3D Printing Info

Filament comparison

PET-CF vs PVA

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

Carbon-fibre PET (PET-CF) guidePVA (soluble support) guide

2 selected · all documented properties

Open these two in the interactive comparisonMore PET-CF comparisonsMore PVA comparisons
PET-CF vs PVA — documented properties and sources
PropertyCarbon-fibre PET (PET-CF)PETGPVA (soluble support)SUPPORT
Market snapshot
Listing priceUSD/kg; dated snapshots$39.99/kg median; $26.00–$49.98/kg across 4 dated product listings$65.98/kg median; $42.00–$96.00/kg across 5 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]Polyvinyl alcohol — a water-soluble support polymer[3][4]
Densityg/cm³1.29 (Bambu Lab) and 1.34 (Fiberon PET-CF17), ISO 1183[1][2]0.6–0.9 (3DXTech AquaTek, ISO 1183) and 1.13 (Polymaker PolyDissolve S1)[3][4]
Typical priceUSD/kg1 kg spools cluster near 45[1][5]1 kg-equivalent spools span 42–96; the middle of the market is about 66[6][5][7][8]
Price range across brandsUSD/kg26–50 across brands; ELEGOO 26 in a 5 kg pack, Bambu Lab 45, Fiberon 50[9][1][5]42–96 across brands; IEMAI 3D E-WATER 42, YXPOLYER 55, Reli3D 66 at 500 g, Polymaker PolyDissolve S1 67 at 750 g, 3DXTech AquaTek 96 at 750 g in 1.75 mm[6][5][7][10][8]
Market availability1–5Available from several mainstream brands[1][5][9]Stocked by most mainstream brands[6][5][7][10][8]
Spool sizes & diameters1.75 mm; 0.5 and 1 kg spools[5][1]1.75 and 2.85 mm; 0.5 and 0.75 kg spools[6][5]
Typical applicationsLoad-bearing parts that must survive above PETG's 70 °C ceiling without moving to PA or PC[1][2]Dissolvable support for PLA, TPU, PVB and PETG — Polymaker names those four for PolyDissolve S1[4]
Printing Parameters
Nozzle temperature°C260–290 (Bambu Lab)[1]215–225 (Polymaker PolyDissolve S1)[4]
Bed temperature°C80–100 (Bambu Lab)[1]25–60 (Polymaker PolyDissolve S1)[4]
Enclosure / chamber requirement1–5Enclosure recommended — Bambu Lab specifies a 45–60 °C chamber[1]Open frame is fine[4]
Recommended chamber temperature°C45–60 (Bambu Lab)[1]Not documented
Part cooling fan0–60 % (Bambu Lab)[1]Part cooling fan required (Simplify3D)[11]
Bed surface & adhesion aidTextured PEI, satin or powder-coated sheets; on smooth PEI a glue stick acts as a release agent[12][13]PEI sheet or painter's tape[11]
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][14]4–12 at Polymaker's 50–150 mm/s on a 0.4 mm nozzle at 0.2 mm layer[4]
Bed-adhesion difficulty1–5Needs the right surface or a thin adhesive — the problem is releasing the part, not sticking it[12][13]Sticks to most surfaces[11]
Stringing / oozing tendency1–5Moderate — retraction tuning needed; Polymaker names stringing as PETG's common quirk[13]Moderate — retraction tuning needed[11]
Overall printing difficulty1–5Advanced — enclosure, hardware upgrades, tuning[1]Intermediate — dry filament and a tuned profile; PVA is unusable once it has taken up moisture[15][4]
Extruder requirementNot documentedA second extruder or a tool changer; PVA is a support material, not a model material[4]
Hardware Wear & Reliability
Nozzle hardness required1–4Hardened steel required[1]Brass fine indefinitely[4]
Abrasiveness1–5Highly abrasive — standard CF composite[1]Non-abrasive[4]
Nozzle clog risk1–5Moderate — needs dry filament and a clean nozzle; Prusa lists higher risk of nozzle clogging for carbon-filled composites[16]Very high — frequent jams without careful setup; wet PVA foams and carbonises in the nozzle[15]
Heat-creep / jam sensitivity1–5Slightly sensitive[17]High — all-metal hotend and strong cooling needed; Simplify3D warns PVA clogs if the nozzle is left hot while not extruding[11]
Hotend requirementNo special hot-end required[17]No special hot-end required, but the nozzle must not be parked hot[11]
Moisture Behaviour
Moisture absorption (hygroscopicity)1–5Moderate — 0.37 % saturated at 25 °C / 55 % RH (Bambu Lab); 0.53 % equilibrium (Fiberon)[1][2]Very high (>2 %) — Polymaker measures 10.21 % equilibrium water absorption, by far the highest in the dataset[4]
Equilibrium moisture content at ~50 % RH%0.37 saturated at 25 °C / 55 % RH (Bambu Lab); 0.53 equilibrium (Fiberon PET-CF17)[1][2]10.21 equilibrium water absorption (Polymaker PolyDissolve S1)[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]Not documented
Symptoms when wetBubbling and popping at the nozzle, stringing and a rough surface[15]Bubbling and popping at the nozzle, stringing and a rough surface; with PVA this progresses to clogging[15]
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 groups PVA with nylon as the most moisture-prone class and says it often has to stay in a dryer while printing; there is no published dry-versus-conditioned strength comparison because PVA is not a structural material[15]
