Polymaker ASA Filament 1.75mm Jet Black - Weather Resistant Outdoor

In this review the Polymaker ASA Filament 1.75mm Jet Black is assessed for makers who need functional, outdoor-ready prints. The bottom line: this filament is best for hobbyists and small manufacturers who want an ABS-like material with improved UV and weather resistance, offering good toughness and heat tolerance for parts exposed to the elements. It prints with familiar ABS-style settings and comes on a recycled cardboard spool, making it a practical choice when longevity and outdoor performance matter.

Key Features

• Weather resistant: UV-resistant formulation reduces environmental stress cracking so parts last longer outdoors.
• High heat resistance: Rated to withstand temperatures up to 100 C, making it suitable for functional parts that see elevated temperatures.
• ABS-like mechanicals: Shares toughness and impact resistance similar to ABS for durable, load-bearing components.
• Recycled packaging: Now shipped on a fully recycled cardboard spool and box, lowering plastic waste from filament spools.
• Printer settings provided: Recommended nozzle 250 C, bed 90 C and 50mm/s print speed give a reliable starting point for most FFF printers.

Who It's For

This filament suits hobbyists building outdoor models, RC plane parts, automotive trim and other functional pieces that must resist sun and weather. Users with enclosed printers or good bed adhesion methods will have fewer warping issues when printing larger items.

It is less appropriate for absolute beginners who cannot control bed adhesion or temperature well, and for those needing a flexible or highly elastic material - ASA behaves like ABS and is relatively rigid compared with TPU or other flexible filaments.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong UV and weather resistance makes it a practical choice for outdoor applications.
• High heat tolerance and good impact resistance for functional parts.
• Recycled cardboard spool reduces plastic waste and is easier to recycle.

Cons

• Some users report mixed results with adhesion and occasional warping, so bed prep and enclosure may be needed.
• Durability reports vary by part and print settings; occasional reports of brittle failures suggest tuning is required for best strength.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Polymaker ASA 1.75mm in Jet Black is a sensible choice for users who need weather resistant and heat-tolerant prints for outdoor or functional use. It gives ABS-like strength with better UV stability and arrives in eco-friendlier packaging, but to get the best results you should be prepared to dial in bed adhesion and may prefer an enclosure for larger parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this filament suitable for outdoor parts?
Yes. The ASA formulation is UV-resistant and less prone to environmental stress cracking, making it suitable for outdoor functional parts.

What printer settings should I start with?
Begin with a 250 C nozzle, 90 C bed and about 50mm/s print speed, then adjust per your printer and part size.

Do I need an enclosure to print large parts?
For large parts, an enclosure is recommended to reduce warping and ensure consistent layer adhesion.