Glass-filled Nylon vs ASA
Compare Glass-filled Nylon and ASA filaments side-by-side. See which one is best for your 3D printing project.
Glass-filled Nylon
SPA-GF / GFPA
Massively stiffer/tougher/more heat & abrasion resistant than nylon
ASA
AAcrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate
Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface
Detailed Comparison
Property
Glass-filled Nylon
ASA
Tier Rating
Tier S
Tier A
Family
Nylon (PA)
ASA
Nozzle Temp
260-290°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
Glass-filled Nylon Strengths
- Massively stiffer/tougher/more heat & abrasion resistant than nylon
- Warping reduced enough to be fairly easy to print (with correct setup)
- Viable alternative to machined aluminum for some parts
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
Glass-filled Nylon Caveats
- Higher print temps; hardware wear if not equipped
ASA Caveats
- Still off-gasses; enclosure/ventilation recommended
- Can still warp; needs tuning
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Glass-filled Nylon or ASA better for 3D printing?
Glass-filled Nylon is generally rated higher (Tier S) compared to ASA (Tier A). However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: Glass-filled Nylon is best for Massively stiffer/tougher/more heat & abrasion resistant than nylon, while ASA is best for Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface.
What are the temperature differences between Glass-filled Nylon and ASA?
Glass-filled Nylon prints at 260-290°C nozzle / 80-100°C bed. ASA prints at 220-275°C nozzle / 90-110°C bed.
Do Glass-filled Nylon and ASA need an enclosure?
Glass-filled Nylon: required. ASA: recommended.
Which is more beginner-friendly: Glass-filled Nylon or ASA?
Neither is particularly beginner-friendly - both typically require an enclosure.