PA12-CF

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Carbon-fiber Reinforced Polyamide 12

PA12-CF pairs chopped carbon fibers with PA12 nylon, resulting in a composite that is stiffer and more dimensionally stable than plain PA12 while being easier to print than PA6-CF due to lower moisture sensitivity. It is widely used as a direct replacement for machined aluminum in lightweight structural applications.

Nozzle Temp260280°C
Bed Temp80–100°C
Print Speed2545 mm/s

Printing Tips

  • Use a hardened-steel or ruby nozzle — carbon fibers are extremely abrasive and will damage brass within a single print.
  • Dry at 70 °C for 6-8 hours before printing; PA12 absorbs less moisture than PA6 but fibers trap surface moisture.
  • An enclosed build chamber at 45-55 °C keeps warping under control on parts longer than 100 mm.
  • Print walls at 25-35 mm/s for optimal fiber alignment and surface quality; infill can run up to 45 mm/s.
  • Keep retractions short (1-2 mm) and slow (15-25 mm/s) to prevent fiber clogging at the heat break.
  • Increase wall count to 3-4 perimeters to fully leverage the carbon-fiber stiffness in the print direction.

Use Cases

Aluminum-replacement structural partsDrone frame plates and armsPrecision jigs and assembly fixturesLightweight camera and gimbal mountsAutomotive performance bracketsProsthetic structural componentsRobotics end-effector housingsSatellite and space-related prototypes

Compatible Printers

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