Newest filament in our offer
Spectrum LW-ASA UltraFoam
UltraFoam ASA with active foaming technology
Discover Spectrum LW-ASA UltraFoam, a professional
grade ASA filament that pairs industry leading UV and
weather resistance with advanced active foaming
chemistry.
During printing it expands up to three times in volume — delivering parts as light as 30 % of their standard ASA counterparts — while retaining mechanical durability and a matte, texture hiding finish.
The filament is based on the proven Spectrum ASA 275 formula, enriched with additives that enable controlled expansion during printing. The foaming process activates at around 230°C, with the maximum effect achieved in the range of 270°C–285°C. When printed below 230°C, the material behaves like standard ASA 275, giving users great flexibility in tuning print settings.
In its fully foamed state, the filament expands up to three times its original volume, achieving an extremely low density of approximately 0.33 g/cm³. LW-ASA UltraFoam gives the user exceptional control over material flow, allowing it to be reduced by up to 66%. The degree and speed of foaming can be precisely adjusted by changing the printing temperature, which makes it possible to customize the density of specific parts as needed. The foaming effect also supports faster 3D printing, by enabling thicker layer heights or solid single-wall outlines.
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Meet Spectrum LW-ASA UltraFoam
Spectrum LW-ASA UltraFoam combines lightweight structure with outstanding weather and UV resistance. It’s an excellent choice for outdoor applications, automotive prototypes, and engineering projects that demand reduced weight without compromising durability or long-term stability in harsh environments.
UV & Weather Resistance
Ultra Low Density (~0.33 g/cm³)
Matte, rough surface with hardly visible layers
Available as spool and refill variants
Active Foaming Technology
Weight reduction up to 66%
Adjustable material density
Spot the difference
Weight Comparison
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How its working?
In order to obtain the maximum lightweight part, it is necessary to determine the expansion rate of the filament.
Print thin-wall test cube. Ensure the model has only one perimeter (vase mode). Test prints should be done in the 230°C–285°C range, preferably with 5°C intervals. Set the lowest possible fan speed (0–10%). Print speed should not exceed 15 mm/s. Significantly lower acceleration and travel speed. Dry the filament before use.
Measure the wall thickness of each test model and choose the temperature at which the wall is thickest.
Then, for the temperature determined in step 2, print calibration cubes, gradually reducing the flow value so that the wall thickness equals the nozzle diameter. Typically, the flow should be somewhere between 28-40%.
Finally, print your target model and check if the print is successful. You may need to fine-tune the flow – usually within a few percentage points of the value obtained in step 3.
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Questions & Answers
1. What is LW-ASA UltraFoam?
Spectrum LW-ASA UltraFoam is a technical ASA filament with built in active foaming agents that expand the melt up to 3× during printing, yielding parts as light as 30 % of standard ASA while retaining UV resistance and mechanical durability.
2. How does the foaming process work?
Foaming kicks in around 230 °C, creating micro bubbles in the melt. Expansion peaks between 270 °C–285 °C, increasing part volume and reducing density.
3. What final density can I achieve?
Fully foamed prints reach densities as low as ~0.33 g/cm³ (vs. ~1.09 g/cm³ for standard ASA). You can tune density via nozzle temperature and extrusion flow.
4. Do I need special hardware to print it?
No: any FDM/FFF printer capable of ASA temperatures can handle UltraFoam. An enclosed chamber is recommended to maintain stable high temperature printing.
5. What flow rates work best?
Start at 100 % flow. After identifying your optimal foaming temperature, reduce flow to ~30–66 % so single wall test prints match your nozzle diameter.
6. How do I calibrate foaming?
• Print single wall (vase mode) cubes at 5 °C increments from 230 °C to 285 °C, 15 mm/s, fan 0–10%.
• Measure wall thickness; pick the temperature with the thickest walls.
• Dial in flow until wall thickness ≈ nozzle diameter.
7. What print speeds are recommended?
• Calibration prints: ≤ 15 mm/s for accurate expansion tests.
• Final parts: 30–60 mm/s—thicker layers and single perimeters accelerate builds thanks to low part weight.
8. Does moisture affect UltraFoam?
Yes—moisture inhibits proper foaming. We recommned to dry the filament at 75 °C for 6 h for the best printing experience.
9. Is LW-ASA UltraFoam UV- and weather resistant?
Absolutely. It retains the excellent UV stability and outdoor durability of Spectrum ASA 275, making it ideal for long term outdoor parts.
10. Which applications suit LW-ASA UltraFoam?
Perfect for lightweight outdoor housings, drone frames, RC model structures, architectural façade elements, and any use case where UV resistance and every gram count.
