ASA Aero 3D printing. Light parts for outdoors
A foaming ASA: it expands as it prints, so a part comes out lighter than solid ASA and keeps ASA's resistance to water and UV. One of our most popular materials.
- 50-75% of regular ASA density
- Water and UV resistant
- Usually 1-3 working days
- Parts up to 340 x 320 x 340 mm
What ASA Aero is
ASA, the outdoor plastic, made to foam with heat as it leaves the nozzle. Bambu Lab says prints come out at 50-75% of the density of regular ASA; its test specimens measure 0.99 g/cm³, against 1.05 g/cm³ for plain ASA.
The foam buys lightness with stiffness and strength: 1,510 MPa flexural modulus and 32 MPa tensile strength, against 1,920 MPa and 37 MPa for plain ASA.
- tensile strength, X-Y
- 32 MPa
- flexural modulus
- 1,510 MPa
- heat deflection, 1.8 MPa
- 78 °C
Manufacturer datasheet values
Datasheet figures
Manufacturer datasheet values (Bambu Lab), measured on test specimens. A printed part also depends on its shape, walls and orientation.
| Property | ASA Aero |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength, along the layers (X-Y) | 32 ± 4 MPa |
| Tensile strength, across the layers (Z) | 21 ± 4 MPa |
| Flexural modulus (X-Y) | 1,510 ± 120 MPa |
| Heat deflection at 1.8 MPa | 78 °C |
| Density | 0.99 g/cm³ |
| Water absorption at saturation | 0.80% |
| Chemical resistance | Acids and alkalis; not some solvents |
What it is good for
Parts outdoors where weight counts more than strength.
Covers and housings
Light enclosures and lids for equipment that lives outside.
Large light parts
Big parts that should not weigh much, up to 340 x 320 x 340 mm in one piece.
Outdoor fittings
Caps, guards and trims that see sun and rain.
Display pieces
Large models and mock-ups that have to be carried or hung.
When to choose something else
- For a part that carries load, plain ASA is stronger (37 MPa against 32 MPa) and stiffer. Across the layers ASA Aero keeps 21 MPa, so we orient the part to its load.
- It softens sooner: 78 °C heat deflection at 1.8 MPa, against 92 °C for plain ASA. Near real heat, ask about PET-CF.
- Some organic solvents attack it.
- How light a part comes out depends on how it is printed. Bambu Lab gives a range, not a fixed figure, so we do not promise a weight.
Questions about ASA Aero
ASA Aero or ASA?
ASA Aero when weight counts: Bambu Lab says prints come out at 50-75% of regular ASA density. Plain ASA when strength and heat count: 37 MPa against 32 MPa tensile strength, 92 °C against 78 °C heat deflection. ASA Aero is one of our most popular materials; plain ASA is ordered in.
How light is an ASA Aero part?
Bambu Lab gives 50-75% of the density of regular ASA; the foaming is controlled by heat. Tell us if weight matters when you send the file.
Is ASA Aero good outdoors?
Bambu Lab lists water and UV resistance for it, and its datasheet rates it resistant to acids and alkalis. Tell us where the part goes and we confirm.
Can ASA Aero carry a load?
It is a light material for covers and housings. For a load-bearing bracket, ask for plain ASA or PET-CF.
How big can an ASA Aero part be?
Up to 340 x 320 x 340 mm in one piece. It needs an enclosed, heated printer.
How fast can I have it?
Usually 1-3 working days after you approve the price. The quote gives the date.
A light part for outdoors?
Send the file and say what it may weigh. A person checks that ASA Aero suits the part and replies with the price.