Description: This article contains some of the most frequently asked questions about Carbon Fiber Filament from Summer 2019.

Q: What is Carbon Fiber filament?
A: Carbon Fiber filament is carbon fiber strands mixed with PLA or other base materials such as ABS. It is useful for protective casings, shells, and high durability applications. Typically, stronger nozzles are required, such as an E3D hardened steel nozzle or an Olsson Ruby nozzle.

Q: Why would I use Carbon Fiber filament?
A: Carbon Fiber filament prints well, is very durable and soluble, and has very little shrinking or warping during cooling.

Q: Why wouldn’t I use Carbon Fiber filament?
A: Since Carbon Fiber filament is made from abrasive materials it increases the wear and tear on the printer nozzle, causing you to purchase a higher-grade nozzle or replace nozzles with higher frequency.

Q: What temperatures do I print Carbon Fiber filament at?
A: While the exact temperature will vary based on your printer, the filament you are using, and your preferences, the recommended range of temperature for Carbon Fiber filament is 195-265°C, and 50-70°C for the bed temperature. This will vary based on the base component used, so it is best to gather this information directly from your spool of filament or the manufacturers webpage.

Q: What sizes of filament do I need?
A: The size of filament that you need will vary based on your printer. Currently there are 1.75mm and 2.85mm filaments available. Usually printers will only support one of these sizes, so ensure you are using the correct size.

Q: Why is there 3.0mm filament listed online?
A: 3.0mm filament is another name for 2.85mm filament. It was originally used as an easier way to purchase filament, rather than using a rather specific number of 2.85mm. However, over time some manufacturers did not realize this and started making 3.0mm filament, so be sure to check the size in the specifications for the filament. This will normally be listed as true diameter and should be listed as 2.85mm rather than 3.0mm. 1.75mm filament however does not have this issue, and you can purchase it without any inconveniences.

Q: What print speed should I use when printing with Carbon Fiber?
A: The exact speed will vary based on your printer and your personal preference, however typically 30mm/s - 40mm/s is the recommended print speed.

Q: What retraction settings should I use?
A: Retraction settings (speed and length) will vary greatly based upon your printer, what type of extruder you are using, and what filament you are using. To fine tune this based on your printer, you can follow this guide: https://www.matterhackers.com/articles/retraction-just-say-no-to-oozing.