PCTG vs ASA
Compare PCTG and ASA filaments side-by-side. See which one is best for your 3D printing project.
PCTG
SPolycyclohexylene Dimethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified
Tough, strong layer adhesion, minimal warping/sagging
ASA
AAcrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate
Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface
Detailed Comparison
Property
PCTG
ASA
Tier Rating
Tier S
Tier A
Family
PETG
ASA
Nozzle Temp
230-260°C
220-275°C
Bed Temp
70-85°C
90-110°C
Enclosure
optional
recommended
Cooling
Moderate cooling
Low to moderate; avoid drafts
Moisture Sensitivity
moderate
moderate
Strengths Comparison
PCTG Strengths
- Tough, strong layer adhesion, minimal warping/sagging
- Lower moisture uptake vs PETG; very easy printing for performance level
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
PCTG Caveats
- Supports can be hard to remove
- Expensive and harder to find
ASA Caveats
- Still off-gasses; enclosure/ventilation recommended
- Can still warp; needs tuning
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PCTG or ASA better for 3D printing?
PCTG is generally rated higher (Tier S) compared to ASA (Tier A). However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: PCTG is best for Tough, strong layer adhesion, minimal warping/sagging, while ASA is best for Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface.
What are the temperature differences between PCTG and ASA?
PCTG prints at 230-260°C nozzle / 70-85°C bed. ASA prints at 220-275°C nozzle / 90-110°C bed.
Do PCTG and ASA need an enclosure?
PCTG: optional. ASA: recommended.
Which is more beginner-friendly: PCTG or ASA?
PCTG is more beginner-friendly as it doesn't require an enclosure.