🖤 PLA-CF · Carbon Matte & Rigid

PLA-CF Carbon Fiber 3D Printing Calculator

PLA-CF is pre-selected below! Upload your STL/3MF model to calculate instant pricing for stiff, dimensionally stable parts with a signature carbon-matte surface.

STL · OBJ · 3MFProfessional equipmentNo hidden feesInstant order without quote

Rings: rotate in 5° steps (or click a ring to enter 0.1° angle) · Lay on face: click a surface

Overhang (supports needed) Borderline Show overhangs

📦

Drop your model here

or click to choose a file from your device

✨ No file handy? Try a sample model:

📐 No 3D file (only a hand sketch, photo or broken part)? Send an inquiry for a quote →

STL · OBJ · 3MF · max 120 MB. The file is analysed in your browser.

Size-

Volume-

Model weight-

Print time-

Supports-

Overhang-

1 Material and colour

Colour

2 Quality and settings

🛠️ Let VARVX configure it for me – choose the best orientation and strength Answer 4 quick Yes/No questions below, pick the usage class & material, and describe the part.

💪 Must the part withstand force / load?

✨ Must the exterior be ultra-detailed? ?We print with a very fine layer height (0.12 mm instead of standard 0.20 mm). This brings out fine details and smoother shallow curves, but significantly increases print time (and price) and can slightly reduce mechanical strength. 💡 Tip: On standard straight and functional parts the difference is barely visible to the naked eye – standard layers are usually best (choose No).

🪄 Must supported surfaces look as clean as the rest of the part? ?When part of the model overhangs in the air (angle > 45°, red areas in 3D view), temporary supports must be printed underneath. Choosing "No" (standard supports): a tiny air gap (~0.2–0.3 mm depending on nozzle) is left so supports can break away, leaving the supported surface slightly rougher with ~0.2–0.3 mm dimensional variance. Choosing "Yes" (dedicated support interface): we print the contact layer with a 2-nozzle printer using a separate release material at 0 mm gap, keeping the supported surface smooth, strong and accurate (slower & higher cost). 💡 Tip: If the supported side is hidden and ~0.3 mm variance does not matter, choose No – it is much more affordable.

☀️ Will it be used outdoors, in a car or warm area?

🧪 Choose usage class and filament: Click a usage class and select a filament below – see heat resistance and best use cases, and the price updates instantly.

Describe what the part does and how it is loaded:

Where and in what direction do forces, bending or tension act? (e.g. "bolt pulls from this hole", "clip bends outward" – we orient the layers for maximum strength)
Where is the part used and which surface must look the cleanest?

✓ We will orient the part on the build plate and configure print settings based on your answers.

Layer height

Infill: 15%

⚙️ Advanced settings

Nozzle

Walls

Bottom layers

Top layers

Infill pattern

3 Supports

Automatic (recommended)The 3D view highlights all surfaces that may require support. Exact supports are reviewed and configured for the best result before printing. No supportsIf the model prints fine without supports.

✨ Smooth & stronger support surface – dedicated interface material (Support Interface, Z=0 mm)The support contact layer is printed on a dual-nozzle printer using a separate release material (e.g. PETG ↔ PLA) with zero air gap (Z=0 mm). This leaves the supported surface smooth and dimensionally accurate, and adds significant strength on thin or curved parts because the bottom layers are pressed firmly together rather than printed loosely in the air. 💡 For thicker parts where the underside appearance does not matter, you can leave this unchecked – standard single-material supports are much more affordable.

✨ Logo on Part (SVG)

Upload an .SVG file and click on the model surface where you want to place the logo.

✋ ✋ Drag the logo across the surface to reposition it

Relief type

Embossed (+)Protrudes outward from surface Debossed (-)Engraved cavity into surface

Logo size 35 mm

Height / Depth 0.80 mm (4 layers)

⚓ Anchoring depth into part 3.0 mm

Rotation on surface 0°

📐 Bend around cylinder / pipe

4 Quantity and notes

Quantity

Note (optional)

🚀 Rush order (faster, extra charge)

Price / pc

Total

Price includes VAT, shipping is added at checkout. Standard dimensional accuracy ±0.2 mm. The price is an estimate - if the model turns out to be more complex we will let you know before printing.

Only have a hand sketch, STEP file or special requirements? Send an inquiry →

How it works

1. Upload your model

STL, OBJ or 3MF. The file is analysed in your browser - size, volume and overhanging surfaces.

2. Choose material and settings

Material, layer height, walls, infill and supports. The price updates instantly.

3. Add to cart

The file is added instantly to your cart and uploaded when you confirm your order at checkout.

Why Engineers & Designers Love PLA-CF

Injection-moulded matte aesthetics combined with 40% higher flexural modulus

✨ Layer-Free Carbon Matte Finish

Milled carbon fibres scatter surface reflections so layer lines virtually disappear, making PLA-CF ideal for customer-facing prototypes and housings.

💪 +40% Stiffer & Zero Warping

Carbon reinforcement locks dimensions in place during cooling, ensuring dead-flat mating surfaces even on long enclosures and brackets.

🎯 Ideal for Housings, Camera Rigs & Fixtures

Perfect for lightweight jigs, electronics cases, and rigid indoor components operating below 55 °C.

Frequently asked questions

How does PLA-CF differ from PA6-CF (Carbon Nylon)?

PLA-CF is an affordable aesthetic and rigid prototyping composite (up to 55 °C), while PA6-CF is a heavy-duty industrial nylon composite rated up to 186 °C.

Is PLA-CF only available in black?

No – besides carbon black, we stock PLA-CF in several rich matte colours (grey, burgundy red, royal blue, green). Check Step 1 for live stock.

Does PLA-CF interfere with Wi-Fi or electronics?

Chopped carbon fibres in PLA-CF are non-percolating and electrically insulating, though for high-gain RF antennas we recommend glass-fibre ABS-GF or PETG.

What layer height works best with PLA-CF?

Printed through a hardened 0.4 mm nozzle at 0.20 mm layer height, PLA-CF delivers a fine textured surface right off the build plate.

Can I order small batches in PLA-CF?

Yes, enter your batch quantity in Step 4 to unlock automatic multi-part plate discounts.

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