With carbon 3D printing to solid and resilient products

Carbon fiber has been used as a manufacturing material since the 1960s, but the material is relatively new to 3D printing. Thanks to its positive aspects, carbon 3D printing is being used more and more, because in combination with various plastics or other materials, carbon can improve the properties of these materials. In this way, the possible uses of 3D printing with carbon filament are expanded.

The fact that the range of carbon fiber reinforced filaments is growing also speaks in favor of carbon 3D printing. In addition, there is an increasing selection of 3D printers from different manufacturers that can print with carbon.

How to use 3D printing with carbon

Carbon fibers are combined with plastics for technical applications. In this way they form carbon fiber reinforced materials or composites. In principle, these consist of a base material (usually a polymer) which is combined with carbon fibers.

filaments made with carbon available on the market These include, for example, polyamides/nylon, PLA, PETG, PP or PC. Carbon fiber reinforced filaments contain very small fiber segments with an average fiber length of approx. 0.1-0.2mm and are therefore also referred to as "short fiber reinforced". Because filaments are usually processed with nozzle diameters in the range of 0.4 to 0.6mm, larger fibers would quickly clog the nozzle. In the case of 3D printing filaments with short fiber reinforcement, the fiber content is usually around 10-30%. In addition to carbon fibers, other fibers such as glass fibers can also be used. Greater rigidity and strength can be achieved by introducing fibers. This can be used to reduce the weight of the printed components.

Carbon 3D printing and its advantages

Printing with carbon filament has a number of advantages. These relate primarily to the high technical properties. Based on this, carbon 3D printing has the following advantages:

• Light weight

  • Due to their high strength, components made of fiber-reinforced plastics can be used as a replacement for aluminum in many applications. This allows weight savings to be achieved.

• High strength

  • 3D printing with carbon has the advantage that the parts produced are stronger than plastic and/or conventional 3D printing filaments such as ABS or PLA.

• High heat resistance

  • Compared to many polymers, carbon can withstand higher temperatures. When these polymers are used as a composite, carbon also increases their heat deflection temperature.

• High rigidity

  • Due to the high rigidity of the fibers, they are well suited in combination with plastics with notch impact strength (e.g. polyamide). When combined with plastics that have low toughness (e.g. PLA), the risk of brittle fracture of the filament and the printed components increases.

• Appealing optics

  • Components made of short fiber reinforced filaments have a slightly rough surface due to the fiber content. This covers the layer structure typical of 3D printing and leads to optically very attractive components.

Application of 3D printing with carbon filament

The low weight and stability of the parts printed with carbon fiber makes 3D carbon printing optimal for the production of functional prototypes, but also end-use parts. Due to its low weight and rigidity, carbon fiber 3D printing is often used when replacing aluminum components.

Furthermore, carbon fiber reinforced components are often used in robotics due to their low weight. But more and more sporting goods manufacturers are also using carbon 3D printing to manufacture bicycles.

Carbon 3D printing from the experts

Whether automotive, aerospace or bicycles - carbon 3D printing is being used in more and more industries. As experts for 3D printers, we at Multec can help you with your projects at any time and advise you in detail.

If you have any questions , please do not hesitate to contact us. We will take care of your concerns at any time and help you further.