While true carbon fiber materials have long continuous fiber strands that improve mechanical resistance, these filaments contain short particles of around 0.01 mm in diameter. Although this is enough for improving the strength of printed parts, keep in mind that such filaments cannot compare to the actual material.<\/p>\n
Why This Composite?<\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/254cd8f6ede9d2d9.png\")
Carbon fiber filaments are great options for high-resistance applications (Source: Geeky Gadgets)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFor those seeking tougher 3D printing materials, carbon fiber filament presents a relatively easy alternative to the more expensive and demanding materials, such as\u00a0polycarbonate (PC)<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0PEEK<\/a>. Moreover, the increased strength provided by the carbon fiber particles contributes to greater dimensional stability, helping to avoid\u00a0warping<\/a>\u00a0and shrinking.<\/p>\n3D printing these materials, however, does present some issues. The infused carbon fiber particles aren\u2019t melted by the nozzle during extrusion, which may lead to frequent\u00a0clogging<\/a>. In addition, these particles work as abrasive agents during extrusion, which over time will wear down a brass nozzles\u2019 internal bore. This is why\u00a0special nozzles<\/a>\u00a0like hardened steel are strongly suggested for printing with composite materials.<\/p>\nPROS<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n- Increased strength and stiffness<\/li>\n
- Good dimensional stability<\/li>\n
- Overall nice surface finish<\/li>\n
- Lightweight<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
CONS<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n- Frequent clogging<\/li>\n
- Abrasive filament that wears down brass nozzles (requires special hardware)<\/li>\n
- Polymer\/carbon fiber mixture increases the material\u2019s brittleness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Note that in this list we\u2019ve focused on filaments that can be printed on a consumer 3D printer. There are higher-end carbon-fiber materials, like those from\u00a0Markforged<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Roboze<\/a>, but these require specially designed 3D printers.<\/p>\nSo, now that we know what we\u2019re dealing with, let\u2019s look at the best brands!<\/p>\n
Protopasta<\/span><\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/568b02414bfa8523.png\")
A perfect polyhedron printed in Protopasta (Source: Protopasta)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nProtopasta\u2019s carbon fiber PLA is perhaps one of the easiest materials on this list to print due to its PLA polymer base. According to the company, it offers great layer adhesion, low warpage, and a nice matte finish. The bulk material contains 15% (by weight) chopped carbon fibers, making it more brittle than standard PLA.<\/p>\n
The increased rigidity provided by the carbon fiber reinforcement is ideal for parts that are not supposed to bend, such as frames and supports. Protopasta recommends using a 0.5-mm nozzle or bigger to avoid excessive clogging and also warns users about the abrasive nature of this filament.<\/p>\n
\n- Diameters:\u00a0<\/strong>1.75 mm, 2.85 mm<\/li>\n
- Density:<\/strong>\u00a0~1.3 g\/cm3<\/sup><\/li>\n
- Bed temperature:<\/strong>\u00a050 \u00b0C (not required)<\/li>\n
- Hot end temperature:<\/strong>\u00a0200-230 \u00b0C<\/li>\n
- Price:<\/strong>\u00a0~$30 for 500 g (~$60\/kg)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
MatterHackers<\/span><\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/0536a93bab783bb8.png\")
MatterHackers’ NylonX has all the benefits of regular nylon, but it’s slightly easier to print with (Source: MatterHackers)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMatterHackers\u2019 NylonX filament is composed of a nylon base with 20% (by weight) micro-carbon fibers. It combines the durability of nylon and the stiffness of the chopped carbon fibers to create a tough, shatter-resistant material ideal for producing functional parts.<\/p>\n
While nylon is known for being a\u00a0difficult material to 3D print<\/a>, the infused carbon fibers in the filament provide enough dimensional stability to reduce warping significantly. However, we did still experience some warping and\u00a0stringing<\/a>\u00a0when we\u00a0reviewed this filament<\/a>.<\/p>\nNylon is very\u00a0moisture-sensitive<\/a>, so this filament must be\u00a0kept dry<\/a>\u00a0and packaged with a desiccator. Moreover, MatterHackers recommends using hardened nozzles like the\u00a0Olsson Ruby<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n- Diameters:\u00a0<\/strong>1.75 mm, 2.85 mm<\/li>\n
