Doesn’t it seem like just a few months ago we limited ourselves to 3D printed objects in just two materials – PLA or ABS? I sure do! Just a few years ago, FFF / FDM-based desktop 3D printing seemed to have hit a roadblock while other technologies like stereolithography (SLA) seemed to take control. This was because material options were extremely limited, print speeds didn’t improve, and people were just tired of making boring plastic objects with little detail.
What a difference a few years can make. Today there are literally hundreds of different filament options available, ranging from glow-in-the-dark materials to wood and metal composites. There are even filaments that change color depending on the temperature. One of the companies that has played a pioneering role in this massive expansion of our material horizons in the 3D printing area of FFF / FDM is 3DXTech. They released several unique, innovative filaments over the past year alone and today introduced another new filament – 3DXMax ™ CFR-PETG carbon fiber reinforced PETG.
“In line with our goal of providing the 3DP market with high-quality, high-performance materials, we are introducing a new quality of high-modulus carbon fiber reinforced 3D printing filaments,” said Mark Haskins, 3DXTech Materials Manager, told 3DPrint.com. “Our new carbon fiber reinforced 3DXMax ™ CFR-PETG-PETG filament is made in the USA using a custom combination of Eastman PETG and high modulus carbon fiber.”
The filament, which is available in either 1.75mm or 2.85mm diameter, can now be pre-ordered through the 3DXTech website. It is available in 200g and 750g spools, priced at $ 26.00 and $ 58.00, respectively. The expected release date for the start of orders is June 22nd. Shipping is free on orders over $ 50 in the continental US.
“We believe carbon fiber is a transformative additive to 3D printing,” says Haskins. “It gives the compound exceptional rigidity and at the same time makes it lighter [in] Weight. Each base resin we choose brings something different to the table due to its inherent properties. In terms of PETG, it initially offers a more ductile base that allows for higher loading with CF while maintaining some ductility and impact resistance. It adheres well to a variety of build platforms and has excellent layer bonding. The carbon fiber not only provides rigidity and dimensional stability, but also has excellent aesthetic quality in the gloss it creates when printed. “
The recommended print settings for this new filament are as follows:
- Extruder: Ideally 230 to 250 ° C; up to 270 ° C.
- Platform temperature: 70 to 90 ° C, up to 110 ° C.
- Platform preparation: clean the glass with Kapton tape
- Nozzle: We currently recommend an opening of at least 0.35 mm
This new material offers superior chemical resistance compared to conventional ABS. It also ensures virtually no shrinkage during printing and moisture-absorbing properties that are three times lower than ABS. It’s also worth noting that any carbon fiber filament for a 3D printer’s nozzle is typically more abrasive than regular base plastics like PLA and ABS.
Haskins also tells us that 3DXTech will be releasing two more unannounced carbon fiber filaments before the end of the year.
What do you think of this new material? Are you going to buy some What types of objects do you think are best to print with? Discuss carbon fiber PETG in the 3DXMax CFR-PETG forum thread on 3DPB.com.
