Stratasys AP Ltd., a subsidiary of (Nasdaq:SSYS), a leading global provider of 3D printing and additive manufacturing solutions, today announced availability of a new thermoplastic material option for its FDM-based production 3D printers: ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate).
ASA is an all-purpose material used for the production of prototypes, manufacturing tools and finished goods. Manufacturers in the automotive, electronics, commercial, sporting goods and construction industries can benefit from ASA's UV stability, strength and durability. Applications include jigs and fixtures, electrical boxes, recreational vehicles and outdoor tools.
Compatible with the Fortus 360mc, 400mc and 900mc 3D Production Systems, ASA thermoplastic surpasses the capabilities of ABS, offering UV resistance, so parts will resist fading & remain durable with long-term exposure to direct sunlight. ASA offers an exceptional surface finish and has the best aesthetics of any FDM material available. Compared to ABS, details such as printed text and other features are greatly improved by ASA's matte finish.
"As 3D printing becomes a more mainstream production process, and parts are used for a longer period of time and in diverse environments, UV resistance becomes a must-have feature," explainsBrendan Dillon, product manager for Stratasys. "Once customers use ASA, they may not go back to ABS."
Easy to use, ASA is a "green-flag" material allowing Stratasys Insight software users the ability to produce parts using default settings with a single click. Available in black and ivory, ASA is compatible with existing Stratasys SR-30 support material and priced similar to ABS.
