3D Printing Info

Filament comparison

PET-CF vs PLA Metal

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

Carbon-fibre PET (PET-CF) guideMetal-filled PLA guide

2 selected · all documented properties

Open these two in the interactive comparisonMore PET-CF comparisonsMore PLA Metal comparisons
PET-CF vs PLA Metal — documented properties and sources
PropertyCarbon-fibre PET (PET-CF)PETGMetal-filled PLAPLA
Market snapshot
Listing priceUSD/kg; dated snapshots$39.99/kg median; $26.00–$49.98/kg across 4 dated product listings$79.69/kg median; $24.99–$94.99/kg across 6 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]PLA loaded with real metal powder — bronze, copper, steel or iron. Bambu Lab's PLA Sparkle TDS states it has "metal particles included in its composition"; its separately sold PLA Metal does not, and the store page says so explicitly[3][4][5][6][7][8]
Densityg/cm³1.29 (Bambu Lab) and 1.34 (Fiberon PET-CF17), ISO 1183[1][2]1.26 (Bambu Lab Sparkle, a trace-metal glitter grade) up to 3.9–4.0 for colorFabb bronze and copper and 2.3 for Proto-pasta steel, ISO 1183[6][3][4][9]
Typical priceUSD/kg1 kg spools cluster near 45[1][10]1 kg spools cluster near 78[11][12][5]
Price range across brandsUSD/kg26–50 across brands; ELEGOO 26 in a 5 kg pack, Bambu Lab 45, Fiberon 50[13][1][10]25–95 across brands; Bambu Lab Sparkle 25, Proto-pasta iron 65, colorFabb bronze and copper 84, Proto-pasta steel 95[11][5][12][9]
Market availability1–5Available from several mainstream brands[1][10][13]Available from several mainstream brands[12][5][9][11]
Spool sizes & diameters1.75 mm; 0.5 and 1 kg spools[10][1]1.75 and 2.85 mm; 0.1, 0.5, 0.75, 1 and 1.5 kg spools[14][12]
Typical applicationsLoad-bearing parts that must survive above PETG's 70 °C ceiling without moving to PA or PC[1][2]Decorative castings and props that are polished or left to patinate; the density gives prints a metallic heft[3][5]
Printing Parameters
Nozzle temperature°C260–290 (Bambu Lab)[1]195–220 (colorFabb bronze and copper); 192 (Proto-pasta iron); 198 (Proto-pasta steel); 190–230 (Bambu Lab Sparkle)[3][5][9][6]
Bed temperature°C80–100 (Bambu Lab)[1]50–60 (colorFabb, Proto-pasta); 35–45 (Bambu Lab)[3][5][6]
Enclosure / chamber requirement1–5Enclosure recommended — Bambu Lab specifies a 45–60 °C chamber[1]Open frame is fine[3]
Recommended chamber temperature°C45–60 (Bambu Lab)[1]Not documented
Part cooling fan0–60 % (Bambu Lab)[1]On (colorFabb copper); 0–100 % (colorFabb bronze)[3][4]
Bed surface & adhesion aidTextured PEI, satin or powder-coated sheets; on smooth PEI a glue stick acts as a release agent[15][16]Glass plate with glue stick or tape (colorFabb)[3][4]
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][17]1.6–2.4 at Proto-pasta's 20–30 mm/s for iron and steel, 3.2–8 at colorFabb's 40–100 mm/s, on a 0.4 mm nozzle at 0.2 mm layer[5][9][3][17]
Bed-adhesion difficulty1–5Needs the right surface or a thin adhesive — the problem is releasing the part, not sticking it[15][16]Not documented
Stringing / oozing tendency1–5Moderate — retraction tuning needed; Polymaker names stringing as PETG's common quirk[16]Not documented
Overall printing difficulty1–5Advanced — enclosure, hardware upgrades, tuning[1]Intermediate — dry filament and a tuned profile; brittle in filament form and slow to print[5][9]
Extruder requirementNot documentedProto-pasta advises an extrusion width 0.05 mm larger than the nozzle and warns that feeding is inconsistent below 0.4 mm and on Bowden machines[5][9]
