Material Name:

Carbon Fiber PLA Composite

Description:

Carbon Fiber PLA Composite is a 3D printing filament created by infusing chopped carbon fibers into a PLA (Polylactic Acid) base material. This combination significantly enhances the mechanical properties of standard PLA, providing increased stiffness, strength, and dimensional stability while maintaining PLA's renowned ease of printing. The carbon fibers reduce shrinkage and warping, resulting in improved print accuracy and surface finish. Parts printed with this composite exhibit a matte, slightly textured appearance, adding aesthetic appeal to functional designs. The material offers a higher strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for applications requiring lightweight yet robust components, such as drone frames, automotive parts, and structural prototypes. While it retains the biodegradable nature of PLA, the abrasive carbon fibers necessitate the use of a hardened steel nozzle to prevent equipment wear during printing. Carbon Fiber PLA bridges the gap between standard PLA and more advanced engineering materials, enabling the production of functional parts with enhanced performance without compromising on printability.

Material Type:

Composite Thermoplastic (PLA with Carbon Fiber)

Price:

Available color:

Black

Process compatibility:

FDM compatible

Composite compatible

Special Properties:

High Stiffness and Strength
Lightweight
Reduced Warping and Shrinkage
Matte Surface Finish

Limitations:

Abrasive to Nozzles
Requires Hardened Steel Nozzle
Less Flexible than Standard PLA
Higher Cost than Standard PLA

Key Carbon Fiber PLA properties rated to guide you in selecting the best fit for your 3D printing needs.

Strength4 of 5

Flexibility2 of 5

Detail Resolution4 of 5

Surface Smoothness4 of 5

Heat Resistance3 of 5

Chemical Resistance3 of 5

Ease of Printing4 of 5

Cost Efficiency3 of 5

Carbon Fiber PLA Composite is ideal for producing high-strength, lightweight parts with enhanced stiffness and dimensional stability. Its superior mechanical properties make it suitable for functional prototypes, mechanical parts, and applications where strength-to-weight ratio is critical.

Automotive Applications

Custom brackets

Interior components
Lightweight fixtures

Aerospace Applications

Drone components

UAV parts
Structural supports

Consumer Products

Sporting equipment

Tool handles
High-end gadgets

Engineering Prototypes Applications

Functional testing models

Mechanical assemblies
Structural components

Additional Applications

Functional Prototypes

Lightweight Parts
Rigid Structures

Aesthetic Models with Matte Finish

Provides increased stiffness and strength over standard PLA, suitable for parts requiring rigidity and structural integrity.

Property	Value, metric
Tensile Strength	Approximately 60 MPa
Tensile Modulus	Approximately 6,500 MPa
Elongation at Break (%)	5%
Flexural Strength	Approximately 80 MPa
Flexural Modulus	Approximately 7,000 MPa
Notched Izod Impact Strength	Approximately 40 J/m
Shore Hardness	Shore D 80

Characteristics

Printing with Carbon Fiber PLA Composite is relatively straightforward, similar to standard PLA, but requires a hardened steel nozzle due to the abrasive nature of carbon fibers. The material offers good layer adhesion, reduced warping, and improved dimensional accuracy, making it suitable for high-precision prints.

Type	Value
Lead Time	1-4 business days
Wall Thickness	Minimum 1.0 mm
Tolerance	±0.15%, minimum ±0.1 mm
Max Part Size	Up to 450 x 450 x 450 mm
Layer Height	0.1 mm to 0.3 mm

Thermal Properties

Offers slightly improved heat resistance over standard PLA but is not suitable for high-temperature applications.

Property	Value, metric
Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT)	Approximately 65°C at 0.455 MPa
Thermal Expansion Coefficient	Approximately 50 x 10^-6 /°C
Thermal Expansion (Scale 0-100)	60
Max Service Temperature	Up to 60°C before significant deformation may occur

Electrical Properties

The carbon fiber content may affect electrical properties, potentially making the material slightly conductive.

Property	Value, metric
ESD Safety	Not inherently ESD safe; caution required for sensitive applications.
Conductivity	Semi-conductive due to carbon fiber; not suitable as an insulator

NOTE: The provided values are approximate and can vary based on the specific Carbon Fiber PLA formulation and manufacturer. Always refer to the manufacturer's technical data sheet for precise information.

