Carbon fiber, featuring light weight, excellent durability, good mechanical properties, is a good substitute to metal materials, which is fond by many makers. With carbon fiber 3D Printing, it is possible to make end parts with high strength, high toughness, and good rigidity. There are various carbon fiber filaments and carbon fiber 3D printers on the market. To help makers decide which one to choose, we have listed the best carbon fiber filament brands. In this article, we offer an ultimate guide to select the best carbon fiber 3D printers.

 

Part 1. Why choose carbon fiber 3D Printing?

 

Carbon fiber has been a manufacturing material since the 1960s, however, it is relatively new as a 3D Printing material. Blending carbon fiber to the base materials such as PETG, PLA, ABS, nylon, etc., it is enhancing the material performance and expanding the applications of final parts. Carbon fiber 3D printed parts are widely used as functional prototypes and even end parts in automotives, bikes, drones, and even aircrafts. Carbon fiber 3D Printing bridges the gap of cutting budget and get high-quality end-used plastic parts which can be equal to and even outperform CNC plastics and metals. The technology can easily create durable, robust, and wear and chemical resistant parts. Nevertheless, not all of 3D printers are capable of printing carbon fiber, we need dedicated carbon fiber 3D printers. So, we cover the best desktop and industrial carbon fiber 3D printer brands to help you make the best printer choice.

 

Image Source: Prusa3D

 

Part 2. Recommendations of the Best Carbon Fiber 3D Printers

 

1. MakerBot Method X Carbon Fiber Edition

 

MakerBot Method X Carbon Fiber Edition is a compact size carbon fiber 3D printer, which is highly compatible with MakerBot’s PA12 and PA6/66 carbon fiber filaments. The printer supports dual extrusion composite 3D Printing, allowing users to print carbon fiber parts in unlimited geometries and high dimensional accuracy. Making stiff, lightweight, and heat-resistant parts, users only need to hit print on the printer since the printers is capable of automate printing carbon fiber. You are free to 3D print carbon fiber parts that can be used as structural applications and metal replacements. The extruder is optimized to withstand abrasive composite materials for maximum lifespan. No worry about the nozzle wearing too quickly, which means maintenance cost is reduced.

 

Extrusion Systems: Model Extruder 1C, Support Extruder 2A, Support Extruder 2XA

 

Heated Chamber Maximum Temperature: 110° C

 

Maximum Extruder Temperature: 300° C

 

Build Volume of Dual Extrusion: 15.2 L x 19 W x 19.6 H cm / 6.0 x 7.5 x 7.75 in

 

Build Volume of Single Extrusion: 19 L x 19 W x 19.6 H cm / 7.5 x 7.5 x 7.75 in

 

Image Source: MakerBot

 

2. Markforged X7 Gen 2

 

Markforged carbon fiber printer X7 Gen2 is popular choice in Continuous Filament Fabrication (CFF). It is an ideal 3D Printer to make different types of functional parts and even industrial-grade parts, which is also affordable for consumers. Fabricating machined metal replacements are possible, and users just need a couple of hours to get parts they want. X7 Gen 2 is reliable and accurate by integrated precision-machined hardware, advanced sensors, and comprehensive software. If you are looking for printing a nice surface finish for your part, this carbon fiber 3D printer is a reliable choice as it provides micron-level laser scanning for closed-loop calibration, reliably producing parts with high repeatability and excellent surface finish.

 

Extrusion Systems: Second-generation extruder, out-of-plastic and out-of-fiber detection

 

Layer Height: 100 μm default, 50 μm minimum, 250 µm maximum

 

Build Volume: 330 x 270 x 200 mm (13 x 10.6 x 7.9 in)

 

Image Source: Markforged

 

3. Stratasys F123 Series Composite-Ready

 

Stratasys carbon fiber 3D printer F123 series is a versatile solution for makers. F123 series contains two carbon fiber 3D printers: F190CR and F370CR. One of the key advantages of F123 series is the intuitive and simple operation. Simply set up the carbon fiber printer and operate with helpful software, makers are being able to print the projects in minutes. With Stratasys F190CR and F370CR, it is easy to make a wide range of applications, such as strong work holding fixtures, tooling, components, and functional prototypes.

