POM vs ASA
Compare POM and ASA filaments side-by-side. See which one is best for your 3D printing project.
POM
FAcetal / Delrin / Polyoxymethylene
Very low friction, stiff, easy to machine (in CNC contexts)
ASA
AAcrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate
Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface
Detailed Comparison
Property
POM
ASA
Tier Rating
Tier F
Tier A
Family
POM
ASA
Nozzle Temp
220-260°C
220-275°C
Bed Temp
90-120°C
90-110°C
Enclosure
required
recommended
Cooling
Low cooling
Low to moderate; avoid drafts
Moisture Sensitivity
low
moderate
Strengths Comparison
POM Strengths
- Very low friction, stiff, easy to machine (in CNC contexts)
- Low friction, wear parts, gears, bushings
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
POM Caveats
- Near-zero bed adhesion; requires mechanical anchoring to bed surface
- Layer splitting; needs heated enclosure and very slow printing
- Heat decomposition can release formaldehyde (high hazard)
- Often outclassed by nylon for printable low-friction parts
ASA Caveats
- Still off-gasses; enclosure/ventilation recommended
- Can still warp; needs tuning
Frequently Asked Questions
Is POM or ASA better for 3D printing?
ASA is generally rated higher (Tier A) compared to POM (Tier F). However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: POM is best for Very low friction, stiff, easy to machine (in CNC contexts), while ASA is best for Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface.
What are the temperature differences between POM and ASA?
POM prints at 220-260°C nozzle / 90-120°C bed. ASA prints at 220-275°C nozzle / 90-110°C bed.
Do POM and ASA need an enclosure?
POM: required. ASA: recommended.
Which is more beginner-friendly: POM or ASA?
Neither is particularly beginner-friendly - both typically require an enclosure.