Carbon Fiber vs Nylon Filament - Which One is More Rugged?

3D printing has come a long way over the past few years, with new and exciting materials being developed all the time. Two of the most popular materials in 3D printing are carbon fiber and nylon filament. But which one is more rugged? Let's find out!

Carbon Fiber Filament

Carbon fiber is a material that has been around since the 1960s, but it has only recently become popular in 3D printing. Carbon fiber filament is made by combining carbon fibers with a thermoplastic material, such as PLA or ABS. The resulting material is incredibly strong, stiff, and lightweight, making it an excellent choice for 3D printing projects that require a high degree of strength and durability.

Carbon Fiber Filament is great for printing things like RC car parts that need to withstand high speeds and rough terrain, as it is resistant to impact, abrasion, and fatigue. Additionally, carbon fiber filament has a unique texture that looks great on finished prints, giving them a professional and eye-catching appearance.

Nylon Filament

Nylon filament, on the other hand, is a much more versatile material, with a wide range of applications in 3D printing. Nylon filament is incredibly tough and resistant to wear, making it an excellent choice for prototyping and printing functional parts. Nylon filament can also be used for printing certain types of flexible objects such as phone cases, watch bands, or other similar accessories.

Unlike carbon fiber filament, Nylon has excellent chemical resistance, making it a suitable option for printing objects that will be exposed to chemicals or liquids.

So, which one is more rugged?

Both carbon fiber filament and nylon filament are incredibly rugged materials that are perfect for 3D printing projects that require a high level of strength and durability. However, carbon fiber filament might edge out Nylon filament slightly when it comes to sheer strength and stiffness.

Carbon fiber is a lot stronger than Nylon in terms of tensile strength and flexural strength, meaning that it is less likely to break when exposed to stress or tension. Nylon filament, though, offers a much better balance between strength and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for those who need a rugged material that will also be used in objects with intricate or precise shapes.

References:

1. 3D Insider - A great resource for all things 3D printing, with plenty of information on the different types of filaments available.

2. Filament guide - A superb comparison guide to the different types of 3D printer filaments available, including Nylon and Carbon Fiber.