Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate vs ASA
Compare Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate and ASA filaments side-by-side. See which one is best for your 3D printing project.
Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate
ACFPC / PC-CF
Extremely stiff; useful where flex must be minimal
ASA
AAcrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate
Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface
Detailed Comparison
Property
Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate
ASA
Tier Rating
Tier A
Tier A
Family
PC
ASA
Nozzle Temp
270-300°C
220-275°C
Bed Temp
100-120°C
90-110°C
Enclosure
required
recommended
Cooling
Low cooling
Low to moderate; avoid drafts
Moisture Sensitivity
high
moderate
Strengths Comparison
Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate Strengths
- Extremely stiff; useful where flex must be minimal
- Surprisingly affordable in some brands
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 Polycarbonate Caveats
- Feeding can be difficult unless spool is close/direct-fed
ASA Caveats
- Still off-gasses; enclosure/ventilation recommended
- Can still warp; needs tuning
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate or ASA better for 3D printing?
Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate is generally rated higher (Tier A) compared to ASA (Tier A). However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate is best for Extremely stiff; useful where flex must be minimal, while ASA is best for Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface.
What are the temperature differences between Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate and ASA?
Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate prints at 270-300°C nozzle / 100-120°C bed. ASA prints at 220-275°C nozzle / 90-110°C bed.
Do Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate and ASA need an enclosure?
Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate: required. ASA: recommended.
Which is more beginner-friendly: Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate or ASA?
Neither is particularly beginner-friendly - both typically require an enclosure.