ASA Settings for UltiMaker Method

Temperature Settings

Start with the nozzle at 250°C and the bed at 100°C. If you see poor layer adhesion, increase the nozzle temperature by 5°C increments. If you experience stringing, decrease the nozzle temperature by 5°C. For the first layer, you can increase the bed temperature by 5°C for better adhesion, then let it drop back to 100°C for subsequent layers.

The ASA filament has a recommended nozzle temperature range of 240-260°C and a bed temperature range of 90-110°C. The UltiMaker Method supports nozzle temperatures up to 300°C and bed temperatures up to 110°C, which fully covers the recommended range for this filament.

Speed & Quality

The UltiMaker Method supports high-speed printing at up to 500 mm/s. For ASA, we recommend 50-150 mm/s for general printing. Start with the lower end for quality-critical prints and increase for draft prints. Always print the first layer at 25-50% of your normal speed for better adhesion.

For quality-critical prints like miniatures or display pieces, reduce the speed to 50 mm/s and use a 0.12-0.16mm layer height. For draft or rapid prototyping, you can push the speed to 150 mm/s with a 0.24-0.28mm layer height. The standard 0.2mm layer height at 100 mm/s provides the best balance of speed and quality for most prints.

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.

Common Issues with ASA on UltiMaker Method

Here are the most common problems you may encounter when printing ASA on the UltiMaker Method, along with proven solutions:

• Warping: Same solutions as ABS -- use enclosure, high bed temp, brim, and no fan
• Layer splitting: Increase nozzle temperature by 5°C and check enclosure seal
• Stringing: Reduce temperature slightly and increase retraction
• ASA is generally more forgiving than ABS for warping but still needs proper setup

Tips for Best Results

Follow these expert tips to get the best possible prints with ASA on your UltiMaker Method:

• 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.

ASA at a Glance

UltiMaker Method Specifications

The UltiMaker Method features a 190 x 190 x 196 mm build volume with a maximum print speed of 500 mm/s. It uses a direct drive extruder system, which provides better control over flexible and specialty filaments. The hotend can reach 300°C and the heated bed supports temperatures up to 110°C.