According to the investigation concluded:
ABS filament production down by more than 50%|
ASA filament production up by more than 90%
ABS filament, a conventional polymer used in conventional manufacturing processes like injection moulding, has been widely used in 3D printing as well, but its use has been declining since the introduction of PLA filament, which is simpler to print, as well as the rising popularity of PETg filament, which combines the printability of PLA with the durability of an ABS.
Industrial-grade 3D printing material is Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate, also known as ASA. In terms of chemistry, ASA and ABS are extremely similar, however ASA has been carefully designed to offer improved qualities.
In comparison to ABS, ASA often delivers better 3D printing performance. It delivers little warping because to its intrinsic dimensional stability, which contributes to more successful and efficient 3D printing. Contrarily, ABS is frequently linked to deformed prints and inadequate adhesion, which results in subpar 3D printing and adds to the issue of 3D printing waste.
When it comes to 3D printing performance, UV resistance, and (broader) chemical resistance, ASA is a better 3D printer filament than ABS. ABS has a place in the industry, particularly for applications needing vapour smoothing.