Hardware Wear & Reliability
Nozzle hardness required1–4Hardened steel required[1]Brass acceptable; hardened steel for volume work[5][9]
Abrasiveness1–5Highly abrasive — standard CF composite[1]Moderately abrasive — metal fill[5][9]
Nozzle clog risk1–5Moderate — needs dry filament and a clean nozzle; Prusa lists higher risk of nozzle clogging for carbon-filled composites[18]Moderate — needs dry filament and a clean nozzle[9]
Heat-creep / jam sensitivity1–5Slightly sensitive[19]Not documented
Hotend requirementNo special hot-end required[19]Proto-pasta recommends a wear-resistant or larger nozzle for longer service intervals[5][9]
Other hardware wearNot documentedProto-pasta warns of more frequent nozzle replacement and first-layer adjustment[5][9]
Moisture Behaviour
Moisture absorption (hygroscopicity)1–5Moderate — 0.37 % saturated at 25 °C / 55 % RH (Bambu Lab); 0.53 % equilibrium (Fiberon)[1][2]Moderate — the PLA matrix takes up 0.40–0.51 % saturated; the metal powder itself does not absorb water[20][21]
Equilibrium moisture content at ~50 % RH%0.37 saturated at 25 °C / 55 % RH (Bambu Lab); 0.53 equilibrium (Fiberon PET-CF17)[1][2]Not documented
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]Not documented
Symptoms when wetBubbling and popping at the nozzle, stringing and a rough surface[22]Not documented
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]Polymaker rates PLA low-sensitivity and publishes no dry-versus-conditioned figures for this grade; absorbed water flashes to steam and shows as bubbling and poor layer adhesion[22]
Storage requirementSealed with desiccant; Polymaker groups PETG with the highly hygroscopic materials[22][16]Not documented
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]25 (colorFabb copper) and 30 (colorFabb bronze), ISO 527-1A; Bambu Lab Sparkle 39 ± 3 printed XY, ISO 527[3][4][6]
Young's modulusMPa4730 ± 260 (Bambu Lab) and 5481 ± 224 (Fiberon) printed XY, ISO 527[1][2]1940 ± 230 printed XY, ISO 527 (Bambu Lab Sparkle)[6]
Elongation at break%2.4 ± 0.5 printed XY, ISO 527 (Fiberon PET-CF17)[2]3–10 (colorFabb copper) and 5–10 (colorFabb bronze), ISO 527-1A; 11.7 for Bambu Lab Sparkle printed XY[3][4][6]
Flexural strengthMPa109.3 ± 2.0 printed XY, ISO 178 (Fiberon PET-CF17)[2]75 ± 4 printed XY, ISO 178 (Bambu Lab Sparkle)[6]
Flexural modulusMPa4744 ± 136 printed XY, ISO 178 (Fiberon PET-CF17)[2]2350 ± 140 printed XY, ISO 178 (Bambu Lab Sparkle)[6]
Charpy impact, notchedkJ/m²5.1 ± 0.2 printed XY, ISO 179 notched (Fiberon PET-CF17); unnotched 25.1 ± 2.8[2]23.2 ± 2.4 printed XY, ISO 179, notched (Bambu Lab Sparkle)[6]
Other impact dataNot documentedIzod notched 4.5 kJ/m² for colorFabb bronzeFill and 10 kJ/m² for copperFill (ISO 180); Charpy unnotched 66.5 kJ/m² for Bambu Lab Sparkle[3][4][6]
Layer adhesion / Z tensileMPa27.9 (Fiberon) and 35 ± 5 (Bambu Lab) printed Z, ISO 527[1][2]32 ± 2 printed Z, ISO 527 (Bambu Lab Sparkle)[6]
Brittleness1–5Very brittle — elongation at break 2.4 % in XY and 0.8 % in Z[2]Brittle — Proto-pasta describes both its iron and steel grades as more brittle than standard PLA in filament form[5][9]
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]Poor — no metal-filled creep test; plain printed PLA sagged from 12 to 16.2–21.8 mm over 5 days at 1.25 kg[23][24][25]
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]Poor — no grade-specific S-N curve; plain printed PLA ran 38 000–49 000 cycles at 30 % of tensile strength and Proto-pasta describes its iron and steel grades as more brittle than standard PLA[26][5][9]
