Carbon fiber filament properties
Data taken from 37 datasheets from manufacturers in Spain, Europe, the United States and China, reviewed on October 26, 2026. The shaded bar marks the median of the declared values and each colored tick is a different datasheet. The scales are the same across the whole library, so you can compare materials at a glance.
Temperature and settings for printing carbon fiber
| Setting | Typical value | Range in datasheets |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle | 235–260 °C | 190–295 °C |
| Bed | 60–82 °C | 0–120 °C |
| Print speed | 30–80 mm/s | 20–300 mm/s |
| Drying temperature | 60 °C | 50–80 °C |
| Drying time | 7 h | 6–8 h |
Carbon fiber vs Glass fiber, PETG, and Nylon: comparison
Medians from each material's datasheets. Click a material to see its full range.
Meters of Carbon fiber per spool
Calculated with the median density from the datasheets (1.25 g/cm³). Real spools can vary by a few meters because of diameter tolerance.
What is a carbon fiber filament
Carbon fiber filaments are composites: a plastic matrix (PLA, PETG, nylon, polycarbonate…) loaded with short carbon fibers, a few tenths of a millimeter long. It is not carbon fiber like that of a bicycle frame, which uses long woven fibers and resin. Here the short fibers stiffen the plastic and reduce its shrinkage, but they do not turn it into a competition-grade structural material.
The 37 datasheets analyzed cover several matrices, mostly PETG-CF and PLA-CF, with some copolyester and PET. That is why the ranges are wide: each matrix keeps its own temperatures.
PETG carbon fiber and PLA carbon fiber filament: what the fiber adds
- Stiffness. The median tensile modulus is 5,176 MPa, above unfilled PLA and PETG.
- Dimensional stability. They shrink less, warp less and parts come out truer to the dimensions.
- Matte finish that hides the layers.
- In return, less elongation: the median is 2 %, so they break before bending.
For brackets, arms, jigs and parts that must not flex, it is worth it. For parts that take impacts, the unfilled matrix is usually tougher.
Hardened nozzle: mandatory with carbon fiber
The fibers are abrasive and wear down a brass nozzle within a few spools, so it loses diameter and extrusion quality. Every datasheet that addresses the subject requires a hardened nozzle (hardened steel, coated steel or a ruby or carbide tip). It is also best to use a 0.4 mm nozzle or larger to avoid jams.
How to print carbon fiber filament
- Use the temperatures of its matrix: the median for the set is 235–260 °C at the nozzle and 60–82 °C at the bed.
- Drying: the datasheets suggest 60 °C for 7 h, depending on the matrix.
- Avoid very aggressive retractions and extreme speeds with fine nozzles.
- When sanding or machining parts, work with extraction and a mask so you don't breathe the dust.
Frequently asked questions about carbon fiber filament
Do I need a hardened nozzle for carbon fiber?
Yes. The fibers quickly wear down brass nozzles. Every datasheet that addresses it asks for a hardened nozzle.
Is carbon fiber PLA stronger than PLA?
It is stiffer and more stable, but not necessarily more impact-resistant: it loses elongation and can break sooner. It gains mainly in stiffness and dimensional accuracy.
What is PETG CF?
It is PETG loaded with short carbon fiber. It keeps the printing ease of PETG and gains stiffness and a matte finish, in exchange for requiring a hardened nozzle.