Carbon Fiber Nylon vs PLA
Compare Carbon Fiber Nylon and PLA filaments side-by-side. See which one is best for your 3D printing project.
Carbon Fiber Nylon
BPA-CF / Nylon-CF
Stiffer than nylon and reduced warping (but still warps a lot)
PLA
APolylactic Acid
Easiest to print, cheap, widely available, fast, good bridges/overhangs, easy support removal
Detailed Comparison
Property
Carbon Fiber Nylon
PLA
Tier Rating
Tier B
Tier A
Family
Nylon (PA)
PLA
Nozzle Temp
250-290°C
185-235°C
Bed Temp
80-100°C
50-60°C
Enclosure
required
not needed
Cooling
Low cooling
High part cooling usually beneficial
Moisture Sensitivity
very high
moderate
Strengths Comparison
Carbon Fiber Nylon Strengths
- Stiffer than nylon and reduced warping (but still warps a lot)
PLA Strengths
- Easiest to print, cheap, widely available, fast, good bridges/overhangs, easy support removal
- Stiff non-composite thermoplastic, good tensile strength
Considerations
Carbon Fiber Nylon Caveats
- Needs high-end printer to realize benefits
- Reduces nylon's low-friction advantage
PLA Caveats
- Creeps under sustained load
- Poor heat resistance, UV degradation, can shatter on drops
- Not great for sanding/gluing/painting/touch-ups
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carbon Fiber Nylon or PLA better for 3D printing?
PLA is generally rated higher (Tier A) compared to Carbon Fiber Nylon (Tier B). However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: Carbon Fiber Nylon is best for Stiffer than nylon and reduced warping (but still warps a lot), while PLA is best for Easiest to print, cheap, widely available, fast, good bridges/overhangs, easy support removal.
What are the temperature differences between Carbon Fiber Nylon and PLA?
Carbon Fiber Nylon prints at 250-290°C nozzle / 80-100°C bed. PLA prints at 185-235°C nozzle / 50-60°C bed.
Do Carbon Fiber Nylon and PLA need an enclosure?
Carbon Fiber Nylon: required. PLA: not needed.
Which is more beginner-friendly: Carbon Fiber Nylon or PLA?
PLA is more beginner-friendly as it doesn't require an enclosure.