PET CF Raise3D

The Raise3D industrial PET CF filament is a composite material based on PET and 15 wt% of well-dispersed carbon fibers for a boosted rigidity, strength, heat and chemical resistance of the PET matrix.

When it comes to its everyday uses, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is a material very commonly used for the manufacturing of packaging such as plastic bottles, food containers or even in the production of textile fibers. In 3D printing, together with materials such as PETG, PET belongs to the family of copolyesters and is characterized by great tensile strength, excellent chemical resistance, light weight, elasticity, and stability over a wide range of temperatures.

Image 1: The properties of the Raise3D PET CF filament. Source: Raise3D.

Reinforcing polymers with carbon fibers is a very common practice in additive manufacturing. In the case of the Raise3D PET CF, the added carbon fibers not only improve the printability (better interlayer and base adhesion, less warping, low moisture absorption, creep resistance) but also give the 3D printed part improved rigidity and strength, better dimensional stability, higher heat resistance and chemical resistance. The mechanical properties of the PET CF filament are comparable, and in some aspects superior, to those of carbon-reinforced nylon (higher tensile modulus and flexural modulus, and better chemical resistance). 

By means of annealing, the properties of parts 3D printed with the Raise3D PET CF can be further improved. Annealing will stabilize the heat resistance of PET CF at around 150 ºC and bring the tensile modulus and tensile strength to over 6000 MPa and 80 MPa respectively.

Image 2: A part 3D printed with the PET CF filament. Source: Raise3D.

The recommended equipment for working with the Raise3D PET CF filament are the Raise3D E2CF 3D printer designed especially for high performance with carbon fiber reinforced filaments or the Raise3D RMF500 3D printer optimized for manufacturing with fiber reinforced filaments on an industrial scale. Both solutions include abrasion resistance extrusion systems to ensure smooth extrusion and quality parts. If other 3D printers are used, abrasion resistance nozzles such as a hardened steel nozzle or a ruby nozzle must be installed in order to avoid excessive wear of the nozzle by the carbon particles from the PET CF filament.

The Raise3D PET CF an ideal choice for reliable carbon fiber composite printing for strong and cost-effective jigs, fixtures, manufacture aids and functional parts with excellent thermomechanical properties and chemical resistance. The potential applications for the Raise3D PET CF filament include the automobile sector, the aerospace industry or the electrical and electronic industry.