Description
Filamatrix’s Nylon Carbon Fiber (Nylon CF) Hydrophobic is a revolutionary polyamide-based material that helps solve one of nylon’s biggest problems with regards to 3D printing: moisture. Nylon CF Hydrophobic takes the improvements of our Nylon Hydrophobic filament with regards to moisture, and improves the physical properties with the added benefit of carbon fiber reinforcement. Like Nylon Hydrophobic, this filament picks up moisture at less than one fourth the rate of a standard PA6. But the most important aspect is that when it does start picking up moisture, it affects the printing and physical properties much less than other nylons. Additionally, Nylon CF Hydrophobic experiences very little warping, making printing a breeze.
While Nylon CF Hydrophobic is a significant improvement over standard nylons, some measures must still be taken to limit moisture uptake, as it will eventually begin to affect printing. Nylon materials inherently take up moisture from the surrounding atmosphere due to the nature of their chemistry. When most polymers are extruded with high moisture content, the chains in the polymer will break. When this happens, you may notice a change in viscosity and melt strength of the melted polymer. An obvious sign of your nylon being too wet is popping noises as the material is extruded, as this is the moisture in the material vaporizing. All nylon materials are shipped in vacuum-sealed bags to prevent moisture uptake during shipping and storage.
Nylon CF Hydrophobic Filament is proudly made in the USA to the tightest diameter tolerance on the market. Filamatrix filaments are designed and developed by engineers with 50+ years of experience in plastic extrusion. All Filamatrix products are repeatedly tested for color uniformity and physical properties through an in-house print lab, consisting of numerous printer manufacturers. Physical properties of printed test bars are checked by a certified outside lab.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Recommended nozzle temperature: 265 – 290 °C
- Recommended bed temperature: 50 °C
- Recommended drying temperature: 120 °C
TIPS FOR OPTIMAL PRINTING
- A variety of build surfaces (glass, Garolite, PEI, etc.) may be used.
- Nylon is moisture sensitive; measures should be taken to keep the filament dry.
- Generally, slower speeds, larger nozzles, and thicker layers are recommended as a starting point, but feel free to experiment with other settings.
A FEW WORDS ABOUT DRYING
- All 3D printer filaments are at least somewhat prone to absorbing water (hydroscopic)
- Hydrophobic Nylon variants (Nylon Hydrophobic, Hydrophobic Nylon Carbon Fiber) absorb moisture much slow than Nylon
- The effects of moisture may take days to become noticeable after opening the spool
- Indications of moisture problems include popping or spitting when printing and stringy prints
- Drying may be done in a dedicated filament dryer, oven, or food dehydrator
- For casual to moderate printers we recommend this product (Opens in new window. No compensation is received.)
- For Hydrophobic Nylon Carbon Fiber, dry six to twelve hours at 120° C (250° F)