PLA or ASA: which material to choose
Both are 3D printing plastics. The difference is where your letters will live.
PLA: the indoor material
PLA is made from plant resources such as corn starch. It prints in fine detail, has a pleasant matte finish and is our default for living rooms, bedrooms and offices.
Its limit is heat: it starts to soften at around 55 to 60 °C. A radiator, a car in the sun or a south-facing window can warp it.
ASA: the outdoor material
ASA is made for the elements. It holds its shape close to 95 °C, resists ultraviolet light without yellowing and does not break down in the rain.
It is harder to print because it needs an enclosed chamber and a steady temperature, but it pays off when the letters will sit in the sun.
In short
Choose PLA if
The letters go indoors, away from heat sources and direct summer sun.
Choose ASA if
They go outside, in a very sunny window, in a kitchen or near a radiator.
Not sure
Write to us or pick ASA: it is the option that will never give you trouble.
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Pick the material while you design
The price updates when you switch between PLA and ASA.