3D Printing Info

Filament comparison

PET-CF vs PETG-CF

Compare printing settings, strength, heat resistance, dated prices and sources.

Carbon-fibre PET (PET-CF) guideCarbon-fibre PETG (PETG-CF) guide

2 selected · all documented properties

Open these two in the interactive comparisonMore PET-CF comparisonsMore PETG-CF comparisons
PET-CF vs PETG-CF — documented properties and sources
PropertyCarbon-fibre PET (PET-CF)PETGCarbon-fibre PETG (PETG-CF)PETG
Market snapshot
Listing priceUSD/kg; dated snapshots$39.99/kg median; $26.00–$49.98/kg across 4 dated product listings$29.99/kg median; $16.00–$74.22/kg across 11 dated product listings
Identity & Market
Base polymer / chemistrySemi-crystalline PET reinforced with carbon fibre — a different polymer from PETG-CF, with the glycol modifier removed so the matrix can crystallise[1][2]PETG reinforced with chopped carbon fibre[3][4]
Densityg/cm³1.29 (Bambu Lab) and 1.34 (Fiberon PET-CF17), ISO 1183[1][2]1.25 (Bambu Lab) to 1.34 (3DXTech), ISO 1183; Prusament 1.27[3][5][4]
Typical priceUSD/kg1 kg spools cluster near 45[1][6]1 kg-equivalent spools span 16–74; the middle of the market is about 29[3][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]
Price range across brandsUSD/kg26–50 across brands; ELEGOO 26 in a 5 kg pack, Bambu Lab 45, Fiberon 50[14][1][6]16–74 across brands; ELEGOO 16 in a 5 kg pack, Reli3D 17, SUNLU 20, IEMAI 22, Siraya Tech 25, Bambu Lab 32, Sakata 3D 53, 3DXTech 67, Prusament 70, Filament PM 74 on 0.5 kg spools[14][3][15][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]
Market availability1–5Available from several mainstream brands[1][6][14]Stocked by most mainstream brands[3][15][7][14]
Spool sizes & diameters1.75 mm; 0.5 and 1 kg spools[6][1]1.75 and 2.85 mm; 0.75 and 1 kg spools[15][3]
Typical applicationsLoad-bearing parts that must survive above PETG's 70 °C ceiling without moving to PA or PC[1][2]Stiff functional parts and fixtures where PETG's toughness is traded for rigidity and a matte finish[3][4]
Diameter tolerance± mmNot documented±0.02 (Prusament)[4]
Printing Parameters
Nozzle temperature°C260–290 (Bambu Lab)[1]240–270 (Bambu Lab); 265 ± 10 (Prusament)[3][4]
Bed temperature°C80–100 (Bambu Lab)[1]65–75 (Bambu Lab); 90 ± 10 (Prusament)[3][4]
Enclosure / chamber requirement1–5Enclosure recommended — Bambu Lab specifies a 45–60 °C chamber[1]Open frame fine; draught shield helps — Bambu Lab specifies a 35–50 °C chamber[3]
Recommended chamber temperature°C45–60 (Bambu Lab)[1]35–50 (Bambu Lab)[3]
Part cooling fan0–60 % (Bambu Lab)[1]0–60 % (Bambu Lab); 50 % (Prusament)[3][4]
Bed surface & adhesion aidTextured PEI, satin or powder-coated sheets; on smooth PEI a glue stick acts as a release agent[16][17]Textured PEI or engineering plate with glue (Bambu Lab)[3]
Maximum volumetric flow (mm³/s; see test conditions)mm³/s8 at Bambu Lab's 100 mm/s cap on a 0.4 mm nozzle at 0.2 mm layer — half the speed it allows for PETG-CF[1][18]11.5 on My Tech Fun's Bambu Lab PETG-CF profile[19]
Bed-adhesion difficulty1–5Needs the right surface or a thin adhesive — the problem is releasing the part, not sticking it[16][17]Needs the right surface or a thin adhesive[3]
Stringing / oozing tendency1–5Moderate — retraction tuning needed; Polymaker names stringing as PETG's common quirk[17]Slight — the fibre reduces stringing against unfilled PETG[3][20]
Overall printing difficulty1–5Advanced — enclosure, hardware upgrades, tuning[1]Intermediate — dry filament and a tuned profile; hardened nozzle mandatory[3]
Hardware Wear & Reliability
Nozzle hardness required1–4Hardened steel required[1]Hardened steel required[3]
Abrasiveness1–5Highly abrasive — standard CF composite[1]Highly abrasive — standard CF composite[3]
Nozzle clog risk1–5Moderate — needs dry filament and a clean nozzle; Prusa lists higher risk of nozzle clogging for carbon-filled composites[21]Moderate — needs dry filament and a clean nozzle; 3DXTech specifies a hardened 0.4 mm minimum nozzle and 0.25 mm layers or higher, and Prusa lists composites as a higher clogging risk[22][21]
