PETG vs ASA: which should you choose?
PETG and ASA are both suitable for outdoors, but differ in ease and heat resistance. PETG is easier to print; ASA goes higher in temperature and is even more UV-stable. Below is the trade-off.
| Property | PETG | ASA |
|---|---|---|
| Printability | Easy, no enclosure | Hard: warping, enclosure |
| UV / outdoor | Reasonably UV-resistant | Excellent UV resistance |
| Heat resistance | ±70-80 °C | Higher (±100 °C) |
| Strength | Tough | Strong and stiff |
| Fumes | Hardly any | Fumes, ventilation needed |
| Typical use | Outdoor parts without much heat | Outdoors + heat, automotive |
When PETG
Choose PETG for outdoor parts that don't see high temperatures and that you want to print without hassle.
When ASA
Choose ASA for outdoor parts that have to withstand both UV and heat, and where you're willing to take on the extra printing complexity.
Our take
Outdoors and easy: PETG. Outdoors plus heat and maximum UV resistance: ASA.
More comparisons
- PLA vs PETG: which should you choose? — PLA and PETG are the two most-used filaments for 3D printing.
- PETG vs ABS: which should you choose? — PETG and ABS are both strong, functional filaments.