ASA Plastic

ASA plastic stands for acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylic ester and is a modified ABS plastic. It combines high impact strength and hardness with excellent weather and UV resistance. This makes ASA ideal for thermoformed parts that are used permanently outdoors, such as covers, housings or cladding.

While ABS is mainly used for indoor applications, ASA is a more advanced variant with significantly better UV and weather resistance. Mechanically, both plastics are similarly robust and easy to thermoform. However, ASA remains colour-stable even when exposed to sunlight and does not become brittle.

ASA plastic is very easy to thermoform and provides a uniformly smooth, dimensionally stable surface. Its greatest advantages include:

High UV and weather resistance

Good impact and scratch resistance

High temperature resistance (up to approx. 100 °C)

Good paintability, coatability and printability

This combination makes ASA the preferred material for outdoor components and durable design surfaces.

ASA is used wherever plastic parts are exposed to external influences, such as:

Automotive: mudguards, fuel tank covers, wheel covers

Mechanical engineering: protective covers, covers, outdoor enclosures

Electronics: Enclosures and covers exposed to UV radiation

ASA combines functionality with durability and is therefore a standard material for outdoor use.

Yes. ASA plastic is naturally UV-stable and extremely weather-resistant. It does not yellow, retains its colour and is resistant to sun, rain and temperature fluctuations over the long term. This is why ASA is often used as a surface material for exterior components and vehicle panelling, for example in the caravan sector.

ASA, like ABS, is excellent for deep drawing. Before processing, the material should be stored in a dry place or dried in a hot air oven to remove any trapped moisture. This ensures that the surfaces remain smooth and free of air pockets during thermoforming. ASA can also be welded, glued, painted and galvanised.

Yes. ASA is excellent for coating, printing and painting. Thanks to its closed surface, paint and metal coatings adhere very well. This makes ASA suitable for visually high-quality components, such as those with chrome-plated or colour-finished surfaces.

ASA can withstand continuous temperatures ranging from -40 °C to +75 °C and remains dimensionally stable even at temperatures of up to 100 °C for short periods. This makes the material ideal for outdoor applications and for technical components that are exposed to thermal stress.