High Performance, Easy Printing...It's World's Best CF!
Proto-pasta's High Temp Carbon Fiber PLA (HTPLA-CF) combines engineering-grade performance with the ease and eco-friendliness of PLA printing. Since kickstarting the World's First 3D Printable Carbon Fiber PLA and our original High Temp PLA, we've wanted to combine the two for a "super-material". Why is this material "the best"?
Compared to ABS and PET-like materials, HTPLA-CF has:
- Easier and more reliable printing
- No heated bed required
- Lower processing temperatures, like standard PLA
- Less warping and distortion when processing
- More temperature resistance* for maintaining properties to higher temperatures
- ABS and PET get soft at 80C +/- 10C
- HTPLA-CF maintains properties up to 120C or more (*when annealed)
- Higher strength and better strength-to-weight ratio for stronger parts with less material
- Improved surface hardness for less wear in abrasive environments
- Less shrinkage and distortion for more accurate parts
- Higher stiffness so parts hold their shape
- Renewable biopolymer with low odor
- Highly desirable black finish
Compared to the Original Carbon Fiber PLA, HTPLA-CF has:
- Improved toughness for less breaking when handling and easier processing
- Higher HDT when annealed for maintaining properties to higher temperatures.
Compared to High Temp PLA, HTPLA-CF has:
- Improved surface hardness for less wear in abrasive environments
- Less shrinkage and distortion for more accurate parts
HTPLA-CF is based on our High Temp PLA v2.0, so it prints with ease and also has a potential Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) in excess of 140C (285F) depending on processing. We had good results annealing (also called heat treating or crystallizing) in an oven at 110C (225F) for an hour. We recommend leaving the supports on your parts, placing them on a non-radiating surface (like glass, ceramic, or composite), and letting them cool in the oven to minimize distortion. Parts must be baked above 60C for any crystallization to occur.
Carbon Fiber is somewhat abrasive, so consider upgrading to a wear resistant nozzle for less regular maintenance.
In our experience, good results were achieved using standard PLA parameters and standard build surface preparation (blue tape or glue stick). No heated bed required.
STORAGE: One large resealable bag with slider + an extra desiccant pack are included with every spool. The bag and extra desiccant are a great way to safely store your filament spool when not in use. It keeps your filament bone dry & free from any dust or dirt particles, so it's always ready for your next print.
