In this article, we will talk about PETG carbon filament, its advantages and disadvantages and possible applications. You will also get tips on how to improve 3D printing with PETG CF .
What is PETG CF Filament?
PETG CF (= PETG Carbon Fiber) filament is a type of 3D printing filament that combines PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) plastic with carbon fibers. PETG-Filament is a widely used printing material for 3D printers. High layer adhesion, low warping and low printing temperatures between 220 - 240°C are prerequisites for easy and problem-free processing on all common 3D printers. PETG is a material that is known for its resistance to chemicals and moisture.
This makes it a good composite material for carbon fibers that are exposed to such influences. PETG-CF filament can be used, for example, for components that come into contact with coolants or lubricants, or for components in outdoor areas.
The addition of carbon fibers in 3D filaments improves both strength and stiffness. The added strength and increased stiffness from the added fibers leads to a better strength-to-weight ratio, which results in lighter, stronger parts in less printing time.
Carbon fiber reinforced plastics combine the qualities and performance characteristics of carbon fibers with the polymer material they reinforce. The printability and ease of use of a standard thermoplastic such as PETG is significantly improved by the addition of chopped carbon fibers.
Advantages of 3D carbon filament
The use of carbon filaments in 3D printing projects offers several remarkable advantages that make considering this material worthwhile. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. High Strength of CF Filament
The primary feature of carbon fiber 3D printer filament is its high strength, which is key to its performance and attractiveness as a 3D printing material. Carbon fiber provides an excellent strength-to-weight ratio.
2. Dimensional Stability
The high strength and rigidity of carbon fiber reduce the tendency for warping, contributing to its outstanding dimensional stability. This is crucial for components that require precise dimensions and tight tolerances.
3. Reduced Post-Processing
CF filaments make layer lines less conspicuous, resulting in improved surface quality and texture, reducing the need for post-processing like sanding.
4. Stiffness
Parts made from PETG Carbon Filament maintain their shape even under heavy loads. In contrast to other materials where strength and durability are traded for flexibility, carbon fiber's stiffness ensures structural integrity.
5. Lightweight
Despite their strength, PETG CF parts remain lightweight, making them an ideal choice for applications where weight reduction is critical.
6. Resistance to Chemicals
PETG is inherently resistant to various chemicals, and the addition of carbon fibers further enhances this resistance, making it suitable for applications exposed to corrosive or chemically aggressive environments.
7. Cost-Effective
Although PETG CF is more expensive than standard filaments, its enhanced properties can often offset the higher material cost by reducing the need for secondary processing or the use of traditional manufacturing methods.
8. Environmental Benefits
Some PETG CF filaments are made from recycled industrial waste or other sustainable materials, contributing to a more eco-friendly approach to 3D printing. Thanks to the modern technologies, such filaments offers the same quality as conventional PETG Carbon filaments and, at the same time, make the input in circular economy. Nobufil PETG CF is an example of such.
Disadvantages of PETG CF Filaments
Here are the main cons of using PETG CF (PETG Carbon Fiber) filaments in 3D printing:
Cost: PETG CF filaments are generally more expensive than standard filaments, which can increase the overall cost of your 3D printing projects.
Abrasion: The abrasive nature of carbon fibers in the filament can wear down the printer's nozzle faster, requiring the use of a hardened steel nozzle, which adds to the expense.
Print Temperature: PETG CF typically requires higher print temperatures compared to standard PETG, which may limit compatibility with some 3D printers that cannot reach or maintain these temperatures.
Brittleness: The increased stiffness from carbon fibers can make printed parts more brittle and prone to breaking or shattering under stress.
Layer Adhesion: If not handled properly, the addition of carbon fibers can reduce layer adhesion, necessitating specific print orientation adjustments to maintain structural integrity.
Requirements for 3D printing with PETG Carbon Filament
When it comes to FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) 3D printing, the utilization of chopped carbon fibers as a reinforcing material within a standard thermoplastic is a game-changer. Printing with PETG and carbon fiber shares many similarities with working with traditional PETG filaments.
However, to achieve exceptional results when printing with PETG carbon fiber filament, there are key considerations:
Tension The filament is under considerable tension due to its high rigidity. Be sure to take this into account when first opening the packaging.
Hardened Nozzle Carbon 3D filament is abrasive and can cause faster wear and tear on a standard brass nozzle, especially with frequent use. To effectively work with CF filament, a nozzle constructed from hardened steel is a prerequisite for your 3D printer. This happens with a standard nozzle (brass) when printing filament with carbon fibers (CF):
The picture shows: the right nozzle in its original state. The left-hand nozzle shows the very heavy material abrasion after around 300 g of PETG CF has been printed. Therefore always print CF with hardened stainless steel nozzles! Heated Print Bed Just like with conventional PETG filaments, a heated print bed is necessary when using PETG CF filament. This ensures proper adhesion of the initial print layer to the bed, a critical step as the quality of subsequent layers heavily depends on it. Ensure your 3D printer features a functional and precisely adjustable heated bed.
Print Orientation While the addition of carbon fibers enhances tensile strength, improper handling can lead to a reduction in layer adhesion. To offset the material's limited ductility, align your 3D-printed parts with the direction of anticipated stress or load. This ensures that, despite the introduction of carbon fibers, your prints maintain their structural integrity.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can harness the full potential of carbon fiber filaments in your 3D printing endeavors. Achieve high-quality and reliable results by investing in the right equipment and meticulously calibrating your 3D printer. Monitoring your prints closely is also essential to meet your desired outcomes.
