PLA vs ASA
How PLA and ASA compare, from typical settings across every filament we list.
Short answer
Choose ASA for anything that lives outside or in the sun: it resists UV, heat and weather for years. Choose PLA for indoor models and prototypes, where it is far easier to print and needs no enclosure or ventilation.
- PLA is easier to print and stiffer; ASA is tougher, more heat resistant, better outdoors and more flexible.
- ASA typically prints about 40 °C hotter at the nozzle.
- ASA typically prints about 40 °C hotter on the bed.
- ASA is less dense, so a 1 kg spool holds about 54 m more 1.75 mm filament.
- There are 880 PLA filaments in 8,714 colours, and 109 ASA filaments in 638 colours.
At a glance
Our rating, out of 5| PLA | ASA | |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | Easier to print | |
| Toughness | Tougher | |
| Stiffness | Stiffer | |
| Heat resistance | More heat resistant | |
| Outdoor and UV | Better outdoors | |
| Flexibility | More flexible | |
| Setup | No enclosure or special setup needed | Needs an enclosure, Needs ventilation |
| PLA | ASA | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Polylactic acid | Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate |
| Filaments listed | 880 | 109 |
| Brands | 145 | 66 |
| Colours | 8,714 | 638 |
| Nozzle temperature | 190–230 °C | 235–260 °C |
| Bed temperature | 50–70 °C | 90–110 °C |
| Density | 1.24 g/cm³ | 1.07 g/cm³ |
| Length of 1 kg (1.75 mm) | about 335 m | about 389 m |
| Max drying temperature | 55 °C | 85 °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
61 brands make both PLA and ASA; these have the most of each.
- Spectrum 36 PLA · 7 ASA
- Eryone 30 PLA · 5 ASA
- SUNLU 33 PLA · 1 ASA
- eSUN 3D 26 PLA · 1 ASA
- Polymaker 24 PLA · 1 ASA
- Bambu Lab 19 PLA · 4 ASA
- FormFutura 17 PLA · 6 ASA
- ROSA3D Filaments 18 PLA · 4 ASA
- PrimaCreator 18 PLA · 1 ASA
- Overture 14 PLA · 2 ASA
- Fiberlogy 13 PLA · 2 ASA
- Professional LAB 14 PLA · 1 ASA
PLA vs ASA questions
Is ASA better than PLA for outdoor use?
Yes, by a long way. PLA softens at around 55–60 °C and turns brittle in sunlight; ASA stays rigid to around 95–100 °C and keeps its colour and strength outdoors for years.
Is ASA harder to print than PLA?
Yes. ASA needs a hotter nozzle and bed, an enclosure to stop warping, and ventilation because of the fumes. PLA prints on almost any printer with no special setup.
Is there an easier outdoor filament than ASA?
PETG is a good middle ground: much better outdoors than PLA and needs no enclosure, though ASA lasts longer in strong sun. See PETG vs ASA.
Which is better for car parts?
ASA, inside and out. PLA warps in a hot car; ASA handles both the cabin heat and sun on exterior parts.