Proto-pasta Carbon Fiber Composite HTPLA is a high-performance, heat-treatable combination of milled carbon fibers and PLA. The resulting 3D printed prototypes and end-use parts feature exceptional shape stability and potential use up to 155°C when heat treated.
Finish
Printed parts have a beautiful matte black finish with a layer that hides gloss and texture. Carbon fibers give the surface a nice sheen and with layer heights below 0.1 mm, the layers blend into the structure and almost disappear.
Performance
Molded prototypes and end-use parts using Protopasta Carbon Fiber HTPLA are characterized by exceptional shape stability and potential for use up to 155°C when heat treated. The stiffness and hardness of carbon fiber results in prints with better form and function than standard HTPLA without carbon fiber. Excellent layer adhesion and minimal deformation (even without a heated bed) make it an excellent everyday filament for precise parts. The greater stiffness of carbon fiber means greater structural support but less flexibility, making carbon fiber HTPLA an ideal material for frames, mounts, shells, propellers, instruments... really anything you don't expect (or want) to bend. It's especially beloved by drone builders and RC hobbyists.
Compatibility
Fits most PLA compatible printers. Heated bed recommended, but not required, for ease of process, quality and reliability. Printer should allow third-party filaments, parameter adjustment and nozzle replacement. For materials Proto-pasta special machine adjustment and maintenance may be required, particularly in the continuous use of abrasive materials. Some machines may require special arrangements for filament placement, routing, adjustments, settings or other preparation and maintenance.
Abrasive materials such as carbon fiber and metal composites can cause premature wear of in-line components such as tubes bowden, drive gears, nozzles and other elements in the filament path. The use of replaceable accessories, including nozzles, is suggested. Wear-resistant nozzles are recommended for extended use. Nozzles wear faster as the tip flattens, affecting the nozzle diameter and distance from the printing plate. Inconsistent extrusion, inaccuracy and process instability. Adjustments to extrusion width and distance to first layer and/or nozzle replacement.
Finishing
Parts molded using HTPLA carbon fiber can be shaved/engraved with a sharp blade for a smooth finish. Experiment with weathering or other painting techniques for a unique look. Also, expect better bond strength with glue than plastic without carbon fiber.
HTPLA carbon fiber is optimized for heat treatment (also known as crystallization) for use at higher temperatures. Heat treatment creates a more crystalline molecular structure to maintain stiffness until near melting, thus extending the useful range of HTPLA, but crystallization also creates shrinkage. HTPLA parts should be reduced in the slicer to compensate for shrinkage during heat treatment.
Additional post processes could include sanding or painting. The addition of carbon fiber lends itself well to ease of sanding and adhesion of coatings such as paint, however, there are also additional safety considerations when generating dust through sanding and fumes through coating. Please look for safe practices with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilation.