Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate vs PLA
Compare Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate and PLA 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
PLA
APolylactic Acid
Easiest to print, cheap, widely available, fast, good bridges/overhangs, easy support removal
Detailed Comparison
Property
Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate
PLA
Tier Rating
Tier A
Tier A
Family
PC
PLA
Nozzle Temp
270-300°C
185-235°C
Bed Temp
100-120°C
50-60°C
Enclosure
required
not needed
Cooling
Low cooling
High part cooling usually beneficial
Moisture Sensitivity
high
moderate
Strengths Comparison
Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate Strengths
- Extremely stiff; useful where flex must be minimal
- Surprisingly affordable in some brands
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 Polycarbonate Caveats
- Feeding can be difficult unless spool is close/direct-fed
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 Polycarbonate or PLA better for 3D printing?
Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate is generally rated higher (Tier A) compared to PLA (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 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 Polycarbonate and PLA?
Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate prints at 270-300°C nozzle / 100-120°C bed. PLA prints at 185-235°C nozzle / 50-60°C bed.
Do Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate and PLA need an enclosure?
Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate: required. PLA: not needed.
Which is more beginner-friendly: Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate or PLA?
PLA is more beginner-friendly as it doesn't require an enclosure.