Heat-creep / jam sensitivity1–5Slightly sensitive[20]Slightly sensitive[20]
Hotend requirementNo special hot-end required[20]Hardened steel nozzle; no high-temperature hot-end needed[3][20]
Moisture Behaviour
Moisture absorption (hygroscopicity)1–5Moderate — 0.37 % saturated at 25 °C / 55 % RH (Bambu Lab); 0.53 % equilibrium (Fiberon)[1][2]Low — 0.30 % saturated at 25 °C / 55 % RH (Bambu Lab)[3]
Equilibrium moisture content at ~50 % RH%0.37 saturated at 25 °C / 55 % RH (Bambu Lab); 0.53 equilibrium (Fiberon PET-CF17)[1][2]0.30 saturated at 25 °C / 55 % RH (Bambu Lab); Prusa measures 0.10 after 7 days at 22 % RH[3][4]
Drying temperature & time80 °C for 8–12 h (Bambu Lab) — the longest and hottest dry in the polyester family; Fiberon specifies 100 °C for 10 h[1][2]65 °C for 8 h (Bambu Lab)[3]
Symptoms when wetBubbling and popping at the nozzle, stringing and a rough surface[23]Bubbling and popping at the nozzle, stringing and a rough surface[23]
Effect of moisture on strengthBambu Lab publishes its whole mechanical table under the heading "Mechanical Properties (Dry state)" — the quoted figures apply only to dried filament[1]No dry-versus-conditioned figures published; Bambu Lab states PETG-CF must be properly dried before printing and stored dry after use[3][23]
Storage requirementSealed with desiccant; Polymaker groups PETG with the highly hygroscopic materials[23][17]Sealed with desiccant; Bambu Lab says store dry after use[3][23]
Hydrolysis at melt temperatureThe 80–100 °C dry both suppliers mandate is far above the 55–65 °C used for PETG, consistent with a melt-hydrolysis risk in the semi-crystalline PET matrix; neither publishes a molecular-weight loss figure[1][2]Not documented
Mechanical Properties
Tensile strength (XY)MPa65.9 (Fiberon) to 74 (Bambu Lab) printed XY, ISO 527[1][2]35 ± 5 (Bambu Lab) and 47 ± 2 at yield (Prusament) printed XY, ISO 527; 56 at break for 3DXTech[3][4][5]
Young's modulusMPa4730 ± 260 (Bambu Lab) and 5481 ± 224 (Fiberon) printed XY, ISO 527[1][2]2460 ± 230 (Bambu Lab) and 1700 (Prusament) printed XY, ISO 527[3][4]
Elongation at break%2.4 ± 0.5 printed XY, ISO 527 (Fiberon PET-CF17)[2]4.3 at yield (Prusament, printed XY, ISO 527); 3 at break for 3DXTech[4][5]
Flexural strengthMPa109.3 ± 2.0 printed XY, ISO 178 (Fiberon PET-CF17)[2]68 ± 3 printed horizontal, ISO 178 (Prusament)[4]
Flexural modulusMPa4744 ± 136 printed XY, ISO 178 (Fiberon PET-CF17)[2]2300 printed horizontal, 3100 printed vertical, ISO 178 (Prusament)[4]
Charpy impact, notchedkJ/m²5.1 ± 0.2 printed XY, ISO 179 notched (Fiberon PET-CF17); unnotched 25.1 ± 2.8[2]Not documented
Other impact dataNot documentedCharpy unnotched 29 ± 6 printed horizontal and 43 ± 8 printed vertical (Prusament, ISO 179-1); Izod 4.91 kJ/m² on My Tech Fun bars[4][19]
Layer adhesion / Z tensileMPa27.9 (Fiberon) and 35 ± 5 (Bambu Lab) printed Z, ISO 527[1][2]29 ± 4 printed Z (Bambu Lab, ISO 527); 18 ± 3 by Prusa's interlayer adhesion test; 10.7 on My Tech Fun bars[3][4][19]
Brittleness1–5Very brittle — elongation at break 2.4 % in XY and 0.8 % in Z[2]Brittle — snaps with little warning[5]
Hardness (scale-specific)Shore A / Shore D / RockwellNot documented77 Shore D (Prusa Polymers method)[4]
Creep resistance / sustained load1–5Good — no creep test found; annealed PET-CF holds a 105 °C HDT at 1.8 MPa and a 4730–5481 MPa modulus against 1500–2311 for PETG[2][1]Below average — a 12 mm bar sagged to 16.4 mm over 5 days at 1.25 kg, less than plain PETG's 19.4[19]
Fatigue / repeated-flex resistance1–5Below average — no S-N curve; elongation at break is 2.4 % in XY and 0.8 % in Z, against 5.2–9.3 % for unfilled PETG[2]Moderate — no CF-grade S-N curve; unfilled printed PETG ran 79 000–193 000 cycles at 30 % of tensile strength[24]
