FEco Carbon Fiber - Colfeed4Print

Colfeed4Print's FEco family of materials includes the FEco Carbon Fiber, a composite filament with a PLA base and a high content (15 %) of recycled carbon fibers. The carbon fibers have a length of 500 μm, a diameter of <10 μm and an electrical conductivity of 4.28E⁻⁶ S/m. Parts 3D printed with this filament demonstrate an excellent mechanical strength due to the carbon fiber content.

Image 1: Parts 3D printed with the FEco Carbon Fiber filament. Source: Colfeed4Print.

Including carbon fiber in 3D printing processes offers a multitude of benefits. Firstly, carbon fiber reinforcement enhances the strength-to-weight ratio of printed parts, resulting in components that are exceptionally lightweight yet robust. This attribute is particularly advantageous in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and sports equipment manufacturing, where weight reduction is critical without compromising structural integrity. Moreover, carbon fiber imparts superior stiffness and dimensional stability to printed objects, minimizing the risk of deformation or warping over time. Additionally, parts reinforced with carbon fiber exhibit enhanced resistance to fatigue and wear, prolonging their lifespan and reducing maintenance requirements. Overall, integrating carbon fiber into 3D printing workflows enables the production of high-performance, durable, and lightweight components with a wide range of applications.

Image 2: Cross-section of the FEco Carbon Fiber filament. Source: Colfeed4Print.

For optimal printing results, adhere to the following printing recommendations: maintain a printing temperature of 155-185 ºC, with a bed temperature ranging from 30-60 ºC. A printing speed of 20-40 mm/s and a layer height exceeding 0.2 mm are advised. Moreover, due to the abrasiveness of carbon fibers, this filament should be printed with a nozzle with a diameter of at least 0.4 mm. To safeguard the integrity of the filament, store it in a dry, shaded environment within the temperature range of 5-30 ºC. Prior to printing, it is advisable to pre-dry the filament at 60 ºC for 2 minutes, mitigating the risk of filament irregularities such as popping or nozzle clogging.