Carbon Fiber Reinforced PET (CF PET) for 3D Printing
Overview
Carbon Fiber Reinforced PET (CF PET) is a composite filament that combines the properties of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) with carbon fiber to enhance strength, rigidity, and thermal stability. CF PET is known for its high dimensional stability, low warpage, and excellent surface finish, making it ideal for engineering applications and high-performance parts.
Advantages
- High Strength and Rigidity: The addition of carbon fiber significantly increases the tensile strength and stiffness of PET, making it suitable for structural components.
- Dimensional Stability: Offers excellent dimensional stability and reduces warping, ensuring accurate and reliable prints.
- Heat Resistance: Can withstand higher temperatures compared to standard PET, making it suitable for applications that operate in hot environments.
- Smooth Surface Finish: Provides a high-quality surface finish that requires minimal post-processing.
- Chemical Resistance: Retains the chemical resistance properties of PET, making it suitable for parts exposed to various chemicals.
Disadvantages
- Abrasion: The carbon fibers are abrasive to standard nozzles, requiring the use of hardened steel or similar wear-resistant nozzles.
- Moisture Sensitivity: CF PET is hygroscopic and must be stored in a dry environment to prevent moisture absorption, which can affect print quality.
- Printing Temperature: Requires higher printing temperatures, which may not be compatible with all 3D printers.
Technical Specifications
- Density: 1.3 g/cm³ (81 lb/ft³)
- Dielectric Constant (Relative Permittivity): 3.0
- Dielectric Strength (Breakdown Potential): 20 kV/mm (0.79 V/mil)
- Elastic (Young’s, Tensile) Modulus: 5.0 GPa (0.72 x 10⁶ psi)
- Elongation at Break: 10%
- Flexural Modulus: 4.5 GPa (0.65 x 10⁶ psi)
- Flexural Strength: 110 MPa (15.9 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: 1500 J/kg-K
- Strength-to-Weight Ratio: 60 kN-m/kg
- Tensile Strength: Ultimate (UTS): 90 MPa (13 x 10³ psi)
- Thermal Conductivity: 0.22 W/m-K
- Thermal Diffusivity: 0.18
- Thermal Expansion: 65 µm/m-K
- Water Absorption After 24 Hours: 0.3%
Material Properties for 3D Printing
- Printing Temperature: 240-260°C
- Flow Tweak: 0.95
- Bed Temperature: 70-90°C
- Bed Preparation: Use a PEI sheet or apply a specialized adhesive for optimal adhesion
Features
- High Modulus and Strength: Ideal for parts requiring superior mechanical properties and rigidity.
- Heat Resistant: Suitable for applications exposed to high temperatures.
- Dimensional Stability: Reduced warping and excellent dimensional accuracy during printing.
- Smooth Finish: Provides high-quality prints with minimal post-processing.
Additional Considerations
- Nozzle Wear: Use hardened steel nozzles or similar wear-resistant materials due to the abrasive nature of carbon fibers.
- Storage: Store CF PET filament in a sealed container with desiccant to prevent moisture absorption.
- Print Quality: Ensure proper bed adhesion and controlled printing environment for high-quality prints.
Application Examples
- Automotive Parts: Suitable for creating durable and heat-resistant automotive components.
- Aerospace Components: Ideal for lightweight and strong parts for aerospace applications.
- Engineering Prototypes: Perfect for prototyping mechanical parts that require high strength and rigidity.
- Consumer Products: Used for printing high-performance consumer goods that benefit from enhanced strength and durability.
By understanding these properties and considerations, you can effectively use Carbon Fiber Reinforced PET (CF PET) in your 3D printing projects to achieve high-quality, durable, and high-performance results.
CF PET remains a preferred choice for many 3D printing applications due to its exceptional strength, rigidity, and heat resistance, making it ideal for both industrial and consumer applications.