Materials / PLA-CF
Carbon fiber reinforced polylactic acid
PLA-CF 3D printing service
PLA-CF is PLA filled with chopped carbon fiber. It is noticeably stiffer and lighter than plain PLA, hides layer lines under a matte finish, and holds dimensions well, but it keeps PLA’s low heat tolerance.
Quote in PLA-CFData sheetPLA-CF
| Heat tolerance | ~55 – 60 °C |
|---|---|
| Toughness | Very stiff, brittle on impact |
| Outdoor / UV | Indoor |
| Flexible | No |
| Colors | Mostly black and dark tones |
| Layer height | 0.08 – 0.28 mm |
| Max part size | 256 × 256 × 256 mm |
| Quantity | 1 – 500 per order |
Fit for purpose
Where PLA-CF works, and where it doesn't.
Good for
- Stiff jigs, fixtures, and alignment tools
- Lightweight frames and brackets used indoors
- Drone and RC parts that need rigidity over impact strength
- Display parts where a matte, technical look matters
Properties
- Higher stiffness than plain PLA at a lower weight
- Matte finish that hides layer lines
- Low warping and good dimensional accuracy
Things to consider
- Same ~55 °C heat limit as PLA, so it can deform in a hot car or direct sun
- More brittle than plain PLA; it snaps rather than bends
- Mostly black and dark colors
Compare
Other materials.
PLAStiff, accurate, most colors~55 – 60 °CPETGTough, moisture resistant, flexes before it breaks~70 – 80 °CABSHolds shape near heat, sands well~95 – 100 °CASAABS toughness with UV stability for outdoor parts~95 – 100 °CTPUFlexible and tear resistant for seals and gripsFlexiblePETG-CFPETG toughness with added stiffness and a matte finish~70 – 75 °CPA-CFStrongest and most heat tolerant, for end-use parts~150 – 180 °CPCExtremely tough and heat tolerant, available clear~110 – 115 °C