Elasticity / flexibility1–5Rigid[1]Rigid[3]
Z strength as % of XY%42 (Fiberon) to 47 (Bambu Lab), printed[1][2]83 (Bambu Lab, printed Z against XY tensile)[3]
Thermal Properties
HDT at 0.45 MPa°C147.5 (Fiberon) and 205 (Bambu Lab), ISO 75 at 0.45 MPa[1][2]74 (Bambu Lab) and 96 (Prusament), ISO 75 at 0.45 MPa[3][4]
HDT at 1.8 MPa°C105 (Fiberon) and 182 (Bambu Lab), ISO 75 at 1.8 MPa[1][2]68 (Bambu Lab) and 80 (Prusament), ISO 75 at 1.8 MPa[3][4]
Glass transition (Tg)°C75 (Bambu Lab) and 79.3 (Fiberon), DSC[1][2]68 (Bambu Lab) and 80 (3DXTech), DSC[3][5]
Melting point / Vicat°C241.3 (Fiberon) and 250 (Bambu Lab) melting, DSC; Vicat 226–238[1][2]225 melting (Bambu Lab, DSC) — the carbon fibre lets the PET fraction crystallise[3]
Continuous service temperature°CNot documented77 — loaded bars begin to move at this temperature, against 61 for Bambu Lab PETG Basic[19]
Annealing responseThe PET matrix crystallises on annealing, which is what separates this grade from PETG-CF[2][1]Not documented
Flammability / UL 94Flammable; no UL 94 rating published for standard grades[25]Flammable; no UL 94 rating published[3]
Environment & Chemical
UV resistance1–5Not documentedModerate — a season or two; the carbon fibre does not add UV stabilisation[17]
Chemical resistanceWithstands acids, alkalis, oils and UV exposure[17]Withstands acids, alkalis, oils and UV exposure, as for unfilled PETG[17]
Food contactNot certified for food contact as filament[17]Not certified for food contact[17]
Biodegradability / compostabilityNot biodegradable[17]Not biodegradable[17]
RecyclabilityNot accepted in household plastic collection[17]Fibre-filled PETG is not accepted in household plastic collection[17]
Electrical & ESD propertiesSurface resistivity above 10¹² ohm — insulating (Fiberon PET-CF17, ANSI/ESD S11.11)[2]Surface resistance above 10⁹ ohm/sq — carbon fibre at this loading is not static-dissipative (3DXTech)[5]
Health & Safety
Fume toxicity1–5Moderate — measurable VOCs and UFPs, ventilation advised[26]Moderate — measurable VOCs and UFPs, ventilation advised[26]
Ventilation / filtration requirement1–5Ventilated room or enclosure recommended[26][1]Open a window / occasional ventilation[26]
Dust & fibre handling hazardCarbon fibre is bound in the matrix; sanding dust should not be inhaled[2]Carbon fibre is bound in the matrix; sanding dust should not be inhaled[5]
Post-Processing
Sanding & machiningSands poorly — the material is tough and gums rather than powders[20]Sands to a matte finish more readily than unfilled PETG[20]
Gluing & solvent weldingCyanoacrylate; no common solvent welds PETG cleanly[20]Cyanoacrylate; no common solvent welds it[20]
Vapour / chemical smoothingNo practical vapour smoothing[20]No practical vapour smoothing[20]
Support material pairingPrints its own supports; Polymaker rates PolyDissolve S1 for PETG[20]Support for PLA or its own material (Bambu Lab)[3]
Dimensional accuracy & detailBambu Lab markets it on low warping and shrinkage relative to other high-temperature composites[1]Matte finish hides layer lines; stringing is reduced against unfilled PETG[3]
Solvents & Solubility
Soluble inNone common; fluorinated solvents such as hexafluoroisopropanol dissolve linear polyester at 23 °C. Laboratory only.[27][28]No common workshop solvent; dichloromethane — a carcinogen — dissolves the matrix surface, 1,2-dichloroethane destroys it in a week.[29][30]
Softened or crazed byEnsinger rates polyester not resistant to chloroform or dichloromethane and only conditionally resistant to acetone and MEK.[28]Acetone (+16 % weight over 1 year at 23 °C), ethyl acetate, toluene and DMF swell and soften it; methanol crazes it.[29]
Solvent welding & smoothing agentDichloromethane attacks polyester and can be brushed on, but the carbon fibre blocks any useful surface flow.[28][30]Dichloromethane reaches only the resin, so the fibre is left standing proud of the surface. Controlled carcinogen.[30]

