About PA11 Carbon Fiber Black
Prusament PA11 Carbon Fiber Black is a Polyamide 11 filled with recycled carbon fibers which makes it very tough and durable without the tendency to warp (a common issue with PA12). This material offers great mechanical properties, high durability and high temperature resistance (up to 190 °C). It is also resistant to a number of solvents, such as Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH), methanol, ethanol, toluene, acetone, motor oils, gasoline, etc.
Prusament PA11 Carbon Fiber has good sliding properties and abrasion resistance. This makes it suitable for durable mechanical parts, such as gears and other moving parts. The mechanical properties (impact strength, tensile characteristics of the material) are similar to those of Prusament PC Blend Carbon Fiber. More information can be found in our material table.
Carbon fibers inside the filament are made by recycling waste from the manufacturing process or from carbon composites after the end of their lifespan.
Print preparation
Prusament PA11 Carbon Fiber Black can be printed onto textured or satin print sheets with a thin separation layer made with a glue stick (a separation layer is extremely important). However, the results may not be perfect. This is why we are introducing a new type of sheet - the Double-sided Powder-coated PA Nylon Satin Spring Steel Sheet which was designed specifically for Prusament PA11 Carbon Fiber Black. It is necessary to use a hardened steel nozzle. Carbon fibers are a highly-abrasive material and may damage brass nozzles.
If you are using the new PA Nylon Satin sheet, never clean it with IPA, acetone or other solvents - the surface will deteriorate quickly. Instead, clean the sheet with water only (a drop of dishwashing detergent may be used to clean greasy areas). We recommend printing in a well-ventilated room because PA11 with carbon fibers may release a noticeable odor into the air and produce ultra-fine particles. Printing on an enclosed 3D printer helps contain the odors and particles, plus the increased temperature may improve inter-layer adhesion.
PA11, like other polyamides, is a hygroscopic material (it absorbs air moisture). If the absorbed humidity reaches high values, the print quality will deteriorate. Deterioration occurs after a few days to a month, but if you are unsure or know you have not printed for a long time, we recommend drying the filament at 90°C for 4-6 hours before printing.
Also, don’t forget that the heatbed preheated for printing with PA11 has a high temperature (110 °C) and may burn you if you touch it!
You can find more in-depth printing tips in our article at blog.prusa3d.com and in our Material table.