Carbon Fiber Reinforced Nylon (CF Nylon) Filament for 3D Printing
Overview
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Nylon (CF Nylon) is a high-performance composite filament that combines the excellent mechanical properties of nylon with the added strength and rigidity of carbon fiber. This material is designed for advanced applications where superior strength, stiffness, and heat resistance are required. CF Nylon is particularly valued in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and engineering for its high-performance capabilities.
Advantages
- Superior Strength and Rigidity: The addition of carbon fiber significantly enhances the tensile strength and stiffness of nylon, making it suitable for high-stress applications.
- Lightweight: Despite its high strength, CF Nylon remains lightweight, making it ideal for applications where weight reduction is crucial.
- Heat Resistance: Offers excellent thermal stability, allowing it to withstand higher temperatures without deforming.
- Low Warpage: The carbon fibers help to reduce warping and improve dimensional stability during the printing process.
- Excellent Layer Adhesion: Provides strong inter-layer bonding, which enhances the durability and structural integrity of printed parts.
Disadvantages
- Abrasion: The carbon fibers can be abrasive to standard nozzles, requiring the use of hardened steel or similar wear-resistant nozzles.
- Moisture Sensitivity: Like all nylons, CF Nylon is hygroscopic and can absorb moisture from the air, which can affect print quality and mechanical properties.
- Printing Temperature: Requires high printing temperatures, which may not be suitable for all 3D printers.
Technical Specifications
- Density: 1.2 g/cm³ (75 lb/ft³)
- Dielectric Constant (Relative Permittivity): 3.5
- Dielectric Strength (Breakdown Potential): 18 kV/mm (0.7 V/mil)
- Elastic (Young’s, Tensile) Modulus: 6.0 GPa (0.87 x 10⁶ psi)
- Elongation at Break: 15%
- Flexural Modulus: 5.0 GPa (0.72 x 10⁶ psi)
- Flexural Strength: 150 MPa (21.8 x 10³ psi)
- Glass Transition Temperature: 75°C (167°F)
- Melting Onset (Solidus): 250°C (482°F)
- Shear Strength: 70 MPa (10.2 x 10³ psi)
- Specific Heat Capacity: 1700 J/kg-K
- Strength-to-Weight Ratio: 70 kN-m/kg
- Tensile Strength: Ultimate (UTS): 100 MPa (14.5 x 10³ psi)
- Thermal Conductivity: 0.29 W/m-K
- Thermal Diffusivity: 0.19
- Thermal Expansion: 50 µm/m-K
- Water Absorption After 24 Hours: 0.5%
Material Properties for 3D Printing
- Printing Temperature: 250-280°C
- Flow Tweak: 0.95
- Bed Temperature: 80-100°C
- Bed Preparation: Use a PVA-based glue stick or a Garolite build surface for optimal adhesion
Features
- High Modulus and Strength: Ideal for parts that require superior mechanical properties and rigidity.
- Heat Resistant: Suitable for applications exposed to high temperatures.
- Dimensional Stability: Reduced warping and excellent dimensional accuracy during printing.
- Lightweight and Durable: Combines strength with low weight, making it ideal for high-performance applications.
Additional Considerations
- Nozzle Wear: Due to its abrasive nature, using hardened steel nozzles or similar wear-resistant materials is recommended.
- Storage: Store CF Nylon filament in a sealed container with desiccant to prevent moisture absorption, which can lead to printing defects.
- Print Quality: Ensure proper bed adhesion and controlled printing environment to achieve high-quality prints.
Application Examples
- Aerospace Components: Ideal for printing lightweight and strong parts for aerospace applications.
- Automotive Parts: Suitable for creating durable and heat-resistant automotive components.
- Engineering Prototypes: Perfect for prototyping mechanical parts that require high strength and rigidity.
- Sporting Goods: Used for printing high-performance sports equipment that benefits from enhanced strength and durability.
By understanding these properties and considerations, you can effectively use Carbon Fiber Reinforced Nylon (CF Nylon) in your 3D printing projects to achieve high-quality, durable, and high-performance results.
CF Nylon continues to be a top choice for demanding 3D printing applications due to its exceptional strength, rigidity, and heat resistance, making it ideal for both industrial and high-performance consumer applications.