- Density:<\/strong>\u00a0~1.0 g\/cm3<\/sup><\/li>\n
- Bed temperature:<\/strong>\u00a060-65 \u00b0C (with PVA glue stick)<\/li>\n
- Hot end temperature:<\/strong>\u00a0250-260 \u00b0C<\/li>\n
- Price: ~<\/strong>$60 for 500 g (~$120\/kg)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
3DXTech<\/span><\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/712819bdb53b8662.png\")
A jet turbine model printed in 3DXTech CarbonX (Source: 3DXTech)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n3DXTech is an American filament manufacturer that offers a wide range of carbon fiber-reinforced materials. Its CarbonX product line includes composites of PLA, PETG, ABS,\u00a0polypropylene (PP)<\/a>, polycarbonate (PC), different types of nylon (PA6 and PA12), and even higher-grade plastics such as PEI, PEEK, and PEKK.<\/p>\nThe carbon fiber-reinforced ABS is made from premium Sabic MG-94 ABS with 15% high-modulus carbon fiber. According to 3DXTech, besides increased stiffness, this filament also offers higher chemical resistance, dimensional stability, and ease of printing.<\/p>\n
The manufacturer recommends using hardened nozzles with a minimum bore diameter of 0.4 mm. 3DXTech also recommends using layer heights of at least 0.25 mm, as smaller values may induce back pressures and result in jams and poor extruding performance.<\/p>\n
\n- Diameters:\u00a0<\/strong>1.75 mm, 2.85 mm<\/li>\n
- Density:<\/strong>\u00a0Not specified<\/li>\n
- Bed temperature:<\/strong>\u00a0100-110 \u00b0C (with Kapton tape or ABS\/acetone slurry)<\/li>\n
- Hot end temperature:<\/strong>\u00a0220-240 \u00b0C<\/li>\n
- Price:<\/strong>\u00a0~$60 for 750 g (~$80\/kg)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
ColorFabb<\/span><\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/d8fca87986c995d6.png\")
ColorFabb XT-CF20 is notably tougher than regular filaments, perfect for high-wear uses like wheels (Source: ColorFabb)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nColorFabb\u2019s XT-CF20 is a combination of their proprietary PETG Amphora 3D polymer with up to 20% carbon fibers. This polymer is free from styrene (a compound known to be harmful to our health and to smell terrible) and by itself, already offers the user enhanced mechanical properties like high toughness.<\/p>\n
The manufacturer claims that XT-CF20 has great dimensional stability and heat resistance, being ideal for drone parts and automotive prototyping. Active cooling is recommended (at 50 to 90% power) and once the print is finished, it\u2019s advised to let the build plate cool down to room temperature before attempting to remove the part.<\/p>\n
\n- Diameters:\u00a0<\/strong>1.75 mm, 2.85 mm<\/li>\n
- Density:<\/strong>\u00a0~1.27 g\/cm3<\/sup><\/li>\n
- Bed temperature:<\/strong>\u00a060-70 \u00b0C<\/li>\n
- Hot end temperature:<\/strong>\u00a0240-260 \u00b0C<\/li>\n
- Price:\u00a0<\/strong>~$60 for 750 g (~$80\/kg)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
eSun<\/span><\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/cc32b286422a0ef9.png\")
eSun’s ePA-CF is an affordable option for those looking to try carbon fiber filaments (Source: DIY Electronics)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\neSun\u2019s huge product portfolio wouldn\u2019t be complete without carbon-fiber-reinforced materials. The so-called ePA-CF is a nylon-based filament with 20% carbon fiber by weight. The Chinese manufacturer is known for offering relatively cheap materials with superb quality, and the ePA-CF is no different, as many positive\u00a0customer reviews<\/a>\u00a0confirm.<\/p>\nIn addition to increased stiffness and wear resistance, this filament is claimed to be flame-retardant (UL94-V2), making it especially useful for applications that will be exposed to higher temperatures. As with other carbon fiber-reinforced filaments, eSun recommends using hardened nozzles with this material.<\/p>\n