Find your queries

Frequently Asked Question(FAQ)

What is Carbon Fiber PLA, and what are its main characteristics?: Carbon Fiber PLA is a composite filament that combines PLA with chopped carbon fibers, resulting in increased stiffness, reduced weight, and a matte finish.

What benefits does Carbon Fiber PLA offer over standard PLA?: It provides higher stiffness, improved dimensional stability, reduced warping, and an aesthetically pleasing matte surface.

What applications are suitable for Carbon Fiber PLA?: Ideal for rigid structural parts, aesthetic models, and functional prototypes requiring lightweight and stiffness.

Is Carbon Fiber PLA abrasive to printer components?: Yes, the carbon fibers are abrasive and can wear out standard brass nozzles. A hardened steel nozzle is recommended.

How does Carbon Fiber PLA compare to Carbon Fiber PETG?: Carbon Fiber PLA is easier to print and offers a higher stiffness-to-weight ratio, while Carbon Fiber PETG provides better heat resistance and toughness.

What are the ideal print settings for Carbon Fiber PLA?: Print temperatures between 200-230°C, bed temperature of 50-60°C, and standard PLA print speeds are recommended.

Do I need a special nozzle to print with Carbon Fiber PLA?: Yes, a hardened steel or wear-resistant nozzle is necessary due to the abrasive nature of carbon fibers.

Does Carbon Fiber PLA require a heated bed?: While not strictly necessary, a heated bed at 50-60°C improves adhesion and reduces warping.

How does Carbon Fiber PLA adhere to the print bed?: It adheres well to most build surfaces, including glass, PEI, or with adhesives like glue stick.

Can I use Carbon Fiber PLA on any FDM printer?: Yes, most printers capable of printing PLA can handle Carbon Fiber PLA with the appropriate nozzle and settings.

Can Carbon Fiber PLA prints be sanded and painted?: Yes, they can be sanded to a smooth finish and painted, though the matte texture may affect the final appearance.

Is it possible to glue Carbon Fiber PLA parts together?: Yes, using super glue (cyanoacrylate) or epoxy adhesives works well for bonding parts.

Can Carbon Fiber PLA be annealed to improve properties?: Annealing can enhance strength and heat resistance but may cause dimensional changes. Careful control is needed.

How do I remove support structures from Carbon Fiber PLA prints?: Supports can be removed manually. Due to increased stiffness, they may break away cleanly.

Can I achieve a glossy finish on Carbon Fiber PLA prints?: Achieving a glossy finish is challenging due to the matte nature. Applying coatings or fillers may help.

Why is my Carbon Fiber PLA print failing or layers not sticking?: Ensure proper print temperatures, good bed adhesion, and that the filament is dry to improve layer adhesion.

How can I prevent nozzle clogging with Carbon Fiber PLA?: Use a larger nozzle size (0.4 mm or larger), ensure the filament is dry, and maintain correct extrusion temperatures.

What causes brittle prints with Carbon Fiber PLA?: Printing at too low temperatures or using wet filament can result in brittle parts. Adjust settings accordingly.

Why are my prints warping despite using Carbon Fiber PLA?: While reduced, warping can still occur. Ensure bed adhesion is good and consider using a heated bed.

How do I fix stringing and oozing in Carbon Fiber PLA prints?: Adjust retraction settings, lower print temperatures, and ensure the filament is dry to reduce stringing.

Can Carbon Fiber PLA be used in dual-extrusion printers?: Yes, but ensure materials have compatible print temperatures, and use a hardened nozzle for the composite filament.

How does moisture affect Carbon Fiber PLA filament?: It is hygroscopic, and moisture can affect print quality. Store filament in a dry environment.

Is Carbon Fiber PLA electrically conductive?: No, despite containing carbon fibers, it does not provide significant electrical conductivity.

Are there health concerns when printing with Carbon Fiber PLA?: Fine particles may be released. Use proper ventilation and avoid inhaling fumes or particles.

Can I recycle Carbon Fiber PLA or mix it with standard PLA for recycling?: Recycling is limited due to the composite nature. Mixing with standard PLA is not advisable.

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Material Name:

Carbon Fiber PLA Composite

Description:

Material Type:

Composite Thermoplastic (PLA with Carbon Fiber)

Price:

Available color:

Process compatibility:

Special Properties:

Limitations:

Applications

Automotive Applications

Aerospace Applications

Consumer Products

Engineering Prototypes Applications

Additional Applications

Characteristics

Thermal Properties

Electrical Properties