Tinmorry Reinforced Filament Test: ABS-CF vs ABS-GF vs ASA-CF

Reinforced filaments claim stronger, stiffer, more dimensionally stable parts. The question is whether carbon fiber or glass fiber actually delivers for the prints you run. Tinmorry recently put its ABS-CF, ABS-GF, and ASA-CF spools through a full test regimen, and the results show where each material earns its place on the spool rack.

All three filaments share the same basic pitch: chopped fiber reinforcement inside an engineering polymer matrix. The fiber type changes the outcome in predictable ways, but the differences between the three are specific enough that picking the wrong one for a given job wastes money and printer time.

The Materials

ABS-CF blends chopped carbon fiber into an ABS base. ABS-GF uses chopped glass fiber in the same ABS matrix. ASA-CF pairs carbon fiber with an ASA base instead. Each costs between $26 and $30 per kilogram spool, with ABS-GF and ABS-CF at the lower end and ASA-CF slightly higher.

The advertised specs are similar across all three: higher rigidity, heat deflection around 100 degrees Celsius, reduced warping compared to standard ABS or ASA, and a matte technical surface that hides layer lines. Those claims are broadly accurate, but they do not tell you which material is best for a bracket, a drone arm, or an outdoor enclosure.

Test Results

The video test covers tensile strength, layer adhesion, shear, torsion, bending, impact resistance, creep, and temperature resistance. Across those tests, ABS-GF and ABS-CF track closely. Both outperform ASA-CF in raw strength and stiffness. The gap is not huge, but it is consistent.

ABS-GF took the lead in heat deflection and tensile break strength. ABS-CF posted higher tensile and flexural modulus, meaning it resists stretching and bending more firmly under load. ASA-CF sits behind both in strength tests, but it has a clear advantage in UV and weather resistance that the ABS variants cannot match.

Layer adhesion was solid across all three, though the ABS variants showed slightly better interlayer bonding than ASA-CF in the test geometry. Warping during printing was noticeably reduced compared to standard ABS, confirming Tinmorry's formulation claim.

Which Filament to Choose

ABS-CF fits functional parts where stiffness and dimensional stability matter most. Jigs, fixtures, brackets, and load-bearing components that sit near warm equipment lean into its higher modulus. The matte surface and lower density compared to glass-filled alternatives also make it attractive for parts that need to feel solid without adding unnecessary weight.

ABS-GF is the better pick when heat deflection under load and electrical insulation matter. The glass fiber does not lower surface resistance the way carbon fiber does, so parts used near electronics or in high-temperature mechanical fits benefit from its higher HDT values. Glass fiber also opens the door to lighter color options down the line, since the fibers themselves are transparent.

ASA-CF wins for outdoor use. Its UV resistance and weatherproof character mean it does not degrade under sun and rain the way ABS-based materials eventually do. It is slightly weaker in pure mechanical tests, but for brackets, housings, and automotive parts that live outside, that trade is usually worth it.

Practical Notes

All three filaments require a hardened steel nozzle. Carbon and glass fibers are abrasive, and brass nozzles will wear fast. Print temperatures sit in the 260 to 280 degrees Celsius range on the hot end, with a heated bed around 90 to 100 degrees. Printing speeds below 200 mm/s keep quality consistent.

Enclosure helps with ABS-family materials. Even though the fiber fill reduces warping compared to standard ABS, a stable chamber environment still produces better dimensional results, especially on larger parts.

Moisture management is worth attention. The video notes that glass fiber can be dried in a microwave for about 30 seconds before a short session in a filament dryer, which is a useful trick if the spool has absorbed humidity after long storage.

The Bottom Line

Tinmorry's three reinforced filaments are competent products at a fair price. ABS-CF and ABS-GF are close enough in performance that the choice between them comes down to specific part needs: stiffness versus heat deflection, matte technical appearance versus electrical insulation. ASA-CF stands apart as the outdoor specialist, and that distinction is exactly what a buyer should look for when comparing reinforced filaments.