Storage requirementSealed with desiccant; Polymaker groups PETG with the highly hygroscopic materials[15][13]Sealed with desiccant at all times; PVA takes up water faster than any other filament here[15][4]
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]Not documented
Young's modulusMPa4730 ± 260 (Bambu Lab) and 5481 ± 224 (Fiberon) printed XY, ISO 527[1][2]Not documented
Elongation at break%2.4 ± 0.5 printed XY, ISO 527 (Fiberon PET-CF17)[2]Not documented
Flexural strengthMPa109.3 ± 2.0 printed XY, ISO 178 (Fiberon PET-CF17)[2]Not documented
Flexural modulusMPa4744 ± 136 printed XY, ISO 178 (Fiberon PET-CF17)[2]Not documented
Charpy impact, notchedkJ/m²5.1 ± 0.2 printed XY, ISO 179 notched (Fiberon PET-CF17); unnotched 25.1 ± 2.8[2]Not documented
Layer adhesion / Z tensileMPa27.9 (Fiberon) and 35 ± 5 (Bambu Lab) printed Z, ISO 527[1][2]Not documented
Brittleness1–5Very brittle — elongation at break 2.4 % in XY and 0.8 % in Z[2]Not documented
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 — deforms under load at room temperature; PVA is not used structurally[3]
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 — fails after a few cycles[3]
Elasticity / flexibility1–5Rigid[1]Not documented
Z strength as % of XY%42 (Fiberon) to 47 (Bambu Lab), printed[1][2]Not documented
Wear resistance & frictionNot documented3DXTech marks tensile strength, modulus and elongation as not applicable for its PVA support grade — it is not characterised as a structural material[3]
Thermal Properties
HDT at 0.45 MPa°C147.5 (Fiberon) and 205 (Bambu Lab), ISO 75 at 0.45 MPa[1][2]Not documented
HDT at 1.8 MPa°C105 (Fiberon) and 182 (Bambu Lab), ISO 75 at 1.8 MPa[1][2]Not documented
Glass transition (Tg)°C75 (Bambu Lab) and 79.3 (Fiberon), DSC[1][2]60 (3DXTech AquaTek, DSC)[3]
Melting point / Vicat°C241.3 (Fiberon) and 250 (Bambu Lab) melting, DSC; Vicat 226–238[1][2]Not documented
Continuous service temperature°CNot documentedBounded by a glass transition of 60 °C[3]
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[18]Flammable; no UL 94 rating published[3]
Environment & Chemical
UV resistance1–5Not documentedDegrades within weeks outdoors, and dissolves in rain long before UV matters[4]
Chemical resistanceWithstands acids, alkalis, oils and UV exposure[13]Dissolves in water; unusable in any wet or humid service environment[4][11]
Water / humidity resistance in service1–5Not documentedDissolves or disintegrates — by design[4][3]
Food contactNot certified for food contact as filament[13]Not offered as a food-contact material[3]
Biodegradability / compostabilityNot biodegradable[13]PVA is water-soluble and biodegrades in wastewater treatment, but Simplify3D notes disposal should follow local guidance[11]
RecyclabilityNot accepted in household plastic collection[13]Dissolved PVA goes to drain rather than to recycling[11]
Electrical & ESD propertiesSurface resistivity above 10¹² ohm — insulating (Fiberon PET-CF17, ANSI/ESD S11.11)[2]Surface resistance above 10^13 ohm/sq (ASTM D257, 3DXTech AquaTek PVA)[3]
Health & Safety
Fume toxicity1–5Moderate — measurable VOCs and UFPs, ventilation advised[19]Low hazard — minimal VOC and particle emission; none of these materials was in the chamber study[19]
Ventilation / filtration requirement1–5Ventilated room or enclosure recommended[19][1]Open a window / occasional ventilation[19]
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[17]Not sanded — it is dissolved away rather than finished[11]
Gluing & solvent weldingCyanoacrylate; no common solvent welds PETG cleanly[17]Not applicable — PVA is a sacrificial support[11]
Vapour / chemical smoothingNo practical vapour smoothing[17]Water is the solvent; no vapour smoothing is used[4]
Support material pairingPrints its own supports; Polymaker rates PolyDissolve S1 for PETG[17]This is the support material; Polymaker pairs PolyDissolve S1 with PLA, TPU, PVB and PETG[4]
Dimensional accuracy & detailBambu Lab markets it on low warping and shrinkage relative to other high-temperature composites[1]Not documented
Solvents & Solubility
Soluble inNone common; fluorinated solvents such as hexafluoroisopropanol dissolve linear polyester at 23 °C. Laboratory only.[20][21]Water — tap water works cold, warm moving water is faster; 6–12 h typical, changing the water every few hours.[22][23]
Softened or crazed byEnsinger rates polyester not resistant to chloroform or dichloromethane and only conditionally resistant to acetone and MEK.[21]Nothing else: polyvinyl alcohol resists organic solvents, so an IPA or acetone rinse leaves the support intact.[24]
Solvent welding & smoothing agentDichloromethane attacks polyester and can be brushed on, but the carbon fibre blocks any useful surface flow.[21][25]None — water dissolves PVA rather than welding it, and no solvent gives it a smoothed surface.[22]