Where is Carbon 3D Filament Used?
The main application for CF filament is in tool and fixture manufacturing, where brackets are employed in milling, drilling, and other material removal processes to keep specific parts in place during various stages of their production or to transport them from one machining step to the next.
3D-printed brackets are well-suited for this purpose because they can be customized to the specific application, and in the event of wear from frequent use, they can be reproduced easily and inexpensively. Another advantage is that these parts can be 3D printed on-site, resulting in time and cost savings. Additionally, the company retains its expertise, and there is no need to disclose information to external entities.
What to 3D print with Carbon Filament
Here are some 3D printing ideas of what you can print with 3D carbon filaments:
Drone Frames: Carbon fiber provides the necessary strength-to-weight ratio for lightweight yet robust drone frames.
Automotive Parts: From custom car accessories to structural components, carbon fiber 3D printing enhances vehicle performance and aesthetics.
Aerospace Components: High-strength, lightweight parts for aerospace applications, such as brackets and mounts.
Prototypes: Engineers and designers often use carbon fiber 3D printing for creating prototypes of various products.
Bicycle Frames: High-performance bicycle frames with excellent stiffness and durability.
Robotics Parts: Custom robot parts and components for industrial and research robots.
Sporting Goods: Items like hockey sticks, bike pedals, and archery bow components benefit from carbon fiber's properties.
Medical Devices: Some medical devices and prosthetics use carbon fiber for its strength and lightweight characteristics.
Consumer Electronics: Custom cases, mounts, and accessories for gadgets and devices.
Tools and Tool Holders: Durable and lightweight tools, as well as holders for tool organization in workshops.
Overall, you can print many things with carbon filaments across different fields.
10 Tips for Improving Print Quality with PETG Carbon Filaments
When it comes to 3D printing with PETG Carbon filaments, achieving top-notch print quality requires some attention to detail. Here are ten practical tips to ensure your prints turn out beautifully:
Print Speed and Cooling Balance: Striking the right balance between print speed and cooling is crucial. PETG can be sensitive to rapid cooling, so avoid excessive fan speeds. Gradually increase the fan speed when needed, especially for intricate details.
Fine-Tune Retraction Settings: To prevent stringing and material drooping, experimenting with retraction distances and speeds is essential. Find the optimal values for your specific printer-filament combination.
Select the Right Layer Height: The layer height you choose significantly impacts the surface quality and strength of your print. A layer height between 0.2 mm and 0.3 mm is an excellent starting point.
Ensure Proper Bed Adhesion: PETG Carbon filaments adhere well to a heated print bed. Keep your print bed clean and level, and consider using a suitable adhesive like glue stick or PET tape for enhanced adhesion.
Monitor Part Cooling: While rapid cooling should be avoided, make sure the part cooling fan is functioning correctly. Adequate cooling is vital for stable overhangs and bridges while preventing overcooling.
Consider a Printer Enclosure: Using a printer enclosure helps maintain a stable and uniform temperature within the print chamber. This reduces the risk of warping and enhances layer adhesion.
First Layer Calibration: Pay special attention to the first layer; it's crucial for print success. Adjust your printer's first layer settings to ensure proper adhesion to the build plate.
Keep Filament Dry: PETG can be sensitive to moisture absorption, affecting print quality. Store your PETG Carbon filament in a dry, airtight container with a desiccant to prevent moisture-related issues.
Material Flow Adjustments: Fine-tuning material flow is essential for optimal print quality. Depending on your printer and filament brand, you may need to adjust the extrusion multiplier to control the amount of extruded material.
Explore Post-Processing: Enhance the surface quality and strength of your PETG Carbon prints through post-processing techniques such as sanding, polishing, or using epoxy resin.
Remember, 3D printing is an iterative process. It might take some experimentation to find the perfect settings for your specific printer and PETG Carbon filament. Regularly monitor your prints and make adjustments to achieve the best results.
Conclusion
In this article, we've delved deep into the realm of PETG Carbon 3D filament, shedding light on its pros and cons while exploring the vast array of applications it unlocks. What's more, we've dished out valuable tips for optimizing your 3D printing experience with PETG CF.
The infusion of carbon fibers into 3D printing filaments enhances both strength and stiffness, resulting in parts that are not only lightweight but incredibly robust. This property proves especially invaluable in industries like tool and fixture manufacturing, where customized components need to endure challenging conditions.
Utilizing 3D Carbon filament offers a wide range of benefits, including exceptional strength, dimensional stability, reduced post-processing needs, and outstanding rigidity. These attributes make it an enticing choice for projects where precision and stability are paramount.
All in all, PETG Carbon filament in 3D printing unlocks fresh possibilities, allowing businesses to manufacture and customize parts more efficiently while saving costs and retaining their in-house expertise. This innovative material undoubtedly enriches the realm of 3D printing, offering promising prospects for the future.
Recently, a new PETG Carbon filament has hit the market. It's Nobufil PETG CF, crafted from recycled industrial waste. Despite its recycled origins, the quality remains top-notch, not to mention its good price. Nobufil is now offering a great deal on PETG Carbon Filament: 1 kg for the price of €39.90 when you use the promotional code PETGCF20.
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