Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate vs PETG
Compare Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate and PETG filaments side-by-side. See which one is best for your 3D printing project.
Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate
ACFPC / PC-CF
Extremely stiff; useful where flex must be minimal
PETG
APolyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified
Tougher than PLA, higher temp tolerance, more durable in real-world use
Detailed Comparison
Property
Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate
PETG
Tier Rating
Tier A
Tier A
Family
PC
PETG
Nozzle Temp
270-300°C
215-270°C
Bed Temp
100-120°C
70-90°C
Enclosure
required
optional
Cooling
Low cooling
Moderate cooling; too much cooling can hurt layer adhesion
Moisture Sensitivity
high
moderate
Strengths Comparison
Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate Strengths
- Extremely stiff; useful where flex must be minimal
- Surprisingly affordable in some brands
PETG Strengths
- Tougher than PLA, higher temp tolerance, more durable in real-world use
- Good clarity and low friction among easy-to-print materials
Considerations
Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate Caveats
- Feeding can be difficult unless spool is close/direct-fed
PETG Caveats
- Overhangs/bridges sag; supports can be hard to remove
- Absorbs water fairly quickly
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate or PETG better for 3D printing?
Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate is generally rated higher (Tier A) compared to PETG (Tier A). However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate is best for Extremely stiff; useful where flex must be minimal, while PETG is best for Tougher than PLA, higher temp tolerance, more durable in real-world use.
What are the temperature differences between Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate and PETG?
Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate prints at 270-300°C nozzle / 100-120°C bed. PETG prints at 215-270°C nozzle / 70-90°C bed.
Do Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate and PETG need an enclosure?
Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate: required. PETG: optional.
Which is more beginner-friendly: Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate or PETG?
PETG is more beginner-friendly as it doesn't require an enclosure.