These are hardware-tuned starting settings for printing ASA on the Creality K1 Max. The Creality K1 Max pairs a direct-drive extruder with an all-metal hotend inside an enclosed chamber, and tops out at 300°C hotend / 120°C bed. Against ASA's ideal range (240–260°C), that lands us at 250°C nozzle and 100°C bed. ASA is the UV-stable cousin of ABS and the better choice for parts left in the sun.
Recommended ASA profile
| Hotend temperature | 250°C (tower 240–260°C) |
| Bed temperature | 100°C |
| Print speed | 63 mm/s |
| Retraction | 1 mm (direct drive) |
| Part cooling fan | 0% |
| Bed adhesion | Hot bed + enclosure; very similar to ABS. |
| Nozzle | Brass 0.4 mm is fine |
| First layer speed | 22–32 mm/s; same bed temp, verify Z offset |
| Flow / extrusion multiplier | Start at 100%; calibrate flow before touching retraction |
| Drying | Dry if the spool pops, strings unusually, or the surface looks rough |
How ASA behaves
ASA property profile
Strength 72Flexibility 35
Heat resistance 78
Ease of printing 40
Durability 85
Calibration order
- Dry the spool if it shows moisture symptoms, then confirm the nozzle and build plate are clean.
- Print a temperature tower inside the 240–260°C range; pick the lowest temperature with strong layer bonding and clean overhangs.
- Calibrate flow, then pressure/linear advance if your firmware supports it.
- Tune retraction last — more distance is not always better, especially on the direct-drive Creality K1 Max.
ASA brands & what to expect
ASA behaves almost identically to ABS but is formulated for UV stability, so brands compete on colour-fastness outdoors. It usually wants a few degrees more heat than ABS and the same enclosed, draft-free chamber.
Popular ASA brands: Polymaker, Prusament, Bambu Lab.
Common ASA problems on the Creality K1 Max
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Warping / corner lift | Open frame or draft | Enclose and pre-warm; brim + no part cooling. |
| Surface cracks | Rapid cooling | Keep fan off, chamber warm and stable. |
On the Creality K1 Max specifically: it is a fast machine, so if ASA looks rough, drop speed before blaming temperature — many "quality" issues here are really the hotend not keeping up with the flow.
FAQ
What temperature should I print ASA on the Creality K1 Max?
What print speed works for ASA on the Creality K1 Max?
What retraction should I use for ASA?
Do I need an enclosure for ASA on the Creality K1 Max?
Do I need a hardened nozzle for ASA?
Reviewed 2026-08-18. See how these starting settings are calculated. Numbers are conservative starting points, not lab measurements.