Marine-Grade 3D Printing Materials
A technical evaluation of ASA vs. Carbon-Fiber Nylon (PA-CF) under salt-spray exposure, UV degradation, and structural loading.
Choosing the right filament for marine fabrication is a safety decision. A structural part that fails under load at sea can result in gear damage or injury. In this article, we evaluate the performance of our two primary materials: ASA and Carbon-Fiber Nylon (PA-CF).
ASA: The Outdoor Workhorse
Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA) is structurally similar to ABS, but incorporates an acrylic ester elastomer instead of butadiene. This slight change in chemistry makes the material virtually immune to UV radiation.
We exposed ASA test bars to direct saltwater spray and intense UV radiation for 180 days. The material showed zero loss in tensile strength and maintained its color without chalking or cracking. It is the ideal choice for helm displays, instrument boxes, custom hatches, and deck fittings.
PA-CF: The Load-Bearing Beast
Carbon-Fiber Nylon (PA-CF) is a composite material consisting of a polyamide base polymer filled with short carbon fiber strands (usually 15-20% by weight). This addition increases structural stiffness and tensile strength.
Under mechanical loading tests, PA-CF displays minimal elongation, holding tight under constant loads. We use it for high-stress applications like line organizers, sheaves, and steering mounts.
However, nylon is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. In marine environments, this moisture absorption can decrease mechanical stiffness over time. To combat this, we dry our PA-CF filament in ovens for 12 hours before printing, and apply protective coatings to critical parts.