

Nylon and carbon fiber blends are a very popular solution in additive manufacturing, as that particular blend provides unique properties desired in many sectors. The Ultrafuse PAHT CF15 filament from the BASF portfolio of reinforced filaments is an example of such a blend. It is a high-performance 3D printing filament that offers high temperature (up to 150 ºC) and chemical resistance (superior to most PA grades) combined with outstanding mechanical resilience.
Nylon (PA) is a polymer well known for its array of excellent properties, such as high thermal stability, strength, chemical resistance and toughness. When paired with carbon fibers, it creates a filament with lower weight, increased rigidity, as well as improved chemical resistance. In addition, filaments reinforced with carbon fibers tend to print better in the sense that they display lower shrinkage during printing. Since the Ultrafuse PAHT CF15 filament contains carbon fibers (15 %), it will be more abrasive to standard nozzles. This is why an abrasion resistant nozzle should be used, for example a hardened steel nozzle or a ruby tip nozzle with a diameter of at least 0.6 mm.
When combined with a support filament, the Ultrafuse PAHT CF15 filament can be used to 3D print complex structures and geometries meant to be used in thermally or chemically demanding environments. The recommended support materials are the Ultrafuse BVOH water-soluble support material, as well as Ultrafuse HIPS. It should be kept in mind that 3D printing with supports requires a 3D printer with at least 2 extruders.
Thanks to the unique combination of thermal, mechanical and chemical properties, the BASF Ultrafuse PAHT CF15 filament can be used in numerous applications, for example for 3D printing parts that need to exhibit consistent mechanical strength and resilience, while at the same time being able to work in high temperature environments in the presence of corrosives or solvents. The Ultrafuse PAHT CF15 filament is easily processable and can be used for prototyping, tooling, as well as end use production in the automotive sector, even as a substitute for light-duty aluminum parts thanks to its lightweight.
Furthermore, the PAHT CF15 Ultrafuse filament is compatible with high printing speeds. In order to create complex structures with this material and a support material, the Xioneer VXL 90 soluble support material or the VXL 111 soluble support material are recommended by the manufacturer. These support materials can be extruded at high speeds as well, which means a smooth and efficient 3D printing. The water solubility of VXL 90/111 makes the post-processing more precise and fast. In the Downloads section a table of compatibilities between the BASF Ultrafuse and Xioneer support filaments can be consulted.
General information |
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Material | PA |
Format | 0.75 kg |
Density | 1.23 g/cm³ |
Filament diameter | 1.75 / 2.85 mm |
Filament tolerance | - mm |
Filament length | (Ø 1.75 mm - 750 g) ±253.5 m / (Ø 2.85 mm - 750 g) ±95.6 m |
Electrical properties |
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Volumetric resistivity | (IEC 62631-3-1) 3.2E+07 Ω/cm |
Surface electrical resistivity | (IEC 62631-3-2) 9.7E+05 Ω |
Printing properties |
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Printing temperature | 260 - 280 ºC |
Print bed temperature | 100 - 120 ºC |
Chamber temperature | ✗ |
Cooling fan | ✗ |
Recommended printing speed | 30 - 80 mm/s |
Mechanical properties |
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Izod impact strength | (ISO 180) (notched) 4.9 / (unnotched) 16.4 KJ/m² |
Charpy impact strength | (ISO 179-2) (notched) 4.8 / (unnotched) 20.6 KJ/m² |
Elongation at break | (ISO 527) 1.8 % |
Tensile strength | (ISO 527) 103.2 MPa |
Tensile modulus | (ISO 527) 8386 MPa |
Flexural strength | (ISO 178) 160.7 MPa |
Flexural modulus | (ISO 178) 8258 MPa |
Surface hardness | - |
Thermal properties |
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Melting temperature | (ISO 11357-3) 234 ºC |
Softening temperature | (ISO 75-2 @ 0.45 MPa) 145 ºC |
Specific properties |
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Chemical resistance | ✓ |
Other |
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HS Code | 3916.9 |
Spool diameter (outer) | 200 mm |
Spool diameter (inner hole) | 50.5 mm |
Spool width | 55 mm |
The Ultrafuse PAHT CF15 filament should be properly stored. Before and after printing, it should be kept in its original package or a vacuum sealed bag, with a filament drying capsule inside the spool. A great alternative is an intelligent filament container. During printing, the spool can be kept in a filament drying case or an inline filament dryer. Should the Ultrafuse PAHT CF15 filament absorb moisture, it should be dried in a hot air dryer (70 ºC for 4-16 hours) or in a vacuum oven ( 80 ºC for at least 40 hours). These measures will ensure filament printability and preservation of the printed parts’ properties.
The Ultrafuse PAHT CF15 filament should be printed at 260-280 ºC with no layer fan, at a speed of 30-80 mm/s. The recommended bed temperature is 100-120 ºC and the ideal printing surface is clean glass or a PEI sheet.
Due to carbon fiber contained in the filament, a hardened steel or ruby tip nozzle with a diameter of at least 0.6 mm should be used with the Ultrafuse PAHT CF15 filament. Using a standard nozzle will result in accelerated nozzle abrasion, and even a change in diameter over time. This will cause inconsistencies in the surface and properties of the 3D printed part.