Intro
As 3D printing technology continues to evolve, so do the expectations for printing materials. In areas like industrial manufacturing, functional prototyping, and high-temperature applications, traditional materials often fall short when it comes to meeting the combined demands of strength, heat resistance, and durability. To address this, we’re excited to introduce three high-performance fiber-reinforced filaments: PETG-CF (Carbon Fiber Reinforced PETG), PETG-GF (Glass Fiber Reinforced PETG), and PAHT-CF (Carbon Fiber Reinforced High-Temperature Nylon). These new materials are engineered to push the limits of what your printer can do, giving users the tools to create stronger, more durable printed works.
What are Fiber-Reinforced Materials?
When evaluating whether a 3D printing filament meets the usage requirements of the printed product, we generally need to consider the mechanical properties. Take applications such as drones, bicycle parts, or mechanical components for examples, these products have strict requirements for the mechanical properties of materials, including stiffness (resistance to elastic deformation), strength (resistance to deformation and failure), toughness (resistance to impact fracture), and heat resistance (high-temperature stability). These mechanical parameters are directly related to the service life of the printed product under specific operating conditions. The more outstanding the mechanical properties of the material, the wider the range of harsh conditions it can be applied to.
Adding fibers to 3D printing filaments is one of the most common ways to improve their mechanical properties. If we compare the filament to concrete, the fibers are like steel reinforcement. Without reinforcement, the structure is more prone to cracking under stress. But once high-strength steel reinforcement is added and fully encapsulated by concrete, they become a single entity. When the object is subjected to external forces, the reinforcement can bear most of the forces, making the structural strength of this whole very high. Similarly, filaments with added fibers will have a significant improvement in mechanical properties.
Three New Fiber-Reinforced Filaments from ELEGOO
1. PETG-CF (Carbon Fiber Reinforced PETG)
PETG-CF is a composite material that adds carbon fiber to the base PETG material, combining the good toughness of PETG with the exceptional rigidity of carbon fiber, resulting in a significant improvement in its mechanical properties. It also features a low-gloss, matte surface finish that resists abrasion and hides layer lines well.
Recommended Applications
It is highly suitable for functional mechanical components or structural parts, such as fixtures, lightweight brackets, bicycle parts, enclosure components, gears, latches, automotive parts, mechanical enclosures, and other parts requiring high strength and stability.
2. PETG-GF (Glass Fiber Reinforced PETG)
By infusing PETG with glass fiber, PETG-GF gains improved hardness and abrasion resistance. Additionally, since glass fibers are non-conductive, it has better insulation properties.
Recommended Applications
This material is suitable for making parts with insulation requirements, internal structures of industrial machinery, or tool prototypes, such as electrical enclosures, tooling fixtures, bicycle pedals, connectors, and abrasion-resistant connector terminals.
3. PAHT-CF (Carbon Fiber Reinforced High-Temperature Nylon)
PAHT-CF is a material that combines carbon fiber with high-temperature polyamide (high-temperature nylon), delivering leading heat-resistant performance and mechanical strength while also being resistant to chemical corrosion.
Recommended Applications
This material is particularly suitable for motor housings, automotive engine components, heat-resistant fixtures, and other applications requiring durability under extreme conditions.
Performance Overview
Note: The mechanical properties of PAHT-CF can only be achieved after annealing treatment (baking at 120°C). The mechanical performance data are test results in the XY direction.
Mechanical Property Definitions:
● Strength: the ability of material to withstand an applied load without failure or plastic deformation.
● Stiffness: the extent to which an object resists deformation in response to an applied force. The complementary concept is flexibility
● Toughness: the ability of a material to absorb energy and plastically deform without fracturing. The complementary concept is brittleness.
● Heat resistance: the ability of a material to maintain its original physical and mechanical properties under heat.
Conclusion
It can be seen that these three materials each have their unique characteristics, meeting the functional requirements of different levels and industrial needs:
● PETG-CF is an excellent balance of rigidity and toughness, suitable for multifunctional structural components.
● PETG-GF leans more towards abrasion resistance and fatigue resistance, suitable for parts with high durability requirements.
● PAHT-CF has industry-leading high-temperature tolerance and strength, suitable for extreme environments and professional manufacturing.
Printing Tips
Printer Setup
When printing PAHT-CF, PETG-CF, and PETG-GF using FDM printers, it is recommended to use hardened steel nozzles with a diameter of 0.4 mm or above. Among them, PETG-CF and PETG-GF can be printed using open printers, while PAHT-CF requires an enclosed printer.
Storage and Maintenance
To ensure optimal print quality, these three new materials are recommended to be stored in a dry environment and dried before use. Proper storage ensures stable printing performance.
Recommended Printing Conditions
Conclusion
With the launch of PETG-CF, PETG-GF, and PAHT-CF, we’re opening the door to a broader range of advanced applications from daily industrial use to high-end high-temperature environments, greatly expanding the performance boundaries of 3D printing materials. Whether you're an engineer pushing material limits or a manufacturer aiming for quality and reliability at scale, these new filaments offer a tailored solution to elevate your prints.
Where To Order
The three new fiber-reinforced filaments are now available on our official store. You can also check your local Amazon for availability.
PETG-CF
0.5 kg (from $9.99): Link
1 kg (from $18.99):
Official website: Link
Amazon US: Link
PETG-GF
(0.5 kg) from $9.99: Link
(1 kg) from $18.99:
Official website: Link
Amazon US: Link
PAHT-CF
(0.5 kg) from $21.99: Link
(1 kg) from $39.99:
Official website: Link
Amazon US: Link