A friend asked me to print a cover for his marine gauge. As it will be outside 100% of the summer I researched and it appears ASA filament was what I should use. I bought a roll from 3DPC. Printer is a Ender3-ke using the generic ASA filament setting from Creality Print slicer (240/100c temps).
First few attempts I printed it face down (basically a 4x4 open box ) but it lifted during the first or second layer often sticking to the nozzle, On one attempt it gave me a blob of death on the nozzle blowing out the silicone boot… luckily I spotted it in time and nothing but the silicone boot was damaged. I switched to printing upright with tree support and tried it with PLA and it printed fine. Tried it upright with ASA and it lifted again on the first or second layer.
the KE bed temp can’t go higher than 100c which is in the range of the filament label on the spool.
suggestions or thoughts please?
Make sure you have a very good first layer. Use Magigoo on the bed. Print with s brim and add anti-warping tabs. Part fan off or 20% and increase for overhangs only. An enclosure is a good idea.
Enclosure is not really optional. ASA warps if it cools too quickly. It also is quite bad for you to breathe.
I’ve had PLA outside in the sun for several years now without any problem. It is an option.
1 Like
Thanks for the ideas. I forgot to mention I did brims. I will look into a enclosure and turning fans down.
ASA is one of the toughest and stable materials in 3D printing. Depending on the use easier safer materials could serve. Pla as mentioned will survive years it does powder and discolor after a while (3-4) years for me. PetG seems less susceptible and tolerates direct sun better. You can use treatment like armorall and extend it more.
Asa may not be required. IMO it should never be used with out an enclosure with proper filtration or exhaust. It is quite toxic.
dully noted, the ASA roll has been put away till a better system can arranged.
I have printed a PLA version for my friend to use and will see how long it lasts.
Thanks all
As long as it is outside then you are probably good with PLA. Inside, if it is hot, is another problem. If it gets above about 55C then it can droop. There are PLA types that can take more heat.