 

Brief Comparison between F190CR and F370CR:

 

Description	F190 CR	F370CR
Build Volume	305 mm x 254 mm x 305 mm (12 x 10 x 12 in.)	355 mm x 254 mm x 355 mm (14 x 10 x 14 in.)
Model Material	ABS-M30, ASA, FDM® TPU 92A, ABS-CF10, FDM® Nylon-CF10, QSR Soluble Support	ABS-M30, ASA, FDM TPU 92A, ABS-ESD7™, PC-ABS™, Diran™ 410MF07, ABS-CF10, FDM Nylon-CF10, QSR Soluble Support, SUP400B Breakaway Support
Software	GrabCAD Print software	GrabCAD Print and Insight software
Accuracy	Parts are produced within an accuracy of +/- .200 mm (.008 in.), or +/- .002 mm/mm (.002 in./in.), whichever is greater.

 

Image Source: Stratasys

 

4. Ultimaker S5

 

Featuring high-quality and affordable, you don’t want to miss Ultimaker S5. The printer uses Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), it is strong to make metal parts. With S5, you can print high-quality carbon fiber parts with nice surface finish easily. Besides, Ultimaker S5 has intelligent filament run-out detection, your project won’t be stopped by anything. Advanced auto bed leveling deliver high accuracy and resolution to your final parts. Besides, as S5 is compatible with over 200 materials, makers can enjoy versatility in all projects.

 

Extrusion Systems: Dual extrusion print head with an auto-nozzle lifting system and swappable print cores.

 

Layer Height:

0.25 mm nozzle: 150 - 60 micron

0.4 mm nozzle: 200 - 20 micron

0.6 mm nozzle: 300 - 20 micron

0.8 mm nozzle: 600 - 20 micron

 

Build Volume: 330 x 240 x 300 mm (13 x 9.4 x 11.8 inches)

 

Nozzle Temperature: 180 - 280 °C

 

Image Source: Ultimaker

 

5. Flashforge Creator 4-S

 

Flashforge Creator 4-S is the highest level in the Creator 4 series, printed part is strong enough for industrial use. It is a comprehensive 3D printer and compatible with various materials, such as flexible filaments, engineering filaments and carbon fiber composite filaments. If you are a maker that looking for commercial production for your carbon fiber parts, this is the choice. Triple extruders to accelerate the production speed, amongst standard dual extruders can work simultaneously and independently while optional one extruder supports multiple filaments. Creator 4-S is compatible with various filaments with the highest temperature at 360℃. Good temperature control enables makers to print final parts with desired quality.

 

Extrusion Systems: Triple extruders, dual extruders for standard, one extruder for optional

 

Build Volume: 400*350*500 mm

 

Heated Chamber Maximum Temperature: 130° C

 

Maximum Extruder Temperature: 360° C

 

Image Source: Flashforge

 

6. Markforged FX20

 

Stepping into the industrial carbon fiber 3D printer, Markforged FX20 must be mentioned. FX20 prints carbon fiber parts with high strength, accuracy, and consistent quality that can be used in unlimited applications. In manufacturing, speed and volume are the keys. Featuring large build volume and fast printing speed, FX20 balance part size and throughput to ensure makers or companies can create much more benefits than using the conventional manufacturing methods. Producing high precision carbon fiber products that can be use in critical missions, FX20 delivers reliability, versatility, and high performance.

 

Extrusion Systems: Direct-drive print head with three nozzles (two plastic, one fiber).

