Carbon Fiber PLA vs ASA
Compare Carbon Fiber PLA and ASA filaments side-by-side. See which one is best for your 3D printing project.
Carbon Fiber PLA
SPLA-CF
Sharper details, stabilizes cooling, low shrinkage
ASA
AAcrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate
Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface
Detailed Comparison
Property
Carbon Fiber PLA
ASA
Tier Rating
Tier S
Tier A
Family
PLA
ASA
Nozzle Temp
200-230°C
220-275°C
Bed Temp
50-60°C
90-110°C
Enclosure
not needed
recommended
Cooling
High cooling beneficial
Low to moderate; avoid drafts
Moisture Sensitivity
moderate
moderate
Strengths Comparison
Carbon Fiber PLA Strengths
- Sharper details, stabilizes cooling, low shrinkage
- Matte finish, high dimensional accuracy, stiffer (but more brittle)
- Excellent-looking and accurate prints
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 PLA Caveats
- More brittle than PLA
- Typically limited color selection (often black)
ASA Caveats
- Still off-gasses; enclosure/ventilation recommended
- Can still warp; needs tuning
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carbon Fiber PLA or ASA better for 3D printing?
Carbon Fiber PLA is generally rated higher (Tier S) compared to ASA (Tier A). However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: Carbon Fiber PLA is best for Sharper details, stabilizes cooling, low shrinkage, while ASA is best for Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface.
What are the temperature differences between Carbon Fiber PLA and ASA?
Carbon Fiber PLA prints at 200-230°C nozzle / 50-60°C bed. ASA prints at 220-275°C nozzle / 90-110°C bed.
Do Carbon Fiber PLA and ASA need an enclosure?
Carbon Fiber PLA: not needed. ASA: recommended.
Which is more beginner-friendly: Carbon Fiber PLA or ASA?
Carbon Fiber PLA is more beginner-friendly as it doesn't require an enclosure.