Elasticity / flexibility1–5Rigid[1]Rigid[6]
Z strength as % of XY%42 (Fiberon) to 47 (Bambu Lab), printed[1][2]82 by tensile (printed, Bambu Lab Sparkle)[6]
Thermal Properties
HDT at 0.45 MPa°C147.5 (Fiberon) and 205 (Bambu Lab), ISO 75 at 0.45 MPa[1][2]55 (ISO 75, 0.45 MPa, Bambu Lab Sparkle)[6]
HDT at 1.8 MPa°C105 (Fiberon) and 182 (Bambu Lab), ISO 75 at 1.8 MPa[1][2]53 (ISO 75, 1.8 MPa, Bambu Lab Sparkle)[6]
Glass transition (Tg)°C75 (Bambu Lab) and 79.3 (Fiberon), DSC[1][2]56 (DSC, Bambu Lab Sparkle)[6]
Melting point / Vicat°C241.3 (Fiberon) and 250 (Bambu Lab) melting, DSC; Vicat 226–238[1][2]156 peak melt (DSC, Bambu Lab Sparkle)[6]
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[27]Not documented
Environment & Chemical
UV resistance1–5Not documentedDegrades within weeks outdoors[28]
Outdoor durabilityNot documentedProto-pasta markets its iron grade as rustable — the iron oxidises deliberately when exposed to moisture[5]
Chemical resistanceWithstands acids, alkalis, oils and UV exposure[16]Not documented
Food contactNot certified for food contact as filament[16]Not documented
Biodegradability / compostabilityNot biodegradable[16]Not documented
RecyclabilityNot accepted in household plastic collection[16]Not documented
Electrical & ESD propertiesSurface resistivity above 10¹² ohm — insulating (Fiberon PET-CF17, ANSI/ESD S11.11)[2]Proto-pasta magnetic iron PLA is ferromagnetic and responds to magnets[5]
Health & Safety
Fume toxicity1–5Moderate — measurable VOCs and UFPs, ventilation advised[29]Low hazard — minimal VOC and particle emission[29]
Ventilation / filtration requirement1–5Ventilated room or enclosure recommended[29][1]None needed in a normal room[29]
Dust & fibre handling hazardCarbon fibre is bound in the matrix; sanding dust should not be inhaled[2]Not documented
Post-Processing
Sanding & machiningSands poorly — the material is tough and gums rather than powders[19]Polishing is the intended finish — colorFabb and Proto-pasta both sell these grades to be sanded and buffed to a metallic shine[3][4][9]
Gluing & solvent weldingCyanoacrylate; no common solvent welds PETG cleanly[19]Not documented
Vapour / chemical smoothingNo practical vapour smoothing[19]Not documented
Support material pairingPrints its own supports; Polymaker rates PolyDissolve S1 for PETG[19]Not documented
Dimensional accuracy & detailBambu Lab markets it on low warping and shrinkage relative to other high-temperature composites[1]colorFabb notes the metal fill increases die swell, so flow needs raising above plain PLA[4]
Solvents & Solubility
Soluble inNone common; fluorinated solvents such as hexafluoroisopropanol dissolve linear polyester at 23 °C. Laboratory only.[30][31]Chloroform dissolves the PLA matrix (10 % w/v, 2–4 h at 23 °C) and leaves the filler as loose sludge; laboratory reagent.[32]
Softened or crazed byEnsinger rates polyester not resistant to chloroform or dichloromethane and only conditionally resistant to acetone and MEK.[31]Acetone, ethyl acetate and toluene plasticise the matrix but dissolve <1 % even at 65 °C; acetone submersion crazes parts.[32][33]
Solvent welding & smoothing agentDichloromethane attacks polyester and can be brushed on, but the carbon fibre blocks any useful surface flow.[31][33]Chloroform vapour attacks only the resin fraction, so the filler is left standing proud; no workshop-safe agent exists.[34][33]