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. AquaTek PVA Water Soluble Support Technical Data Sheet v1.0 3DXTech · 2026-08 · tds
  4. PolyDissolve S1 Technical Data Sheet V5.4 Polymaker · 2024-11 · tds
  5. Polymaker product catalogue Polymaker · 2026-08 · vendor
  6. 3DXTech product catalogue 3DXTech · 2026-08 · vendor
  7. YXPOLYER PVA 1 kg — product page YXPOLYER · 2026-08 · vendor
  8. IEMAI 3D E-WATER water-soluble support filament — store page IEMAI 3D · 2026-08 · vendor
  9. ELEGOO product catalogue ELEGOO · 2026-08 · vendor
  10. Reli3D PVA Filament 1.75 mm 500 g Natural — Amazon listing Amazon.com · 2026-08 · vendor
  11. PVA — Ultimate 3D Printing Materials Guide Simplify3D · 2026-08 · doc
  12. Prusament PETG Technical Datasheet v1.1 Prusa Polymers · 2022-02 · tds
  13. PETG — material basics Polymaker Wiki · 2026-08 · doc
  14. Max volumetric speed Prusa Knowledge Base · 2026-08 · doc
  15. Wet Filament — signs, causes and drying Polymaker Wiki · 2026-08 · doc
  16. Composite materials filled with carbon, kevlar or glass Prusa Knowledge Base · 2026-08 · doc
  17. PET and PETG — Ultimate 3D Printing Materials Guide Simplify3D · 2026-08 · doc
  18. Prusament PETG V0 Technical Datasheet Prusa Polymers · 2026-08 · tds
  19. 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
  20. Resistance of Ultramid, Ultraform and Ultradur to chemicals (TI-KTU/AS-28 e) BASF · 2000-10 · tds
  21. Chemical resistance — resistance of Ensinger plastics to chemicals (DIN 50 014, 23/50) Ensinger · 2026-08 · tds
  22. PolyDissolve S1 — Polymaker Wiki Polymaker · 2026-08 · doc
  23. 3DXTech AquaTek PVA product page 3DXTech · 2026-08 · vendor
  24. Polyvinyl alcohol — KURARAY POVAL application guide Kuraray · 2026-08 · tds
  25. Improve your 3D prints with chemical smoothing Prusa Research · 2026-08 · doc