Carbon Fiber Nylon vs ASA
Compare Carbon Fiber Nylon and ASA filaments side-by-side. See which one is best for your 3D printing project.
Carbon Fiber Nylon
BPA-CF / Nylon-CF
Stiffer than nylon and reduced warping (but still warps a lot)
ASA
AAcrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate
Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface
Detailed Comparison
Property
Carbon Fiber Nylon
ASA
Tier Rating
Tier B
Tier A
Family
Nylon (PA)
ASA
Nozzle Temp
250-290°C
220-275°C
Bed Temp
80-100°C
90-110°C
Enclosure
required
recommended
Cooling
Low cooling
Low to moderate; avoid drafts
Moisture Sensitivity
very high
moderate
Strengths Comparison
Carbon Fiber Nylon Strengths
- Stiffer than nylon and reduced warping (but still warps a lot)
ASA Strengths
- Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface
- Less warping than ABS; low viscosity enables very high speed printing
- High heat tolerance (~boiling water range)
Considerations
Carbon Fiber Nylon Caveats
- Needs high-end printer to realize benefits
- Reduces nylon's low-friction advantage
ASA Caveats
- Still off-gasses; enclosure/ventilation recommended
- Can still warp; needs tuning
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carbon Fiber Nylon or ASA better for 3D printing?
ASA is generally rated higher (Tier A) compared to Carbon Fiber Nylon (Tier B). However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: Carbon Fiber Nylon is best for Stiffer than nylon and reduced warping (but still warps a lot), while ASA is best for Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface.
What are the temperature differences between Carbon Fiber Nylon and ASA?
Carbon Fiber Nylon prints at 250-290°C nozzle / 80-100°C bed. ASA prints at 220-275°C nozzle / 90-110°C bed.
Do Carbon Fiber Nylon and ASA need an enclosure?
Carbon Fiber Nylon: required. ASA: recommended.
Which is more beginner-friendly: Carbon Fiber Nylon or ASA?
Neither is particularly beginner-friendly - both typically require an enclosure.