ASA vs TPE
How ASA and TPE compare, from typical settings across every filament we list.
- ASA is stiffer, more heat resistant and better outdoors; TPE is more flexible.
- ASA typically prints about 25 °C hotter at the nozzle.
- ASA typically prints about 55 °C hotter on the bed.
- ASA is less dense, so a 1 kg spool holds about 43 m more 1.75 mm filament.
- There are 109 ASA filaments in 638 colours, and 13 TPE filaments in 41 colours.
At a glance
Our rating, out of 5| ASA | TPE | |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | ||
| Toughness | ||
| Stiffness | Stiffer | |
| Heat resistance | More heat resistant | |
| Outdoor and UV | Better outdoors | |
| Flexibility | More flexible | |
| Setup | Needs an enclosure, Needs ventilation | Dry before printing |
| ASA | TPE | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate | Thermoplastic elastomer |
| Filaments listed | 109 | 13 |
| Brands | 66 | 9 |
| Colours | 638 | 41 |
| Nozzle temperature | 235–260 °C | 210–240 °C |
| Bed temperature | 90–110 °C | 30–60 °C |
| Density | 1.07 g/cm³ | 1.20 g/cm³ |
| Length of 1 kg (1.75 mm) | about 389 m | about 346 m |
| Max drying temperature | 85 °C | 60 °C |
Temperatures are medians across each material's filaments, rounded to 5 °C. Always check the maker's settings for a specific filament.
Brands that make both
5 brands make both ASA and TPE.