NextShapes ASA Helps a Lighting Design Team 3D Print Weather-Resistant Lamp Shades for Outdoor Testing

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

     2026.04.13                        NextShapes,ASA,3D Printing              ＜1 minute                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

 

 

When a lighting design studio planned to launch a new outdoor lighting product for balconies and gardens, they quickly realized that the lamp shade material needed to withstand high temperatures, resist UV exposure, and endure harsh weather—all while enabling small-batch customization. By using NextShapes ASA filament, the team successfully produced 3D printed lamp shade components with a refined surface finish and excellent durability. These parts passed over six months of outdoor exposure to sunlight and rain and were successfully introduced into small-batch market validation using 3D Printing.

 

Until 2024, the studio had been using standard materials to print outdoor lamp shades. However, these materials tended to yellow and become brittle under prolonged sun exposure. Some also suffered from warping and unpleasant odors, with insufficient weather resistance overall. The team sought a material that could combine high strength, heat resistance, UV resistance, and ease of printing—key requirements for product design in outdoor environments.

 

Manufacturing Lamp Shades with NextShapes ASA


Conventional resins and filaments on the market failed to meet both UV resistance and heat resistance requirements simultaneously. The team experimented with modified PETG, but after three months of outdoor exposure, the surface showed noticeable chalking. They then turned to ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) and selected NextShapes ASA, known for its excellent UV resistance and weatherability. It also offers mechanical strength comparable to ABS, with improved thermal flow and layer adhesion—making it ideal for FDM 3D printing materials.

 

“After multiple rounds of material screening, aging tests, and print parameter optimization, we ultimately selected NextShapes ASA. It does not deform at 85°C, and after 1000 hours of QUV accelerated aging tests, both color difference and mechanical property retention remained above 90%, fully meeting the requirements for outdoor lighting.”
— Lighting Design Team

 

Using ASA in FDM 3D Printing for Outdoor Lamp Components


The lamp shade components are directly exposed to sunlight and rain, while also being close to the light source (surface temperatures can reach 60–70°C during operation). NextShapes ASA has a heat deflection temperature (HDT) of approximately 100°C (0.45 MPa), exceeding the application requirements. Its resistance to wind and rain is due to low moisture absorption and strong chemical stability.

 

The team used an open-frame FDM printer (with an insulated chamber) to 3D print the following components:

 

  • Outdoor lamp shade body: Thin-wall hollow design; the 3D printed structure benefits from ASA’s excellent layer adhesion, preventing cracking. 

 

  • Waterproof breathable grille: Used for heat dissipation and drainage; ASA maintains toughness under temperature fluctuations. 

 

  • Mounting clips: Require flexibility; ASA’s elongation at break is superior to standard ABS, withstanding 20 installation cycles without damage. 

 

 

Beyond lamp shades, the team found ASA highly suitable for indoor applications such as office accessories—like heat-resistant coasters and decorative vases—thanks to its high heat resistance and fine surface texture. Using 3D print filament, the 3D printed lamp shades achieved approximately 18% weight reduction (due to thinner wall design), while expected outdoor lifespan increased from 6 months to over 3 years. Material cost per unit decreased by about 22%.

 

“Achieving such ideal results—maintaining high strength while significantly improving weather resistance—is entirely due to the stable performance and printability of NextShapes ASA. Even without a fully enclosed printer, we achieved excellent results, and the 3D printed surface finish is very smooth.”
— Lighting Design Team

 

Printing Heat-Resistant and UV-Resistant Decorative Components


In addition to the main lamp shade, the lighting product includes heat dissipation rings near the power driver and decorative exterior panels. These components require both heat resistance and UV stability. NextShapes ASA meets these demands:

 

  • High heat resistance: HDT ~100°C, long-term operating temperature up to 85°C 

 

  • UV resistance: Stabilized formulation ensures no significant yellowing after 12 months outdoors 

 

  • Toughness and impact resistance: Impact strength of approximately 12–15 kJ/m², capable of withstanding hail and branch impact 

 

3D Printing settings: nozzle temperature 250°C, heated bed at 100°C, no fully enclosed chamber required (though reducing airflow is recommended). Layer height of 0.2 mm produces a smooth matte finish, and the 3D printed parts require minimal post-processing.

 

 

The team successfully 3D printed 20 full sets of lamp shades in one run, achieving a 95% success rate—demonstrating the efficiency of FDM 3D printing workflows.

 

Innovation and Iteration in Digital Manufacturing


“Without high-performance 3D printing materials like NextShapes ASA, we couldn’t have completed the full cycle from design to outdoor validation so quickly and cost-effectively. It enables small studios to produce industrial-grade weather-resistant products.”
— Lighting Design Team

 

Thanks to ASA’s excellent thermal flow and low warping characteristics, the team can stack multiple components in a single print job, significantly improving production efficiency of 3D printed parts.

 

 

NextShapes high-performance FDM 3D printing materials are designed to empower makers and small to medium-sized businesses to bring ideas to life through 3D printing. To learn more about our 3D print filament solutions, get in touch with our team today.