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Don't let a rare part be the end of your bike's story. We re-engineer and 3Dprint the spare parts you can't find anywhere else.
Preservering through R3-engineering
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Don't let a rare part be the end of your bike's story. We re-engineer and 3Dprint the spare parts you can't find anywhere else.
Preservering through R3-engineering
ASA material for 3D printed motorcycle parts
Written by: Martin | Founder of R3print Moto Last updated: 20-2-2026
What is ASA plastic?
ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) is a professional-grade engineering polymer designed for outdoor, automotive, and high-durability applications. It was developed as a superior alternative to ABS, offering stronger UV resistance, better weather stability, and improved long-term performance.
Because of these properties, ASA is one of the best materials available for 3D printed motorcycle parts, especially for components exposed to sunlight, heat, vibration, and harsh weather.
Why ASA is ideal for motorcycle parts
Classic motorcycle plastics often fail because original materials degrade over time. ASA solves these weaknesses with modern engineering properties.
- UV-resistant — won’t fade or crack in sunlight
- Weatherproof — handles rain, temperature swings, and humidity
- Impact resistant — withstands vibration and mechanical stress
- Heat stable — suitable for warm engine-adjacent areas
- Chemical resistant — tolerates oils, grease, and fuel vapors
These characteristics make ASA perfect for replacement parts such as: (side)covers, housings, clips, brackets, trim pieces, mounts.
When we recommend ASA
We typically choose ASA for parts that must handle:
✔ Sunlight exposure
✔ Outdoor storage
✔ Vibration
✔ Moderate heat
✔ Mechanical load
If your part sits outside the bike, ASA is usually the optimal material.
Technical Specifications
ASA has the following technical characteristics and places it among the most reliable materials for long-lasting restoration components:
| Properties | Value | Explanation |
| Melting Temperature | 230 °C | The temperature where the plastic stops being a solid and turns into a gooey liquid. |
| Glass Transition* | 101 °C | The temp. where the plastic loses its stiffness and starts to behave like thick rubber. |
| Vicat Softening Temp. | 104 °C | The temperature when the plastic is officially too soft to do its job |
| Heat Deflection Temp.* | 100 °C | The temperature when the part – if under load – starts to sag |
| Impact Strength (XY) | 30 kJ/m² | Impact strength determines if part dents (high) or shatters (low) upon impact. |
| Bending Strength (XY) | 65 MPa | Bending strength determines how much the part can bend, before snapping. |
| Res. Organic Solvents | Low | Resistance to: gasoline, ethanol, degreasers, brake cleaner, and paint strippers. |
| Res. Oil and Grease | Medium | Resistance to: engine oil, penetrating oils, brake fluid, greases, and chain lube. |
* While the material becomes slightly more flexible at its Glass Transition temperature, the part will not structurally sag or lose its shape until it reaches the Heat Deflection temperature. While ASA specifically doesn’t melt until 230°C, it loses its structural integrity at 100°C.
This is why we recommend ASA for beautiful, UV-resistant bodywork, but never for high-load engine components.
ASA Engineering Standards
ASA is the engineering standard for high-visibility exterior components due to its exceptional UV resistance and weatherability. While standard plastics often degrade or discolor when exposed to prolonged sunlight, ASA maintains its mechanical properties and surface finish over time. Our material standards are informed by the technical data of industrial leaders like BASF, ensuring that every R3-engineered component provides the long-term durability required for classic motorcycle restorations.
Real-world use cases
ASA is commonly used in industries where failure is not acceptable::
- Automotive trim components
- Exterior housings
- Marine equipment
- Outdoor electrical enclosures
- Motorsport applications
That’s why it performs exceptionally well in classic motorcycle restorations.
ASA vs traditional vintage plastics
Original motorcycle plastics from the 70s–90s were rarely designed for decades of use. Over time they become brittle, faded, warped or cracked. This is probably also why you are reading this page. Modern ASA parts outperform OEM plastics in many cases because they are manufactured using advanced polymer formulations not available when the bikes were produced.
This means a replacement printed today can actually be more durable than the original factory part.
How ASA compares to other 3D printing materials
Below is a comparison of common 3D printing materials, highlighting when ASA should be used.
See legend below for the meaning of ratings.
| Material | Flexibility | Strength | Impact Resistance | UV Resistance | Chemical Resistance | Heat Resistance | Abrasion Resistance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | None | Medium | Low | Very Low | Low | Very Low (~60°C) | Low | Prototypes only |
| PETG | Low | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium (~80°C) | Medium | Light-duty covers |
| ASA | Low | High | Medium | Superb | Very High | High (~100°C) | Very High | Exterior motorcycle parts |
| TPU (90A) | Superb | Very High | Superb | High | Very High | High (~90°C) | Very High | Flexible, wear-resistant components |
| Nylon (PAHT-CF) | Low | Very High | Very High | High | Extremely High | Very High (~120°C) | Very High | Structural and load-bearing parts |
| PPS-CF | None | Superb | Medium | Superb | Superb | Superb (~200°C+) | Extremely High | Engine-area components |
| PPA-CF | Low | Very High | Very High | High | Extremely High | Very High (~150°C) | Very High | Structural, engine-adjacent, load-bearing motorcycle parts |
The following scale describes relative performance for each property of 3D printing materials, from minimal to top-tier performance. All ratings are based on motorcycle and automotive use cases, highlighting how each material performs under heat, vibration, chemical exposure, and mechanical stress typical for structural and functional parts.
| Rating | Meaning / Relative Level |
|---|---|
| None | No performance / negligible or unusable for the property |
| Very Low | Minimal performance, barely suitable |
| Low | Below average, limited performance for light applications |
| Medium | Average performance, adequate for standard/light-duty use |
| High | Above average, reliable for most standard applications |
| Very High | Strong performance for demanding applications |
| Extremely High | Exceptional performance for critical, high-stress applications |
| Superb | Top-tier / optimal performance under extreme conditions |
In short: ASA is one of the most reliable 3D printing materials for exterior motorcycle parts due to its outstanding UV and weather resistance. Unlike many standard plastics, ASA maintains its strength and color stability even after prolonged exposure to sunlight and outdoor conditions. For covers, housings, and trim pieces that must endure real-world riding environments, ASA offers a durable and long-lasting replacement solution.
Production
Every part is produced in a thermally controlled environment on our 3D printers using a high-temperature heatbed. This process ensures maximum layer adhesion and structural density, providing a weatherproof 3D printing solution that often outperforms the 40-year-old factory plastics it replaces.
Why we use engineering-grade materials
We don’t use hobby-grade filaments, like PLA of PETG. Every part is produced using industrial-quality polymers selected for real mechanical performance. This ensures your replacement component isn’t just visually correct — it’s reliable in real riding conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is ASA stronger than ABS?
A: Yes. ASA generally has better impact resistance, weather durability, and long-term stability.
Q: Can ASA parts be painted?
A: Yes. ASA accepts primers and automotive paints very well.
Q: Will ASA survive heat near an engine?
A: For most non-structural components near the engine, yes. For extreme heat zones we may recommend higher-temperature materials. If you have any doubts, please reach out to us!
Q: Does ASA become brittle over time?
A: No. One of its biggest advantages is long-term resistance to UV degradation and aging.
Need a part?
Now that you know the nitty-gritty details of ASA, let’s get your machine back together. If the part you need is already in our archive, or if it’s a new challenge, we’re ready to start the print.