ASA Settings for Prusa MK3S
Recommended slicer settings for printing ASA on the Prusa MK3S (250 x 210 x 210 mm build volume, 100 mm/s max speed, direct drive extruder).
Slicer Configuration
Copy these values into your slicer (Cura, OrcaSlicer, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio)| Setting | Value | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle Temperature | 250°C | 240-260°C |
| Bed Temperature | 100°C | 90-110°C |
| First Layer Nozzle | 255°C | +5°C above normal |
| First Layer Bed | 105°C | +5°C above normal |
| Print Speed | 50 mm/s | 40-60 mm/s |
| First Layer Speed | 20 mm/s | 25-50% of normal |
| Wall Speed | 38 mm/s | 70-80% of normal |
| Travel Speed | 90 mm/s | 120-150% of print speed |
| Layer Height | 0.2mm | 0.12-0.28mm |
| Infill | 15-20% | 10-30% |
| Wall Count | 2-3 | Perimeters/shells |
| Top/Bottom Layers | 3-4 | Solid layers |
| Cooling Fan | 0-10% | From layer 2+ |
| Retraction Distance | 0.8-1.2 mm | Direct drive |
| Retraction Speed | 40 mm/s | Direct drive |
Before You Print
Print Quality Profiles
Three presets for common use cases with ASA on the Prusa MK3S.
| Profile | Layer Height | Speed | Infill | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Draft | 0.28mm | 60 mm/s | 10-15% | Rapid prototyping, test fits |
| Standard | 0.20mm | 50 mm/s | 15-20% | General purpose, everyday prints |
| Quality | 0.12mm | 40 mm/s | 20-30% | Miniatures, display pieces, fine detail |
Bed Adhesion
ASA uses the same bed adhesion methods as ABS: PEI sheet at high temperature, glue stick, or ASA/ABS slurry. A brim is recommended for larger parts to prevent warping.
Temperature Tuning Guide
Nozzle: 250°C
Range: 240-260°C. Printer max: 300°C.
- Poor layer adhesion? Increase +5°C
- Stringing or oozing? Decrease -5°C
- Print a temperature tower to find your exact sweet spot
Bed: 100°C
Range: 90-110°C. Printer max: 120°C.
- First layer lifting? Increase +5°C
- Elephant's foot? Decrease -5°C
- Let the bed fully preheat before starting
Troubleshooting ASA on Prusa MK3S
Pro Tips for ASA
ASA is essentially outdoor-grade ABS -- the go-to for any part exposed to sunlight
While more forgiving than ABS, an enclosure still dramatically improves print quality
Use the same post-processing techniques as ABS; ASA can be acetone-smoothed
For best UV performance, choose lighter colors which resist fading better
Store in a dry box and dry before use if the spool has been open for more than a few days
Support Settings
For prints requiring supports with ASA, use tree supports for easier removal and less scarring. Set a 0.15-0.2mm Z-distance between support and model. If you have a dual-extruder setup, consider PVA (for PLA/PETG) or HIPS (for ABS) as dedicated water/solvent-soluble support material.
Prusa MK3S Specs
| Build Volume | 250 x 210 x 210 mm |
| Max Speed | 100 mm/s |
| Max Nozzle Temp | 300°C |
| Max Bed Temp | 120°C |
| Extruder | Direct Drive |
ASA Properties
| Nozzle Range | 240-260°C |
| Bed Range | 90-110°C |
| Speed Range | 40-60 mm/s |
| Difficulty | intermediate |
| Drying | 77°C / 4h |
| Enclosure | Recommended |
ASA at a Glance
Strengths
- Best UV resistance of common filaments (10x better than ABS)
- Excellent for outdoor functional parts
- Does not yellow or become brittle in sunlight
- Good impact resistance (similar to ABS)
- Good heat resistance (softens ~100C)
Weaknesses
- Requires enclosure (like ABS)
- Emits fumes (similar to ABS)
- More expensive than ABS
- Still prone to warping without enclosure
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Try 3DSearch →Sources: Based on Prusa Knowledge Base (help.prusa3d.com), community testing data, manufacturer recommended ranges. Values calculated from filament specifications and printer hardware limits.