The Reinforcements
What's carbon-fiber filament?
Not a plastic of its own: a base polymer (PLA, PETG, nylon, PC…) with short chopped carbon fibers mixed in.
- Gainsdimensional stability, strength
- Losesimpact resistance, layer adhesion
- Needsa hardened nozzle
Base plasticPLA, PETG, nylon (PA), PC and othersMixed inchopped carbon fibers
Nozzle 240–285 °C · Bed 70–110 °C
Prusa, for fiber-filled filaments (depends on the base). Typical ranges from one maker’s data sheet. Brands differ: the label on your spool wins.
Why it matters
- The fibers make parts more dimensionally stable, lighter and more heat-resistant, with a matte finish.
- They also make the filament more brittle, and parts break more easily on impact and between layers.
Tips from the workshop
- The fibers are highly abrasive: use a hardened steel nozzle, never brass.
- Print it like its base plastic, usually a little hotter: check which one it is on the label.
- Some carbon-fiber filaments are for looks only (Prusa says so of its PETG Carbon Fiber).