For those seeking tougher 3D printing materials, carbon fiber filament presents a relatively easy alternative to the more expensive and demanding materials, such as\u00a0polycarbonate (PC)<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0PEEK<\/a>. Moreover, the increased strength provided by the carbon fiber particles contributes to greater dimensional stability, helping to avoid\u00a0warping<\/a>\u00a0and shrinking.<\/p>\n 3D printing these materials, however, does present some issues. The infused carbon fiber particles aren\u2019t melted by the nozzle during extrusion, which may lead to frequent\u00a0clogging<\/a>. In addition, these particles work as abrasive agents during extrusion, which over time will wear down a brass nozzles\u2019 internal bore. This is why\u00a0special nozzles<\/a>\u00a0like hardened steel are strongly suggested for printing with composite materials.<\/p>\n Note that in this list we\u2019ve focused on filaments that can be printed on a consumer 3D printer. There are higher-end carbon-fiber materials, like those from\u00a0Markforged<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Roboze<\/a>, but these require specially designed 3D printers.<\/p>\n So, now that we know what we\u2019re dealing with, let\u2019s look at the best brands!<\/p>\n Protopasta\u2019s carbon fiber PLA is perhaps one of the easiest materials on this list to print due to its PLA polymer base. According to the company, it offers great layer adhesion, low warpage, and a nice matte finish. The bulk material contains 15% (by weight) chopped carbon fibers, making it more brittle than standard PLA.<\/p>\n The increased rigidity provided by the carbon fiber reinforcement is ideal for parts that are not supposed to bend, such as frames and supports. Protopasta recommends using a 0.5-mm nozzle or bigger to avoid excessive clogging and also warns users about the abrasive nature of this filament.<\/p>\n MatterHackers\u2019 NylonX filament is composed of a nylon base with 20% (by weight) micro-carbon fibers. It combines the durability of nylon and the stiffness of the chopped carbon fibers to create a tough, shatter-resistant material ideal for producing functional parts.<\/p>\n While nylon is known for being a\u00a0difficult material to 3D print<\/a>, the infused carbon fibers in the filament provide enough dimensional stability to reduce warping significantly. However, we did still experience some warping and\u00a0stringing<\/a>\u00a0when we\u00a0reviewed this filament<\/a>.<\/p>\n Nylon is very\u00a0moisture-sensitive<\/a>, so this filament must be\u00a0kept dry<\/a>\u00a0and packaged with a desiccator. Moreover, MatterHackers recommends using hardened nozzles like the\u00a0Olsson Ruby<\/span>.<\/p>\n 3DXTech is an American filament manufacturer that offers a wide range of carbon fiber-reinforced materials. Its CarbonX product line includes composites of PLA, PETG, ABS,\u00a0polypropylene (PP)<\/a>, polycarbonate (PC), different types of nylon (PA6 and PA12), and even higher-grade plastics such as PEI, PEEK, and PEKK.<\/p>\n The carbon fiber-reinforced ABS is made from premium Sabic MG-94 ABS with 15% high-modulus carbon fiber. According to 3DXTech, besides increased stiffness, this filament also offers higher chemical resistance, dimensional stability, and ease of printing.<\/p>\n The manufacturer recommends using hardened nozzles with a minimum bore diameter of 0.4 mm. 3DXTech also recommends using layer heights of at least 0.25 mm, as smaller values may induce back pressures and result in jams and poor extruding performance.<\/p>\n ColorFabb\u2019s XT-CF20 is a combination of their proprietary PETG Amphora 3D polymer with up to 20% carbon fibers. This polymer is free from styrene (a compound known to be harmful to our health and to smell terrible) and by itself, already offers the user enhanced mechanical properties like high toughness.<\/p>\n The manufacturer claims that XT-CF20 has great dimensional stability and heat resistance, being ideal for drone parts and automotive prototyping. Active cooling is recommended (at 50 to 90% power) and once the print is finished, it\u2019s advised to let the build plate cool down to room temperature before attempting to remove the part.<\/p>\n eSun\u2019s huge product portfolio wouldn\u2019t be complete without carbon-fiber-reinforced materials. The so-called ePA-CF is a nylon-based filament with 20% carbon fiber by weight. The Chinese manufacturer is known for offering relatively cheap materials with superb quality, and the ePA-CF is no different, as many positive\u00a0customer reviews<\/a>\u00a0confirm.<\/p>\n In addition to increased stiffness and wear resistance, this filament is claimed to be flame-retardant (UL94-V2), making it especially useful for applications that will be exposed to higher temperatures. As with other carbon fiber-reinforced filaments, eSun recommends using hardened nozzles with this material.<\/p>\nPROS<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\n
CONS<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\n
Protopasta<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n
MatterHackers<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n
3DXTech<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n
ColorFabb<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n
eSun<\/span><\/h3>\n