Published on Sat Sep 30 2023 14:54:58 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

3DXTech Carbon Fiber ABS: A Deep Dive

Carbon fiber reinforced filaments have become a mainstay in the 3D printing world, offering a compelling combination of strength and relatively easy printing (compared to pure carbon fiber materials). Today, we’re taking a closer look at 3DXTech’s Carbon Fiber ABS, a popular choice for engineers and hobbyists seeking high-performance prints. Let’s dive into its specifications, best practices, and overall performance.

What is 3DXTech Carbon Fiber ABS?

3DXTech’s Carbon Fiber ABS is an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) filament infused with short carbon fibers. The addition of these fibers significantly enhances the mechanical properties of standard ABS, increasing its stiffness, strength, and dimensional stability. This makes it ideal for functional prototypes, jigs, fixtures, and end-use parts that require a high strength-to-weight ratio.

Detailed Specifications

• Filament Diameter: Typically available in 1.75mm and 2.85mm (check specific product listing)
• Density: ~1.15 g/cm³
• Tensile Strength: Up to 55 MPa (MegaPascals) - Note: this value can vary based on printing parameters.
• Tensile Modulus: Up to 4.5 GPa (GigaPascals) - Note: this value can vary based on printing parameters.
• Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT): ~85°C
• Glass Transition Temperature (Tg): ~105°C
• Nozzle Temperature: 230-260°C (Experimentation may be necessary for optimal results)
• Bed Temperature: 90-110°C
• Print Speed: 40-60 mm/s (adjust based on printer capabilities and part geometry)
• Nozzle Recommendation: Hardened steel nozzle highly recommended due to abrasive nature of carbon fiber.
• Enclosure: Required for best results to control temperature and prevent warping.

Usage Tips and Best Practices for 3DXTech Carbon Fiber ABS

Printing with carbon fiber ABS requires a bit more finesse than standard PLA. Here are some crucial tips to ensure successful prints:

• Hardened Steel Nozzle is a MUST: Carbon fiber is abrasive and will rapidly wear down brass nozzles. A hardened steel or wear-resistant nozzle is absolutely necessary to avoid clogging and poor print quality.

• Enclosure is Your Friend: Maintaining a stable ambient temperature is critical to preventing warping, a common challenge with ABS. An enclosure helps to retain heat and create a consistent environment.

• Bed Adhesion is Key: ABS is notorious for its warping tendency. Use a heated bed at the recommended temperature (90-110°C) and apply a bed adhesion enhancer like ABS slurry, glue stick, or hairspray. A raft can also provide a larger contact area for better adhesion.

• Print Slow and Steady: While higher speeds may be tempting, slowing down your print speed (especially the first few layers) can significantly improve adhesion and reduce the risk of warping.

• Optimize Part Orientation: Consider the orientation of your part on the build plate. Minimize large, flat surfaces that are parallel to the bed to reduce warping potential.

• Dry Filament Before Printing: ABS is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. Moisture can cause print defects like stringing and bubbling. Dry the filament in a filament dryer before printing, especially if it’s been exposed to humid conditions.

• Ventilation is Important: ABS emits fumes during printing. Ensure adequate ventilation in your printing area to minimize exposure to these fumes.

• Adjust Slicer Settings: Experiment with slicer settings such as layer height, infill density, and cooling fan speed to fine-tune your prints. Lower layer heights can improve surface finish, while higher infill densities increase strength.

Performance Assessment (Out of 10)

Here’s an assessment of 3DXTech Carbon Fiber ABS based on key performance characteristics:

• Print Quality: 7/10 (Can be excellent with proper setup, but requires dialing in slicer settings)
• Toughness: 9/10 (Significantly stronger and stiffer than standard ABS)
• Flexibility: 3/10 (Very rigid, not suitable for flexible applications)
• Warping: 5/10 (Requires careful attention to bed adhesion and temperature control)
• Adhesion: 6/10 (Requires heated bed and adhesion enhancer)
• Moisture Sensitivity: 7/10 (Prone to absorbing moisture, requires proper storage and drying)
• Color Range: 4/10 (Typically limited to black and gray due to the carbon fiber content)
• Temperature Range: 8/10 (Good resistance to high temperatures)
• Odor & Fumes: 5/10 (Noticeable odor, requires good ventilation)
• Spool Winding Quality: 8/10 (Generally well-wound, minimal tangling issues)

Average Score: 6.7/10

Conclusion

3DXTech Carbon Fiber ABS is a valuable material for applications requiring high strength, stiffness, and temperature resistance. While it presents certain challenges compared to easier-to-print filaments like PLA, the benefits of its enhanced mechanical properties make it a worthwhile choice for experienced users and demanding projects. By following the recommended best practices and carefully tuning your printer settings, you can unlock the full potential of this high-performance filament.

Written by Alex