YouTuber shows method against warping in 3D printing with ASA and ABS

A new process for 3D printing technical plastics such as ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate) and ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) enables them to be processed at significantly lower temperatures. The method is based on the use of a thin PLA base layer and also works without a closed printing chamber.

3D printing expert Jan Wegener from JanTec Engineering has demonstrated in practical tests that high-temperature-resistant materials such as ASA can be processed on a print bed at just 60 degrees Celsius. This represents a significant simplification compared to conventional processes, which require temperatures of over 100 degrees Celsius. The lower energy consumption also speeds up the printing process, as the printing bed reaches operating temperature more quickly.

The technology uses a thin base layer of PLA (polylactide), onto which the actual component made of ASA or ABS is then printed. “This trick works very well and reliably for smaller components,” explains Wegener in his analysis. However, distortion problems can still occur with larger prints.

The method has a particular advantage with ASA prints: The PLA base layer can be easily removed after printing. This enables the production of pure ASA components without the usual high demands on the printing environment.

The technology is not limited to ASA and ABS. Tests also show promising results when combining TPU with PLA or PETG as well as PP with PETG as a base layer. Wegener has systematically investigated the adhesion of various material combinations.

Implementation requires only minor adjustments to the slicing process. The material is exchanged using a G-code command, which is available on many current 3D printers. Multi-material printers can implement the technology directly via their firmware.