3D printer filaments with carbon fibers - Carbon fiber

3D Filament with Carbon Fibers: Complete Guide to 3D Printing with Them and Examples

3D printing is a revolution in manufacturing processes, allowing for the creation of complex and customized parts. One of the most exciting materials that have come into use in recent years is carbon fiber reinforced filaments for 3D printing. These filaments offer numerous advantages, but they also have some disadvantages that need to be considered. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about carbon fiber filaments for 3D printers.

What are carbon fiber filaments?

Carbon fiber filaments are plastic materials enriched with fine particles of carbon fibers (Carbon Fiber). These fibers give the plastic significantly higher strength and stiffness, which improves the mechanical properties of the parts and makes them ideal for manufacturing components that require high mechanical resistance and low weight.

Various types of carbon fiber filaments

1. PLA-CF - PLA with carbon fiber

• Average printing temperature: 190-230°C

• Advantages: Easy to use, low deformation, biodegradable.

• Disadvantages: Lower thermal resistance.

• Tensile strength: Excellent tensile strength, suitable for applications requiring durability.

1. PETG-CF - with carbon fibers

• Average printing temperature: 220-250°C

• Advantages: High impact resistance, good chemical resistance.

• Disadvantages: It may deform at high temperatures.

• Tensile strength: High tensile strength, making it ideal for strong and impact-resistant parts.

1. ABS - CF with carbon fibers

• Average printing temperature: 230-260°C

• Advantages: High quality and heat resistance.

• Disadvantages: It may deform and emit unpleasant odors during printing.

• Tensile strength: Exceptional tensile strength, suitable for applications requiring high mechanical strength.

1. Nylon (PA) - CF with carbon fiber

• Average printing temperature: 240-270°C

• Advantages: Excellent strength and wear resistance.

• Disadvantages: Requires humidity control.

• Tensile strength: High tensile strength, ideal for durable and long-lasting components.

Do you need to use a filament dryer?

Yes, using a filament dryer is highly recommended when working with carbon fiber filaments. These filaments for 3D printers are hygroscopic and absorb moisture from the air, which can lead to print defects such as stringing and reduced adhesion. The filament dry box keeps it dry and improves the quality of 3D printing by preventing bubbles from forming. An excellent example of a filament dry box is Creality Space Pi Filament Dry Box, which heats up very quickly with a built-in fan that circulates hot air at 360° for even heating.

Recommended 3D printers for printing with carbon fiber filaments

1. Creality CR-10

   • Large print volume and easy to modify.

   • Good price and compatibility with different filaments.

2. Bamboo Lab X1 Carbon

   • Specially designed for printing with carbon fibers.

   • High precision and durability of printed components.

   • Built-in automatic calibration and temperature control for optimal results.

3. Creality K1C

   • Specially designed for printing with carbon fibers.

   • Modern system with CoreXY construction for high stability and precision.

   • Supports printing with high-speed and abrasive filaments.

   • Advanced extruder and cooling system for uniform temperature distribution.

Example of PLA with carbon fibers: Creality CR-PLA Carbon 1.75mm

One of the most popular carbon fiber filaments on the market is Creality CR-PLA Carbon 1.75mm. This filament for 3D printers combines the convenience of PLA with the added strength and rigidity of carbon fibers.

Main characteristics of Creality CR-PLA Carbon:

• Diameter: 1.75 mm

• Material: PLA with carbon fibers (PLA-CF)

• Printing temperature: 190-230°C

• Temperature on the 3D printer bed: 50-60°C

• Advantages: High hardness, low weight, easy processing

• Disadvantages: Wear of the nozzles, higher price

• Layer thickness: Recommended layer thickness is 0.1-0.2 mm

Why choose Creality CR-PLA Carbon:

• Easy to use: PLA is known for its easy processing and low printing temperature, making it suitable for beginners.

• High hardness: The added carbon fibers significantly increase the strength and hardness of the printed parts, making them resistant to wear and fatigue.

• Excellent adhesion: The filament offers good adhesion to the heated bed of the 3D printer, which prevents warping during printing.

How to print with carbon fiber filaments?

The carbon fiber filament printing requires special conditions and settings to achieve optimal results. Here are some recommendations:

1. Use hardened nozzles: Standard brass nozzles can quickly wear out from abrasive carbon fibers. It is recommended to use nozzles made of hardened steel or other durable materials. The thickness of the layer also plays an important role, affecting the mechanical properties of the printed materials.

2. Temperature settings: Carbon fiber filaments require higher printing temperatures. Make sure your 3D printer can support them.

3. Use enclosed chambers: To prevent distortion and maintain a stable temperature during printing, it is recommended to use enclosed type 3D printers.

4. Regular maintenance: Due to the abrasive nature of carbon fibers, regular maintenance and cleaning of the printer are essential.

Carbon fiber filaments for 3D printing offer numerous advantages, including high strength, low weight, and thermal resistance. They are ideal for various industrial applications but require special printing conditions and can be more expensive than standard 3D printer filaments. Examples of high-quality carbon fiber filament can be found in our PLA-CF category, which combines the convenience of PLA with the added value of carbon fibers.