 

Layer Height: 50 μm minimum, 250 µm maximum

 

Build Volume:

Single-nozzle: 525 x 400 x 400 mm (20.6 x 15.7 x 15.7 in)

Multi-nozzle: 500 x 400 x 400 mm (19.7 x 15.7 x 15.7 in)

 

Image Source: Markforged

 

7. Aon3D M2+

 

The Aon M2+ is an ideal solution for designers and engineers to make strong and high-performance parts, which is a high temperature industrial 3D printer. The printer creates parts at high speed, improving efficiency of production cycle. If you have tight tolerance requirements to the carbon fiber parts, the Aon M2+ can help final parts achieve the best properties. Porosity is reduced and precision is guaranteed. Featuring large build volume, creating large functional parts for different applications come true with the printer. Post-processing time also reduced since the Aon M2+ can produce highly detailed surface finish.

 

Extrusion Systems: Dual Independent

 

Layer Height: ≥ 0.05 mm to 1+ mm

 

Build Volume: 450 x 450 x 565 mm (x,y,z)

 

Heated Chamber Maximum Temperature: 135° C

 

Maximum Extruder Temperature: 500° C

 

Image Source: Aon3D

 

8. BigRep Pro.2

 

Do you need to print engineering materials like carbon fiber reinforced? Do you need to shorten production time with less investment? The BigRep Pro.2 is the powerhouse for you! Imagine, one cubic meter build volume, how you will utilize this space to create new prototypes and products? You can probably say goodbye to time-consuming conventional production and outsource manufacturing services. The PRO is capable of printing engineering materials with fine resolution at a high speed, which delivers flexibility and productivity. One of the highlights must be the SWITCHPLATE that is a removable and flexible print bed surface, ensuing proper bed adhesion and strong parts. If your looking for better quality, higher accuracy, and consistent quality for all parts, the PRO is worth considering.

 

Image Source: bigrep

 

9. Essentium HSE 280i HT

 

Finding a solution to balance speed, strength, and scale? Of course, high speed extrusion (HSE)! Essentium HSE 280i HT is the classic choice to make. The truly independent dual extruders, makers and engineers can get what they want at a true high-speed! There are five printing options for users and companies to optimize production cycle with different budget, including single head mode, copy mode, independent mode, multi-process mode, and support mode. From simple prototypes to mass production of complex parts, users will get a specific solution or each part, while efficiency, productivity, and const-control is ensured.

 

Extrusion Systems: Gen 5 Hozzle™ Heated Nozzle

 

Build Volume:

Single Head Mode: 695 x 500 x 600 mm

Support Mode: 595 x 500 x 600 mm

Multi-Process Mode: 595 x 500 x 600 mm

Copy Mode: (395 x 500 x 600 mm) x2

 

Maximum Extruder Temperature: 550° C

 

Image Source: All3DP

 

10. Impossible Objects CBAM-2

 

Do you have seem-liked impossible projects, and you think 3D Printing is not the right solution. As one of the fastest industrial carbon fiber 3D printers on the market, the Impossible Objects CBAM-2 can turn impossible missions into reality. High volume manufacturing at an extremely high speed, final parts get done and can be used in various functional applications in quite a short time. Use the CBAM-2 to fabricate stronger, stiffer, and lighter parts with increased precision and greater quality control, accelerating your projects to achievement. Also, if you use CBAM-2 to sell carbon fiber 3D Printing services, we won’t be surprised by the parts’ appearance and quality.

 

Layer Height: 50 µm (0.002 in)

 

Build Volume: 9,439 cm3 (30.5 cm x 30.5 cm x 10.2 cm*) / 576 in3

 (12 in x 12 in x 4 in*)

 

Image Source: Impossible Objects

 

Part 3. Wenext Offers Online 3D Printing Services

 

There is still a way to get durable and high-quality 3D printed parts without investing in carbon fiber 3D printers. Wenext offers online 3D Printing services, including SLA, SLS, MJF, and SLM. Besides, various resin, plastic, and metal materials are provided. We are sure that there is a suitable substitute technique to make your parts. Upload your stl. files on our instant quoting engine to get manufacturing cost within seconds! There is no hidden cost, while you can get desired 3D printed parts with fast lead time and the best services! Chat with our Customer Success Manager or email hello@wenext.com for more information.