PA-CF
⬡ Chemical Resistant
250–280
°C
Print Temp
80–100
°C
Bed Temp
120
°C
Max Service
Overview
Nylon + carbon fiber composite. Exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratio, low thermal expansion, good heat resistance. Used in professional tooling and aerospace prototyping. Print 250-285°C nozzle, 80-100°C bed. Hardened nozzle required.
Properties
Difficulty
advanced
Flexibility
rigid
Layer Adhesion
excellent
Enclosure
recommended
Heated Bed
required
Dry Storage
required
Pros
- Extremely strong and rigid
- Very high temp resistance (~150°C)
- Lightweight (CF reinforcement)
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Low thermal expansion
- Professional engineering grade
- Abrasion resistant
Cons
- ⚠️ Abrasive (destroys brass nozzles)
- ⚠️ CF dust hazard (wear PPE)
- Requires 300°C+ nozzle
- Extremely hygroscopic
- Enclosure recommended
- Expensive
- Not food safe
- Not biodegradable
- Slow print speeds
Best For
- Jigs and fixtures
- structural drone parts
- functional brackets
- heat-resistant holders
- engineering prototypes
Avoid For
- Smooth surface finish requirements
- cosmetic parts
- brass nozzle printers
- budget builds
Storage
Hygroscopic but less than plain PA. Dry 8-12h @ 80°C. Store vacuum sealed.
Laser Compatibility
LASER INTERACTION
Safety: DANGER — combines PA toxic combustion with carbon fiber particle release.
Fumes: All PA toxic combustion products PLUS carbon fiber micro-particles (respiratory hazard and electrical conductor).
Warning: Double hazard. Never laser PA-CF under any circumstances.
Brands
Bambu Lab PA-CFPrusament PA11 CFPolymaker PolyMide CoPAMatterhackers Pro CF NylonMarkforged Onyx