Stratasys launch UV resistant thermoplastic material, ASA.
More news from Stratasys this week. As well as launching two new triple jet Multi-material 3D printers, the global provider of manufacturing solutions has just announced, Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate or ASA, a new thermoplastic material option for its FDM production printers.
ASA is an all purpose material which boasts UV stability, strength and durability and can be used for prototypes, manufacturing tools and finished products. Industries such as the automotive, electronic, commercial and construction can benefit from this new material’s proposed applications which include jigs and fixtures, electrical boxes, vehicles and outdoor tools.
The material is compatible with Stratasys’ line of Fortus 360mc, 400mc and 900mc 3D Production Systems. The material’s exceptional surface finish offers the best aesthetics of any current FDM material with surface details greatly improved by the materials matte finish.
In addition to this, ASA’s UV properties offer resistance when exposed to direct sunlight so products will not fade and will remain durable in outdoor applications.
“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,” explains Brendan Dillon, product manager for Stratasys. “Once customers use ASA, they may not go back to ABS.”
ASA is available in black and ivory with a similar price tag to ABS and will work with Stratasys SR-30 support material.