PLA-CF

PLA-CF is regular PLA with chopped carbon fiber added. The fiber makes the part noticeably stiffer and more dimensionally stable, and gives a pleasant matte, carbon-look surface that hides layers. It prints almost like regular PLA but needs a hardened nozzle: carbon fiber is abrasive and quickly wears down brass.

What it is good for

• Stiff light parts where plain PLA is too flexible
• Housings and frames, drones, mounts — premium matte surface
• Carbon-look decor
• Parts where dimensional stability matters

Where NOT to use it

• Printers with a brass nozzle and no swap — carbon fiber wears it out in a few spools
• Loaded parts under heat — heat resistance is still PLA-level (~55–60 °C)
• Impact loads — carbon fiber makes PLA-CF even more brittle
• Thin flexible parts — the part becomes brittle

How to print

• Nozzle temperature: 210–230 °C (a touch above plain PLA)
• Bed temperature: 40–60 °C
• Nozzle: hardened (steel) from 0.4 mm; brass wears out from the abrasive
• Cooling: 100% after the first layers
• Speed: 40–100 mm/s
• A 0.4 mm nozzle can clog — 0.5–0.6 mm is better for CF

Drying and storage

PLA-CF is slightly more hygroscopic than plain PLA due to the filler, but generally not critical.

• Drying: 45–55 °C for 4–6 hours if needed
• Storage: dry box with silica gel
• Signs of moisture: extra stringing, brittle rough surface

Pros and cons

• Stiffer and more stable than plain PLA
• Attractive matte carbon-look surface, hides layers
• Lightweight
• Prints almost like regular PLA

• Needs a hardened nozzle (abrasive)
• More brittle than PLA
• Heat resistance no better than plain PLA
• Prone to clogging small nozzles