Today, we’re delving into the world of high-performance 3D printing with 3DX Tech’s latest offering, the Carbon X CFPA 12. This cutting-edge filament combines the strength of carbon fiber with the versatility of nylon 12, resulting in an impressive material. Let’s dive in and learn more about this innovative filament.
The Carbon X CFPA 12
The Carbon X CFPA 12 is a PA12 (Polyamide 12) filament that features high modulus carbon fiber reinforcement. 3DX Tech has carefully chosen this specialty nylon 12 for its printability, thermal properties, and excellent chemical resistance. PA12, also known as nylon 12, is widely used across various industries due to its remarkable chemical resistance, low moisture absorption, and a wide processing temperature range.
This specific formulation of CFPA 12 ensures minimal shrinkage during the printing process, resulting in exceptional dimensional stability. These characteristics make CFPA 12 an ideal choice for applications such as tools, fixtures, and jigs.
Applications in the Real World
Wondering where you might encounter CFPA 12 in the real world? This versatile filament finds applications in a wide range of industries. From motor parts to fuel line connectors, coolant pumps to bearing pads, and even aircraft engines, CFPA 12 proves its mettle. It’s also used in high-stress environments, such as high voltage bushings, motor housings, and heat shields. Additionally, CFPA 12 is favored for prototypes in the automotive and aerospace sectors, making it a top choice for producing car parts, drones, and high-durability mechanical components.
Printing with CFPA 12
While CFPA 12 opens up exciting possibilities, it’s essential to understand the printing requirements. To successfully print with this filament, your nozzle temperature should range from 265°C to 285°C. In some cases, it can even go as high as 310°C to 315°C, depending on your print speed and settings.
The bed temperature should be maintained at 90°C to 100°C for optimal adhesion. To keep CFPA 12 securely anchored to the print bed, Vision Miner’s nanopolymer adhesive is highly effective, ensuring successful prints. While a heated chamber is recommended, it’s not mandatory. A heated chamber can be particularly useful for larger, thicker parts as it helps reduce warping and curling, but it’s not a strict requirement.
Handling Moisture and Drying
As with many thermal plastics, drying CFPA 12 is crucial. Even though PA12 absorbs moisture less than standard PA6-based materials, it’s essential to dry it before printing to prevent unwanted steam bubbles. Store the filament in a sealed container between uses, such as a vacuum chamber, to keep it dry. If the material becomes overly moist and unsuitable for printing, you can dry it at around 90°C for 4-6 hours to restore its printability. Vision Miner offers a full drying kit, including a vacuum chamber and ovens, for efficient moisture removal.
Material Specifications
CFPA 12 exhibits impressive material specifications. It has a glass transition temperature of around 165°C and a heat deflection temperature of about 150°C. This means it maintains its strength and stiffness across a broad temperature range, making it suitable for various applications. For continuous use over extended periods, CFPA 12 can withstand temperatures of around 120°C. Moreover, its low moisture absorption enhances its mechanical properties even after exposure to humidity, surpassing nylon six. Additionally, it offers superior chemical resistance and is lighter than some of its counterparts, with a density of 1.16 grams per cubic centimeter.
Flame Resistance
If you’re looking for a flame-retardant material, CFPA 12 may not be the ideal choice. It is not UL94V0 flame-retardant. There are alternative materials available for applications requiring flame resistance. Explore Vision Miner’s range of high-performance, flame-retardant filaments for suitable options.
Testing the Material
What better way to understand a material than to test it ? We’ve conducted several tests on CFPA 12 to evaluate its characteristics. From crushing and burning to examining layer adhesion, we’ve put this filament through its paces. While it exhibits impressive strength and rigidity, it’s important to understand its behavior when subjected to heat and flame.
Getting Your Hands on CFPA 12
If you’re interested in trying CFPA 12 for your 3D printing projects, you can find it at Vision Miner’s online store. We offer a variety of materials, including high-performance filaments, machines, nozzles, and accessories. When you shop with us, you get the added benefit of earning three percent back on every dollar you spend, which can be used for future purchases. Plus, our team is here to assist you with any questions or support you may need when you purchase from our store.
That’s a wrap on our exploration of 3DX Tech’s Carbon X CFPA 12. If you found this information helpful, please show your support by hitting the like button and subscribing to our channel for more informative content. Feel free to leave your comments or questions, and stay tuned for our upcoming comparison videos on various filaments. Thank you for watching, and have a fantastic day!