Carbon Fiber PLA vs PLA
Compare Carbon Fiber PLA and PLA filaments side-by-side. See which one is best for your 3D printing project.
Carbon Fiber PLA
SPLA-CF
Sharper details, stabilizes cooling, low shrinkage
PLA
APolylactic Acid
Easiest to print, cheap, widely available, fast, good bridges/overhangs, easy support removal
Detailed Comparison
Property
Carbon Fiber PLA
PLA
Tier Rating
Tier S
Tier A
Family
PLA
PLA
Nozzle Temp
200-230°C
185-235°C
Bed Temp
50-60°C
50-60°C
Enclosure
not needed
not needed
Cooling
High cooling beneficial
High part cooling usually beneficial
Moisture Sensitivity
moderate
moderate
Strengths Comparison
Carbon Fiber PLA Strengths
- Sharper details, stabilizes cooling, low shrinkage
- Matte finish, high dimensional accuracy, stiffer (but more brittle)
- Excellent-looking and accurate prints
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 PLA Caveats
- More brittle than PLA
- Typically limited color selection (often black)
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 PLA or PLA better for 3D printing?
Carbon Fiber PLA is generally rated higher (Tier S) compared to PLA (Tier A). However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: Carbon Fiber PLA is best for Sharper details, stabilizes cooling, low shrinkage, 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 PLA and PLA?
Carbon Fiber PLA prints at 200-230°C nozzle / 50-60°C bed. PLA prints at 185-235°C nozzle / 50-60°C bed.
Do Carbon Fiber PLA and PLA need an enclosure?
Carbon Fiber PLA: not needed. PLA: not needed.
Which is more beginner-friendly: Carbon Fiber PLA or PLA?
Both Carbon Fiber PLA and PLA are beginner-friendly options.