Material entries describe families or representative grades, not an interchangeable specification for every spool. Test methods, orientations and conditions may differ. Unknown values are marked “Not documented”. Prices and source dates remain historical snapshots; check the linked guide for product details. Differences highlight text, not a universal winner.

Sources for this comparison

  1. Bambu Filament Technical Data Sheet — PET-CF Bambu Lab · 2026-08 · tds
  2. Fiberon PET-CF17 Technical Data Sheet V1.0 Polymaker · 2026-08 · tds
  3. Bambu Filament Technical Data Sheet — PETG-CF Bambu Lab · 2026-08 · tds
  4. Prusament PETG Carbon Fiber Technical Datasheet Prusa Polymers · 2026-08 · tds
  5. CarbonX Carbon Fiber PETG Technical Data Sheet 3DXTech · 2026-08 · tds
  6. Polymaker product catalogue Polymaker · 2026-08 · vendor
  7. Printed Solid product catalogue Printed Solid · 2026-08 · vendor
  8. SUNLU PETG-CF (PETG Carbon Fiber) 3D Printer Filament 1 kg SUNLU · 2026-08 · vendor
  9. Fibreheart PETG-CF Pro Filament product page Siraya Tech · 2026-08 · vendor
  10. IEMAI CF-PETG 3D Printing Filament product page IEMAI 3D · 2026-08 · vendor
  11. Reli3D Carbon Fiber PETG Filament 1.75 mm, 1 kg Reli3D (Amazon US) · 2026-08 · vendor
  12. PET-G CF15 Sakata 3D Filaments · 2026-08 · vendor
  13. Filament PM CFJet technical data sheet (TDS CFJet ENG.pdf) Filament PM (Plasty Mladec) · 2026-08 · tds
  14. ELEGOO product catalogue ELEGOO · 2026-08 · vendor
  15. 3DXTech product catalogue 3DXTech · 2026-08 · vendor
  16. Prusament PETG Technical Datasheet v1.1 Prusa Polymers · 2022-02 · tds
  17. PETG — material basics Polymaker Wiki · 2026-08 · doc
  18. Max volumetric speed Prusa Knowledge Base · 2026-08 · doc
  19. BambuLab PETG Basic vs Translucent vs PETG-CF — results spreadsheet My Tech Fun (Igor Gaspar) · 2026-08 · test
  20. PET and PETG — Ultimate 3D Printing Materials Guide Simplify3D · 2026-08 · doc
  21. Composite materials filled with carbon, kevlar or glass Prusa Knowledge Base · 2026-08 · doc
  22. CARBONX PETG+CF — product page (print recommendations) 3DXTech · 2026-08 · doc
  23. Wet Filament — signs, causes and drying Polymaker Wiki · 2026-08 · doc
  24. Mechanical Properties of Additively Manufactured Polymeric Materials — PLA and PETG — For Biomechanical Applications Polymers 16(13):1868 · 2024-06 · paper
  25. Prusament PETG V0 Technical Datasheet Prusa Polymers · 2026-08 · tds
  26. Emissions of Ultrafine Particles and Volatile Organic Compounds from Commercially Available Desktop Three-Dimensional Printers with Multiple Filaments (Azimi et al.) Environmental Science & Technology 50(3) 1260-1268 · 2016-01 · paper
  27. Resistance of Ultramid, Ultraform and Ultradur to chemicals (TI-KTU/AS-28 e) BASF · 2000-10 · tds
  28. Chemical resistance — resistance of Ensinger plastics to chemicals (DIN 50 014, 23/50) Ensinger · 2026-08 · tds
  29. Eastman Spectar copolyester — Chemical resistance (unstressed bars, 1 year at 23 °C) Eastman Chemical Company · 2026-08 · tds
  30. Improve your 3D prints with chemical smoothing Prusa Research · 2026-08 · doc