PETG vs ASA — indoor workhorse vs outdoor champion.
PETG is our most-ordered FDM material — a tough, chemically resistant thermoplastic that handles most functional prototyping applications. ASA is our outdoor specialist — similar strength to ABS, with dramatically better UV stability. The two materials overlap significantly on mechanical spec, but they diverge sharply on one dimension: how well they survive direct sun.
Detailed comparison
Property-by-property breakdown
| Property | PETG | ASA |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 50 MPa | 44 MPa |
| Impact resistance | Good | Good |
| Heat deflection | 70°C | 95°C |
| UV stability | Moderate (degrades in ~1 year) | Excellent (rated for outdoor use) |
| Chemical resistance | Excellent (most solvents) | Moderate |
| Printability | Very easy | Moderate (warps) |
| Cost | $ | $$ |
| Best for | Indoor functional, chemical resistance | Outdoor brackets, UV exposure |
Our recommendation
Choose PETG for indoor functional prototypes, chemical-resistant parts, housings, and brackets. It is the cheaper and easier-to-print option for most projects. Choose ASA whenever the part will see direct UV exposure — outdoor enclosures, rooftop brackets, garden tools, automotive exterior trim. ASA costs a bit more and warps during printing, but PETG will become brittle and discolor under sustained UV within a year.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is ASA better than PETG for outdoor use?
Yes, significantly. ASA is rated for outdoor use with excellent UV stability. PETG will become brittle and discolor under sustained UV within about a year. For any part exposed to direct sun, ASA is the correct choice.
Is PETG cheaper than ASA?
Yes. PETG is cheaper and easier to print than ASA. ASA costs more and is more prone to warping during printing. Use PETG for indoor functional parts and save ASA for applications that specifically require UV resistance.
What is the heat resistance of PETG vs ASA?
ASA handles 93°C heat deflection vs 68°C for PETG. For parts near heat sources or in hot environments (automotive under-hood, rooftop enclosures), ASA is the better choice.
Which has better chemical resistance, PETG or ASA?
PETG has excellent chemical resistance to most solvents and cleaning agents. ASA has moderate chemical resistance. For lab environments, food processing, or parts exposed to chemicals, PETG is the better material.
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PLA vs ABS — the two classic FDM filaments compared.
Choose PLA for display models, concept prototypes, fit-checks, and any part that will live indoors at room temperature. Choose ABS when the part needs to survive mild impact, moderate heat (above 55°C), or when you need to match an existing injection-molded reference. For most modern FDM work, PETG is a better default than either — tougher than PLA, cleaner than ABS.
FDM vs SLA — which 3D printing technology is right for your part?
Choose FDM when cost and speed matter most, or when you need tough engineering thermoplastics (PETG, ASA, PC CF) at larger build volumes. Choose SLA when surface finish, dimensional accuracy, or fine detail resolution is the priority — visual prototypes, snap-fit validation, and presentation models.
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