PVA vs ASA
Compare PVA and ASA filaments side-by-side. See which one is best for your 3D printing project.
PVA
BPolyvinyl Alcohol
Dissolvable support for complex geometry (especially with PLA/PETG depending on pairing)
ASA
AAcrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate
Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface
Detailed Comparison
Property
PVA
ASA
Tier Rating
Tier B
Tier A
Family
Water-soluble supports
ASA
Nozzle Temp
180-220°C
220-275°C
Bed Temp
45-60°C
90-110°C
Enclosure
not needed
recommended
Cooling
Moderate cooling
Low to moderate; avoid drafts
Moisture Sensitivity
extreme
moderate
Strengths Comparison
PVA Strengths
- Dissolvable support for complex geometry (especially with PLA/PETG depending on pairing)
- Cleaner overhangs and internal channels
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
PVA Caveats
- Very moisture sensitive; quickly becomes unusable if left out
- Slower printing; can clog if wet or overheated
- Requires careful pairing (supports must adhere to the model material but still release/dissolve well)
ASA Caveats
- Still off-gasses; enclosure/ventilation recommended
- Can still warp; needs tuning
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PVA or ASA better for 3D printing?
ASA is generally rated higher (Tier A) compared to PVA (Tier B). However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: PVA is best for Dissolvable support for complex geometry (especially with PLA/PETG depending on pairing), while ASA is best for Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface.
What are the temperature differences between PVA and ASA?
PVA prints at 180-220°C nozzle / 45-60°C bed. ASA prints at 220-275°C nozzle / 90-110°C bed.
Do PVA and ASA need an enclosure?
PVA: not needed. ASA: recommended.
Which is more beginner-friendly: PVA or ASA?
PVA is more beginner-friendly as it doesn't require an enclosure.