PLA CF Damson Bordeaux

PLA CF – stiff prints with a premium carbon-fiber finish

PLA CF combines PLA-based printability with carbon fiber reinforcement for stiffer, more dimensionally stable and professional-looking prints. Its matte carbon-fiber texture helps hide visible layer lines and gives parts a clean technical finish. 

It is ideal for aesthetic engineering models, display-ready prototypes, jigs and light functional parts. 

Please note: carbon fiber filaments are abrasive, so a hardened steel, ruby or tungsten carbide nozzle is required.

PLA CF is best for…

Aesthetic engineering models
Presentation parts, product samples, technical models and prototypes with a premium matte finish

Light functional parts
Jigs, fixtures, light brackets, holders and parts that need more stiffness than standard PLA

Display-ready prototypes
Design models, fit-check parts, visual prototypes and parts that should look professional straight off the printer

Drone & RC non-heat parts
Lightweight hobby parts, drone accessories and RC components that need stiffness but are not exposed to high heat

Printing recommendations

Here are some of our top printing recommendations to help you get the best results possible.

• Max Printing Speed: ≤ 330 mm/s
• Nozzle temperature: 220 °C
• Bed Temperature: 45 °C
• Chamber Temperature: 35 °C
• Heat Deflection Temperature: 50 °C
• Retraction Length: 0.8 mm

Tips & tricks

1. Use a hardened steel nozzle – A 0.4 mm hardened steel nozzle is printable, but clog risk is high. Use a 0.6 mm hardened steel nozzle for safer printing.
2. Not recommended for AMS/CFS-type systems – Abrasive and filled filaments are risky in long multi-material paths.
3. Dry thoroughly before printing – Dry at 55 °C for 6 h and store sealed.
4. Print in a well-ventilated area – Use ventilation for filled materials and long prints.
5. Watch nozzle wear – Carbon fiber fill is abrasive; inspect nozzle wear when print quality changes.
6. Recommended print speed – Use ≤ 180 mm/s for normal PLA-CF quality printing. Max Printing Speed is the measured ceiling.

Any last questions?

Here are some of the most common questions related to PETG CF material. If you need help with anything else, feel free to contact us! We are real people, and we are happy to help.

1. What is PLA CF filament?

PLA CF is a carbon fiber reinforced PLA filament. It combines easy PLA-style printing with added stiffness, better dimensional stability and a premium matte carbon-fiber surface finish.

2. What is PLA CF best used for?

PLA CF is best for aesthetic engineering models, display-ready prototypes, jigs, fixtures, light brackets, holders, drone and RC non-heat parts, and prints that need a stiff matte finish.

3. Do I need a special nozzle for PLA CF?

Yes. PLA CF contains carbon fiber, which is abrasive. A hardened steel nozzle is required, while ruby or tungsten carbide nozzles are also suitable. Brass nozzles can wear quickly.

4. Is PLA CF easy to print?

Yes, PLA CF keeps many of the easy printing advantages of PLA. It usually does not need an enclosure, but it does require the right nozzle and correct settings to avoid clogging and wear.

5. Is PLA CF stronger than regular PLA?

PLA CF is stiffer and more dimensionally stable than regular PLA, but it can also be more brittle. It is best when stiffness and appearance matter more than impact resistance.

6. Can PLA CF be used for high-heat parts?

No, PLA CF still has PLA-like heat resistance. It is not recommended for hot cars, high-temperature environments, warm enclosures or parts exposed to long-term heat.

7. Is PLA CF the same as PETG CF or PA-CF?

No. PLA CF is easier to print and gives a great matte carbon-fiber look, but PETG CF, PA-CF or PC-CF are better choices for higher toughness, heat resistance or demanding structural parts.

8. How should I store PLA CF?

Store PLA CF sealed with desiccant after opening. Dry it before critical prints or when you notice stringing, brittleness, bubbles or surface defects.