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. bronzeFill technical data sheet colorFabb · 2026-08 · tds
  4. copperFill technical data sheet colorFabb · 2026-08 · tds
  5. Magnetic Iron PLA — product page and technical data Proto-pasta · 2026-08 · tds
  6. Bambu Filament Technical Data Sheet — PLA Sparkle Bambu Lab · 2026-08 · tds
  7. PLA Metal — product page Bambu Lab US Store · 2026-08 · vendor
  8. Bambu Filament Technical Data Sheet V3.0 — PLA Metal Bambu Lab · 2026-08 · tds
  9. Stainless Steel PLA — product page and technical data Proto-pasta · 2026-08 · tds
  10. Polymaker product catalogue Polymaker · 2026-08 · vendor
  11. PLA Sparkle — product page Bambu Lab US Store · 2026-08 · vendor
  12. bronzeFill — product page colorFabb US · 2026-08 · vendor
  13. ELEGOO product catalogue ELEGOO · 2026-08 · vendor
  14. Proto-pasta product catalogue Proto-pasta · 2026-08 · vendor
  15. Prusament PETG Technical Datasheet v1.1 Prusa Polymers · 2022-02 · tds
  16. PETG — material basics Polymaker Wiki · 2026-08 · doc
  17. Max volumetric speed Prusa Knowledge Base · 2026-08 · doc
  18. Composite materials filled with carbon, kevlar or glass Prusa Knowledge Base · 2026-08 · doc
  19. PET and PETG — Ultimate 3D Printing Materials Guide Simplify3D · 2026-08 · doc
  20. Bambu Filament Technical Data Sheet V3.0 — PLA Basic Bambu Lab · 2026-08 · tds
  21. PolyLite PLA Technical Data Sheet V5.4 Polymaker · 2024-11 · tds
  22. Wet Filament — signs, causes and drying Polymaker Wiki · 2026-08 · doc
  23. BambuLab PLA Basic vs PLA Tough vs PLA-CF — results spreadsheet My Tech Fun (Igor Gaspar) · 2026-08 · test
  24. Polymaker PLA Pro vs PLA-CF — results spreadsheet My Tech Fun (Igor Gaspar) · 2026-08 · test
  25. Carbon Fiber PLA vs META-PLA vs PLA+ vs PLA by Sunlu — results spreadsheet My Tech Fun (Igor Gaspar) · 2026-08 · test
  26. Mechanical Properties of Additively Manufactured Polymeric Materials — PLA and PETG — For Biomechanical Applications Polymers 16(13):1868 · 2024-06 · paper
  27. Prusament PETG V0 Technical Datasheet Prusa Polymers · 2026-08 · tds
  28. PLA — material guide Prusa Knowledge Base · 2026-08 · doc
  29. 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
  30. Resistance of Ultramid, Ultraform and Ultradur to chemicals (TI-KTU/AS-28 e) BASF · 2000-10 · tds
  31. Chemical resistance — resistance of Ensinger plastics to chemicals (DIN 50 014, 23/50) Ensinger · 2026-08 · tds
  32. Solubility Study of Ingeo Biopolymer Grades in Common Organic Solvents (NWPD003) NatureWorks · 2019-10 · tds
  33. Improve your 3D prints with chemical smoothing Prusa Research · 2026-08 · doc
  34. Effect of vapour smoothing in trichloromethane on 3D printed PLA — surface, mechanical and chemical structure Pitale, Keche & Chopra, Engineering Research Express 6(4) 045579 · 2024-12 · paper