SAN (styrene acrylonitrile): density, print temperature and when to choose it
SAN (styrene acrylonitrile) is a rigid transparent copolymer, essentially ABS without the butadiene rubber: it loses some impact toughness but gains in stiffness, scratch resistance, and chemical resistance to oils and greases. In FDM it's rarer than ABS, but remains a sensible choice where transparency combined with stiffness matters.
Key properties
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | ≈1.08 g/cm³ |
| Nozzle temperature | 230–260°C |
| Bed temperature | 80–100°C |
| Part cooling | minimal |
| Shrinkage | moderate, lower than ABS |
| Enclosure required | recommended |
When to use it
- Transparent rigid housings and viewing windows where scratch resistance matters more than impact toughness.
- Kitchenware and containers in contact with grease and detergents.
- Parts needing higher stiffness than ABS while remaining easy to machine.
- Prototypes of consumer goods that are series-produced in injection-molded SAN.
When to pick something else
- You need impact toughness — SAN is noticeably more brittle than ABS; for parts under impact load, ABS or ASA is better.
- Outdoor UV resistance matters — ASA is noticeably better; SAN yellows and degrades in the sun.
- You need maximum transparency and shine — consider specialized transparent grades of PETG, which give a more consistent visual result with simple printing.
Pros and cons
Pros: good transparency and surface shine, high stiffness and scratch resistance relative to ABS, decent resistance to oils and household chemicals, easier to calibrate for printing than ABS.
Cons: noticeably more brittle than ABS — handles impact and point loads poorly; prone to yellowing under prolonged UV exposure; releases an odor while printing, ventilation is recommended; limited manufacturer and color choice.
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SAN prints similarly to ABS in temperature terms, so energy use is comparable, but its brittleness calls for more careful handling of the finished part — the risk of chipping when removing it from the platform or during transport is higher than with ABS, and that should be budgeted into the defect rate. The material is less common than base plastics, so filament price and availability from a given supplier can vary significantly — worth checking before pricing a batch.