Weatherproof parts in ASA
PLA and many PETG parts fade and become brittle in the sun. ASA stays colour stable and strong. We use it for housings, brackets and covers that live outdoors.
Black, white and grey in stock
Typical outdoor applications
Parts that have to handle sun, rain and temperature swings.
Sensor and camera housings
Housings for outdoor sensors on buildings and plants.
Vehicle add-on parts
Brackets, bezels and covers on vehicles and trailers.
Signage and mounts
Sign holders, letters and mounting parts for signage.
Marine small parts
Brackets and covers on boats and harbour installations.
Suitable materials
ASA as the outdoor default, ASA-CF when more stiffness is needed.
- ASAThe outdoor specialist - ABS mechanics with true UV stability.
- ASA-CFCarbon-filled ASA - UV-stable and structurally rigid.
- PCPolycarbonate - high impact, high heat, transparent option.
- PA12Tough, low-friction nylon for functional mechanical parts.
Details for outdoor parts
- 01Direct sun or shade, and in which colour. Dark parts get much hotter.
- 02Contact with salt water, fuel or cleaners.
- 03Whether the enclosure needs to be sealed.
- 04Fixing to the substrate and expected wind load.
Why outdoor parts often fail because of the wrong material
A bracket that lasts for years indoors can break outdoors after one summer. UV radiation breaks the molecular chains of many plastics at the surface, fine cracks form, and the part becomes brittle. It happens gradually and is often only noticed when it breaks.
Heat adds to it. A black part in the sun reaches temperatures at which PLA already softens. ASA combines UV stability and adequate heat resistance, which is why it is our outdoor default.
Tell us the location and environment. We choose the material accordingly, not by the cheapest filament.
Manufacturing data at a glance
- Location
- Schleswig, Germany
- Part size
- up to approx. 250 x 250 x 250 mm, larger parts split and joined
- Quantities
- 1 to several thousand, no minimum order quantity
- Tolerances
- approx. ±0.2 mm for PLA, PETG and carbon grades, ±0.3 mm for ABS, ASA and PC
- Layer height
- 0.10 to 0.30 mm
- Materials
- 20 engineering filaments from PLA to PA12-CF and PC FR
- File formats
- STEP, STL, 3MF, OBJ, IGES up to 200 MB
- Lead time
- 2 to 4 working days for samples, 4 to 15 working days for series
Upload Your File for Instant Pricing
Receive fast pricing and manufacturing feedback in minutes. STEP, STL, 3MF and OBJ supported.
Outdoor parts FAQ
- How long does ASA last outdoors?
- ASA is designed for outdoor use and keeps colour and strength much longer than PLA or PETG. We do not quote a number of years because it depends heavily on location.
- ASA or ABS?
- Mechanically they are similar. ABS yellows and embrittles under UV, ASA does not. For outdoors ASA is the right choice.
- Are printed housings waterproof?
- The wall itself can be tight with the right design. For reliable sealing we plan seal grooves and a separate gasket.
- What temperature can ASA handle?
- Heat deflection sits around 90 to 95 °C. That is enough even for dark parts in full sun in our climate.
Read next
ASA or ABS? What Actually Separates Them
Same temperature class, different lifespan outdoors. When the price difference is worth it.
Sun vs. Plastic: Which One Wins
Most 3D prints look perfect off the printer - until summer hits. Why UV light destroys plastic and which filament actually survives outdoors.
Which Filament for Which Part? A Practical Table
Stop choosing filament by price or colour. Choose it by what the part has to survive.