.
The part deforms while cooling
  • Allow the print to cool in the closed printer.
  • Do not open the print chamber immediately after printing.
  • Remove the part only after the print bed has cooled.
  • Avoid large temperature differences.
  • For large parts, adjust the design or orientation.
The part dimensions are incorrect
  • Take ASA's shrinkage into account.
  • Calibrate the flow and check for overextrusion.
  • Check the dimensions of the 3D model.
  • Use the slicer's compensation settings.
  • First print a dimensionally accurate calibration model.
The color or surface changes outdoors
  • Check that the material is actually ASA.
  • Take dirt and weather exposure into account.
  • Clean the part with a suitable mild cleaning agent.
  • Avoid aggressive chemicals that may damage the surface.
  • Use sufficient wall thickness for long-term outdoor applications.

Using ASA for outdoor parts

ASA is a suitable choice for parts that are placed outdoors for extended periods due to its UV and weather resistance.

Suitable for:

  • Housings for sensors and electronics
  • Mounting brackets and fastening parts
  • Parts for gardens and patios
  • Automotive accessories
  • Nameplates and signage
  • Protective covers for outdoor use

When designing, consider:

  • Use sufficient wall thickness
  • Avoid sharp corners under high loads
  • Account for thermal expansion
  • Use rounded transitions
  • Protect mounting points against overloading
  • Test critical parts before extended use
ASA or ABS? For parts exposed to sunlight, rain, and changing weather conditions for extended periods, ASA is generally more suitable than ABS.

Storing and drying ASA

ASA can absorb moisture from the air. Moist filament can reduce surface quality and layer adhesion.

Storing ASA properly

  • Store the spool in a sealed bag or dry box
  • Add sufficient desiccant
  • Store the filament in a dry place
  • Do not leave the spool open unnecessarily long
  • Reseal the packaging immediately after use

Signs of moist ASA

  • Crackling or popping sounds
  • Small holes in the print surface
  • Rough or inconsistent extrusion
  • More stringing than usual
  • Reduced adhesion between layers
Drying filament Preferably use a suitable filament dryer. Follow the dryer's recommended settings and prevent the spool or filament from deforming.

Material properties of TM3D ASA

The data below provides a general overview of the material.

Material ASA
Filament diameter 1.75 mm or 2.85 mm, depending on the selected version
Properties Impact-resistant, UV-resistant, and suitable for outdoor use
Recommended nozzle temperature 240–260 °C
Recommended print bed temperature 90–110 °C
Recommended fan 0–10%
Enclosed print chamber Strongly recommended
Suitable nozzle Standard brass nozzle for normal, unfilled ASA
Use Outdoor parts, enclosures, technical prototypes, assembly parts, and heat- and weather-resistant applications

The exact properties may vary slightly by color, variant, and test method. For technical applications, always consult the current technical data sheet.

Safe printing with ASA

When printing with ASA, ensure a safe and well-ventilated workspace.

  • Ensure adequate ventilation or suitable air extraction.
  • Preferably do not place the printer in a living or sleeping area.
  • Do not touch the hot nozzle or heated print bed.
  • Do not leave a printer unattended unnecessarily.
  • Keep the printer away from flammable materials.
  • Do not automatically use printed parts for food contact, medical applications, or safety-critical applications.
  • Refer to the safety data sheet for additional product information.
Ventilation remains important An enclosed print chamber improves print quality, but it does not replace proper ventilation or air extraction in the room where the printer is located.

Frequently asked questions about ASA

Can I print TM3D ASA with a standard ASA profile?

Yes. First choose your printer's standard or Generic ASA profile. Use a nozzle temperature within the range of 240–260 °C and a print bed temperature of 90–110 °C.

Do I need an enclosed printer for ASA?

An enclosed printer is strongly recommended. The stable temperature in the print chamber reduces warping and lowers the risk of cracking between the layers.

Should the fan be on or off when printing ASA?

Preferably keep the regular fan cooling turned off or set it very low. Too much cooling can cause shrinkage, poor layer adhesion, and cracking. Limited cooling may only be necessary for difficult bridges.

Why is my ASA print warping?

Warping occurs because ASA shrinks as it cools. Use a heated print bed, an enclosed print chamber, and a brim. Also avoid cold drafts around the printer.

Can ASA be used outdoors for extended periods?

Due to its good UV and weather resistance, ASA is suitable for many long-term outdoor applications. For critical parts, however, take the load, wall thickness, temperature, and design into account.

What is the difference between ASA and ABS?

ASA and ABS have similar mechanical and printing properties. However, ASA is more resistant to UV radiation and weather conditions, which generally makes it more suitable for outdoor use.

Which nozzle can I use?

For standard ASA, a standard 0.4 mm brass nozzle is a good choice. For filled ASA variants, such as carbon-fiber-filled ASA, a wear-resistant nozzle is recommended.

Why is my tall ASA print cracking between the layers?

This is usually caused by an ambient temperature that is too low or by large temperature differences. Keep the print chamber closed, turn off the fan, and increase the nozzle temperature if necessary.

Can I print ASA on an open printer?

Small parts can sometimes be printed successfully on an open printer under favorable conditions. For larger or dimension-critical parts, an enclosed print chamber is strongly recommended.

Ready to print with ASA?

Discover the range of TM3D ASA filament, produced in the Netherlands and suitable for strong, UV-resistant, and weather-resistant 3D prints.

View all ASA filaments

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