ASA-CF: density, print temperature and when to choose it
ASA-CF is plain ASA reinforced with chopped carbon fiber: the additive increases stiffness, reduces shrinkage and makes the part more dimensionally stable across temperature swings, while retaining ASA's signature UV and weather resistance. The price for this is abrasiveness — carbon fiber wears down brass nozzles quickly.
Key properties
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | ≈1.15 g/cm³ |
| Nozzle temperature | 250–270°C |
| Bed temperature | 95–110°C |
| Part cooling | light |
| Shrinkage | lower than plain ASA |
| Enclosure required | yes |
Carbon fiber requires a hardened steel or carbide nozzle — on brass, noticeable diameter wear shows up after just one or two spools, which hurts print accuracy and increases material lost to defects.
When to use it
- Outdoor and functional parts where not just ASA's UV resistance but also higher stiffness matters: brackets, outdoor equipment housings, structural elements.
- Parts with high requirements for dimensional stability under outdoor temperature swings.
- Replacing aluminum or glass-filled parts where a lightweight but stiff plastic is needed.
When to pick something else
- No hardened nozzle available and abrasive wear is unacceptable — use base ASA without filler, or ASA-GF, which is less abrasive than carbon fiber.
- The part needs to be as light as possible with no visible fibers on the surface — plain ASA or PETG give a smoother, more predictable surface.
- High tensile strength indoors without UV exposure is needed — consider PA6-GF or PC for higher mechanical strength.
Pros and cons
Pros: higher stiffness and dimensional stability relative to plain ASA, retains the base polymer's UV and weather resistance, less shrinkage on large parts.
Cons: requires a hardened nozzle due to fiber abrasiveness, a matte rough surface with visible fibers, needs a heated enclosure, costs more than base ASA.
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RuStoreHow it affects your print cost
Carbon fiber abrasiveness is the main hidden cost driver: a brass nozzle wears quickly, loses feed accuracy, and needs replacing with a hardened or carbide one, which itself is more expensive and should be budgeted as equipment depreciation, not just material cost. On top of that, the higher bed temperature and required enclosure increase energy use and printer warm-up time compared to base ASA.