What is Carbon Fiber Reinforced 3D Printing?

Carbon fiber reinforced filament contains chopped carbon fibers embedded in a base polymer (typically PLA or PETG). These fibers dramatically increase the stiffness and strength of printed parts while reducing weight compared to solid infill alternatives.

The result is parts that look and perform professionally: a distinctive matte black finish, minimal flex under load, and excellent dimensional stability. For engineering applications where rigidity matters, carbon fiber is the material of choice.

↑ 40%
Increased Stiffness vs Standard PLA
↓ 15%
Reduced Weight (vs 100% infill)
Pro
Professional Matte Finish

Properties & Specifications

Property Carbon Fiber Standard PLA
Stiffness Very High Moderate
Strength High Moderate
Weight Light Standard
Surface Finish Matte Black, Professional Glossy, Various Colors
Dimensional Stability Excellent (low shrinkage) Good
Cost Premium Budget-friendly

Best Applications for Carbon Fiber

🔧 Structural Brackets

Stiff mounting solutions with minimal deflection under load. Camera mounts, sensor brackets, equipment holders.

📐 Precision Fixtures

Jigs and fixtures that need to maintain accuracy. Low thermal expansion, consistent dimensions.

🚁 Drone/UAV Parts

Arms, frames, and mounts where strength-to-weight ratio is critical. Lightweight and strong.

🤖 Robotic Components

End effectors, linkages, and structural elements. Rigidity with low mass for fast movement.

🏭 Tooling & Jigs

Production fixtures, alignment tools, quality inspection jigs. Professional appearance and performance.

📷 Camera Equipment

Rigs, mounts, and accessories. Stiff, lightweight, and professional-looking.

Important Considerations

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Abrasive Material

Carbon fibers wear standard brass nozzles quickly. We use hardened steel nozzles designed for abrasive materials.

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Layer Adhesion

Slightly lower layer adhesion than non-filled materials. We orient parts appropriately for maximum strength in the load direction.

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Brittleness Trade-off

Higher stiffness means less flex before failure. For impact loads or flexibility needs, consider PETG instead.

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Color Limited

Carbon fiber filament is typically only available in black/dark gray due to the carbon content.

Carbon Fiber Printing FAQ

Is this the same as continuous carbon fiber?

No. We use chopped carbon fiber reinforced filament, where short fibers are embedded in the plastic. Continuous carbon fiber (like Markforged) is a different, more expensive technology. Our chopped fiber approach is more affordable while still providing significant strength improvements.

How strong is carbon fiber printed parts compared to metal?

Carbon fiber 3D prints are significantly lighter than metal but don't match metal's absolute strength. They're ideal for applications where high stiffness and low weight matter more than ultimate tensile strength. For critical load-bearing applications, consult with us about material suitability.

Can I get carbon fiber in other colors?

The carbon content makes the material naturally dark. It's typically available only in black or dark gray with a characteristic matte finish.

Is carbon fiber more expensive?

Yes, it's a premium material. Expect 50-100% higher cost than standard PLA due to material cost and the specialized nozzles required. Worth it for applications that need the performance.

What base material is your carbon filament?

We typically use carbon fiber reinforced PLA for best print quality. Carbon-PETG is also available for applications needing more heat and chemical resistance.

Need High-Performance Parts?

Get a quote for carbon fiber reinforced printing. We'll advise on whether it's the right choice for your application.

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