How To Glue ASA

What is ASA?

ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) is a tough, impact resistant thermoplastic. It is popular in automotive applications, electronic housings and outdoor applications. ASA is chosen over ABS due to its superior UV and weather resistance. ASA is lightweight, chemical resistant, durable and versatile in nature and is commonly chosen for use in consumer 3D printing but can also be injection moulded and thermoformed in industry manufacturing.

What adhesives can bond ASA?

ASA can be bonded using a variety of industrial adhesives like cyanoacrylates, methacrylates, solvent adhesives, UV adhesives and epoxies. Which adhesive is used greatly depends on the application, including factors such as required bond strength, clarity or adhesive colour, curing speed, environmental exposure, flexibility required and whether the bond is primarily structural or aesthetic.

Instant Adhesives (Cyanoacrylates)

Strengths	Extremely fast fixture, high shear strength, no mixing (single part), great for high-speed production lines various grades available for different adhesive needs.
Limitations	Limited gap filling capability without activators, lower impact and peel strength compared to other structural adhesives.
Most Suitable	All grades of NEXTITE Instant Adhesives can bond ASA. For General Purpose: NEXTITE 506 (Thin), NEXTITE 501 (Medium), NEXTITE 554 (Non-Drip Gel). For Impact Resistance: NEXTITE 580 (Medium, Black), NEXTITE 510 (Thick, Black), NEXTITE 535 (Clear, Black). For High Visual Appearance: NEXTITE 560 (Thin), NEXTITE 503 (Thick).

 

Methacrylates (MMA)

Strengths	Structural adhesive, multi material bonding, toughened and flexible bond, various fixture times, good gap filling, widely used in industry manufacturing.
Limitations	No clear multi material variants available, generally viscosity is high, stronger odour, exothermic reaction (although limited).
Most Suitable	NEXTITE AB200 (fast cure, high strength), NEXTITE AB210 (medium cure, high strength), NEXTITE AB422 (medium cure, high toughness), NEXTITE AB560 (long cure, high viscosity, high toughness).

 

UV Adhesives

Strengths	Extremely high clarity joints that are bubble and blush free, easy to do extremely high-quality joinery, high joint strength, set the adhesive whenever you are ready.
Limitations	Limited outdoor environmental exposure, higher set up cost, material must be UV transmissive to cure UV adhesive.
Most Suitable	ACRI-BOND UV1035 (Wicking Grade), ACRI-BOND UV2046 (Medium Viscosity), ACRI-BOND UV3232 (Thick Viscosity).

 

Solvent Adhesives

Strengths	Strong bonding of ASA through chemically softening it and fusing it together, fast initial tack, exceptional clarity, cost effective.
Limitations	Limited gap filling even with thickened grades, surface preparation is key to good joints
Most Suitable	3D-BOND 135 (Water Thin, Wicking Grade) 3D-BOND 145 ABS/ASA (Thickened).

 

Epoxy Adhesives

Strengths	Very high strength, transparent options available, excellent chemical and temperature resistance, gap filling, controlled cure.
Limitations	Most grades are not very flexible, can only use two component epoxies (single part, heat cure ones will damage abs in the process), epoxies can yellow overtime, surface preparation required.

 

What Industries is ASA used in?

In 3D Printing and manufacturing, ASA is widely chosen for its UV and weather resistance over ABS. It is easy to work with and can be machined, drilled, thermoformed, injection moulded and 3D printed to produce a wide range of functional products.

Common uses of material

ASA is used in many industries including:

-          Automotive Components: Interior panels, trim pieces, housings, exterior trim.

-          Electronics: Enclosures, consumer electronic cases.

-          Prototyping and 3D Printing

-          Industrial Machinery Parts

Challenges with this material

-          Sensitive to solvents and chemicals which can cause surface degradation

-          Limited heat resistance compared to other thermoplastics

-          Adhesive must be matched for purpose of application

Surface Preparation

Proper surface preparation is critical to achieving a strong and reliable bond when working with ASA. Begin by lightly wiping the bonding area with NEXTITE PROPREP Surface Preparation Cleaner. This removes surface contaminants including dust, oils and residual adhesive that can interfere with bond strength. Allow the cleaner to fully evaporate before applying any adhesive.

ASA, like many thermoplastics, is highly sensitive to solvents. Avoid using acetone or similar strong solvent cleaners, as they will cause surface crazing, discolouration and permanent damage that compromises both appearance and bond integrity. Using asa-safe cleaners like isopropyl alcohol ensures the surface remains intact and properly prepared for bonding. 

Summary

Choosing the best industrial adhesive to bond ASA comes down to understanding the application requirements and performance required from the joint.

If you would like to speak to our expert team about your next project, please contact us for tailored advice and product recommendations to suit your application.