Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate or ASA is a new FDM filament from Stratasys which is very strong and UV resistant. Could it replace ABS?
ASA is an all-purpose material used for the production of prototypes, manufacturing tools and finished products. Manufacturers in the automotive, electronics, commercial, sporting goods and construction industries will benefit from ASA’s strength and durability. Applications include jigs and fixtures, electrical boxes, recreational vehicles and outdoor tools
Compatible with the Fortus 360mc, 400mc and 900mc 3D Production Systems, ASA thermoplastic surpasses the capabilities of ABS, offering UV resistance so parts will be durable and resist fading even with long-term exposure to direct sunlight. Considered to have the best aesthetics of any FDM material available, ASA offers an exceptional surface finish - details such as printed text and other features are greatly improved by ASA’s matte finish.
I wonder will this new type of filament come to DIY machines...
Here is the tech specs PDF sheet:
http://www.stratasys.com/~/media/Main/Secure/Material%20Specs%20MS/Fortus-Material-Specs/ASA%20material%20spec%20sheet%20%20English%20web.pdf
And here is ASA vs. ABS PDF paper:
http://www.stratasys.com/~/media/Main/Secure/Material%20Specs%20MS/Fortus-Material-Specs/ABS%20vs%20ASA%20brochure%20-%20English%20web.pdf
ASA homepage: http://www.stratasys.com/materials/fdm/asa?utm_source=YTASA&utm_medium=Social_Media&utm_campaign=asa