ASA vs MABS
Polymer · grade comparison
ASA and MABS are both polymer grades. Both yield at about 45 MPa — strength does not separate them. On the shop floor, MABS welds better (82 vs 70 out of 100).
MABSChoose it when it will be welded.
ASA vs MABS: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Hardness, Rockwell M
Compressive Modulus
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 2.2 GPa0.32 Msi · Shear Modulus 0.8 GPa0.12 Msi · Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 45 MPa6.5 ksi · Elongation at Break 25% · Flexural Modulus 2.2 GPa0.32 Msi · Shear Strength 35 MPa5.1 ksi · Izod Impact, Notched 130 J/m2.4 ft·lbf/in · Hardness, Shore D 78 Shore D · Hardness, Rockwell R 105 HRR
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Same in both: Glass Transition (Tg) 105°C221 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.3%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 85 µm/m·K47.2 µin/in·°F · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 95°C203 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m3.94×10²¹ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 25 kV/mm635 V/mil · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
UV / Weathering Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Mold Shrinkage 0.5%
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 96 MJ/kg41,273 BTU/lb · Embodied Water 200 L/kg24 gal/lb
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Same in both: Specific Strength (UTS / density) 44 kN·m/kg · Modulus of Resilience 460 kJ/m³ · Thermal Diffusivity 0.1 mm²/s · Thermal Shock Resistance Index 0
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every polymer grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | ASA | MABS |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Injection molding | Yes | — |
| 3D printing | Yes | — |
| Default condition | Unfilled | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | — |
| Chrome Plating (Plastic) | Yes | — |
| Conductive Coating | Yes | — |
| Dyeing (Nylon) | Yes | — |
| EMI Shielding Coating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Primer Coating | Yes | — |
| Soft Touch Coating | Yes | — |
| Spray Painting | Yes | — |
| Tinted Coating | Yes | — |
| UV Coating | Yes | — |
| Vacuum Metallization | Yes | — |
| Waterproof Coating | Yes | — |
ASA vs MABS — frequently asked
What is the difference between ASA and MABS?
ASA and MABS are both polymer grades. Both yield at about 45 MPa — strength does not separate them. On the shop floor, MABS welds better (82 vs 70 out of 100).
Which is cheaper, ASA or MABS?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$, standard); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, ASA or MABS?
ASA. Its machinability rates very good (75/100) against good (68/100) for MABS; for welding the order is MABS first (very good, 82/100) then ASA (very good, 70/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ASA and MABS side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.