What is nylon filament?
Nylon (also known as polyamide or PA) is a synthetic polymer with excellent mechanical properties. It’s tough, slightly flexible, and wear-resistant, making it a popular choice for functional parts that undergo daily stress.
Nylon properties at a glance
Nylon is known for its high tensile strength and abrasion resistance. It’s slightly flexible, meaning it bends rather than breaks, which makes it more durable than stiffer materials under repeated mechanical stress.
Furthermore, nylon is resistant to a wide range of chemicals, including oils and fuels. Its glass transition temperature is around 80°C, making it suitable for parts exposed to moderate heat.
A major drawback: nylon is hygroscopic. It absorbs moisture from the air. If you don't dry your filament properly before printing, you'll get bubbles in the print and a rough surface finish. Always store nylon in a sealed dry box.
When should you choose nylon?
Choose nylon if you are printing parts that will be under mechanical stress. Think of gears, hinges, clamps, and fasteners. Nylon is also a logical choice for prototypes that need to behave like the final product—strong, slightly flexible, and wear-resistant.
What is ASA filament?
ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) was developed as an improved version of ABS. The biggest upgrade compared to ABS: excellent UV resistance. While ABS and PLA discolor and become brittle in the sun over time, ASA retains its properties outdoors.
ASA filament properties
ASA is specifically developed for use in environments with direct sunlight, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. It doesn't fade, doesn't become brittle, and maintains its mechanical properties even after months outdoors.
The glass transition temperature of ASA is around 100°C, which is higher than that of nylon and ABS. This makes it suitable for parts that get hot, such as housings near a motor or heating element. Additionally, ASA is highly resistant to acids and bases.
Another advantage: ASA is less hygroscopic than nylon. You don't need to keep the filament as strictly dry, and it is generally easier and more reliable to print.
The finish of ASA is matte and uniform, which gives the final product a professional look.
When should you choose ASA?
Choose ASA if you are placing something outdoors or in an environment with lots of light and fluctuating temperatures. Think of housings for outdoor electronics, mounting frames on a facade, sensor boxes, garden ornaments, and parts that sit in the sun. If you are looking for a better alternative to ABS without the well-known printing issues, ASA is also an excellent choice.
Read also: the 3 best 3D printing materials for outdoor use.
Nylon vs. ASA: the five most important differences
1. Strength and flexibility
Nylon is the more flexible of the two. It bends slightly under pressure, which makes it less likely to break. This makes it ideal for moving or load-bearing parts like gears and hinges. ASA is stiffer; it is more likely to snap under excessive load, but it has more than enough strength for most applications.
Do you have a part that needs to absorb shocks, vibrations, or repeated stress? Then choose nylon. Is the load limited and is it more about stiffness and dimensional stability? Then ASA will work perfectly.
2. UV resistance and weather resistance
This is the most defining difference. ASA was specifically developed for UV-exposed use and retains its color and properties even after prolonged exposure to the sun. Nylon performs significantly worse here: it can discolor and degrade faster with long-term outdoor use.
Is your print going outside? Choose ASA.
3. Temperature resistance
Both materials are temperature resistant, but ASA has a higher glass transition temperature: ~100°C versus ~80°C for nylon. For most applications, this makes little difference, but for parts that get really hot, such as near a motor or heating element, ASA is preferred.
4. Chemical resistance
Nylon has better resistance to oils, greases, and fuels. This makes it suitable for parts in machines or vehicles. ASA, on the other hand, is more resistant to acids and bases. The choice here depends on the specific environment of your part.
5. Printability
ASA is generally easier to print than nylon. It is less sensitive to moisture and suffers less from warping, provided you use a well-heated bed and an enclosed print environment.
Nylon is more demanding. It quickly absorbs moisture from the air, which directly affects print quality. Always dry the filament before use: 8–12 hours at 70–80°C in a filament dryer. Use a print temperature of 240–270°C and a bed temperature of 70–90°C.
For ASA, use a print temperature of 230–260°C and a bed temperature of 80–100°C. An enclosed build chamber or cover reduces the risk of warping.
Which filament should you choose for outdoor use?
For outdoor use, the choice is clear: ASA. It combines UV resistance, moisture resistance, and temperature stability in one material. Nylon degrades faster in the sun and is more sensitive to outdoor moisture.
Need to mount, place, or attach something outdoors? Choose ASA. Also, check out which other materials are suitable for outdoor use in our article: the 3 best 3D printing materials for outdoor use.
Quick choice: nylon or ASA?
Still unsure? Use this as a guide.
Choose nylon if your part will be under mechanical stress, needs to bend or resist wear, comes into contact with oils or fuels, or if you are making a functional prototype that requires strength and flexibility.
Choose ASA if your part will be used outdoors, exposed to the sun, needs to withstand temperature fluctuations, or if you want a rigid and dimensionally stable part with a clean matte finish.
Still not sure which material best suits your project? Use our material selection tool or request a free printability check .
Frequently asked questions
Is nylon harder to print than ASA?
Yes. Nylon is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture quickly, which negatively impacts print quality. Always dry the filament before use and store it in a dry box. ASA is more prone to warping if you don't have an enclosed printer, but it is generally more reliable to print than nylon.
Which filament is more durable: nylon or ASA?
That depends on the environment. Nylon is more durable under mechanical stress; it wears down less easily and is less likely to break. ASA is more durable in outdoor environments because it is UV-resistant and doesn't degrade from sunlight.
Can I combine nylon and ASA in one project?
Yes, you can in a multi-component design. Use nylon for moving or load-bearing parts and ASA for the housing or parts that will be used outdoors. Combining them in a single print is practically impossible on a standard FDM printer because the print settings for each material differ significantly.
Is ASA a good alternative to ABS?
Definitely. In almost every way, ASA is an improvement over ABS: better UV resistance, comparable strength, and an equivalent or slightly easier printing experience. If you are considering ABS for outdoor use, you should almost always choose ASA instead. Want to read more? Check out: ASA vs. PETG: choose the right filament.
Get your part printed in nylon or ASA
Do you know which material you want? Upload your STL file to our 3D print price calculator and calculate the price instantly. Both nylon and ASA are available.
Don't have a file yet, or want advice on the right material for your application? Request a free printability check — we're happy to take a look.
