ASA is chemically close to ABS and processes almost the same way. The difference is the rubber: ASA uses an acrylic rubber that stands up to sunlight, where ABS’s butadiene rubber breaks down.
Side by side
| ABS | ASA | |
|---|---|---|
| UV / outdoor weathering | Poor; yellows and embrittles | Excellent |
| Color stability outdoors | Poor | Very good |
| Impact strength | High | High |
| Low-temperature impact | Better | Good |
| Processing | Easy | Easy; very similar to ABS |
| Electroplating | Common (plating grades) | Not typical |
| Relative cost | Lower | Higher |
Typical, general comparisons. Individual grades vary; check the data sheet.
Choose ABS when
- Parts live indoors
- Plated or painted parts
- Lowest cost matters
Choose ASA when
- Parts live outdoors or in sunlight: exterior trim, housings, signage
- Color must hold up for years
- Capping layers on extruded profiles
ABS · ASA / SAN · Fading outdoors · Tell us the grade you run now →