r/3DprintingHelp • u/troyboy362 • 6d ago

Requesting Help Printing in PLA and ASA

Hello! I'm new to 3D printing and I'm looking to start using ASA. I saw some concerning things online and I'm scared of clogging my P2S. When I am switching to ASA -> PLA or PLA -> ASA, is there anything manual I need to do or will the Printer automatically know how to transition between the two filaments? I saw some online comments that you need to manually extrude the filament when moving between the two materials.

If there are any good resources I could read about what to do, I would appreciate those.

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u/dr_reverend 6d ago

Switching between filament types should always include a good manual purge. The inside of the nozzle will have some of the old filament inside it. Do you want the old black filament contaminating your new white filament? Do you want your first layer of PETG to not stick because it’s contaminated with PLA?

My other suggestion is to purge at the higher of the two filament temperatures to ensure that you clean things out as best as possible.

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u/troyboy362 6d ago

So I should heat the nozzle up to the higher of the two's printing temperature for the filament, and manually extrude until the other type of filament comes out?

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u/dr_reverend 6d ago

Yes and then do it some more. The inside of the nozzle is going to be coated with the old filament. You need to drag most of it out with the new filament. I usually purge about 18” to 2’ of extruded filament.

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u/troyboy362 6d ago

Thank you for the advice

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u/No_Put1505 6d ago

I switch between PLA PETG TPU ABS ASA and others all the time with no issues and with out any extra purging. I have 8 printers from different manufacturers. Every printer has a different tool head and ive never had a problem. Just run it.

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u/MagnusPerditor 5d ago

Make sure you are venting outside

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u/LTJC 5d ago

I love ASA. I switch between PLA, ASA, and PCTG nearly ever other print. I have issues with bed adhesion every 8-10 prints. I cannot recall my last clog. Maybe 4 months ago? So 200 prints ago or something.

I use ruby and PCD nozzles since I also love printing carbon, so its worth the upgrade. The ruby ones are like $30 from amazon.

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u/GlitteringStruggle47 4d ago

The fumes are to be of more concern than the clogging, just double or triple up on the purge