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PCTG + CF / GF filament

Impact-resistant PCTG, reinforced with carbon or glass fibre for stiff, dimensionally stable technical parts.

PCTG CF and PCTG GF combine the impact resistance of PCTG with the stiffness of fibre reinforcement. Fiberlogy PCTG + CF contains 10% carbon fibre and is black. PCTG + GF contains 10% glass fibre and comes in black and natural, also as a 1 kg refill without a plastic spool. Below the products you can read the difference between CF and GF, and which settings to print them with. Read more…

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What are PCTG CF and PCTG GF?

PCTG is a copolyester from the same family as PETG, but far more impact-resistant. Adding short fibres makes it stiffer and more dimensionally stable, while the tough base remains. In PCTG + CF (carbon fibre) these are carbon fibres, in PCTG + GF (glass fibre) glass fibres. The 0.75 kg spools both contain 10% fibre. Looking for PCTG without fibres? See PCTG; you will find all types from this family under PETG & PCTG filament.

CF or GF: what is the difference?

PCTG + CFPCTG + GF
Fibre10% carbon fibre10% glass fibre
ColoursBlackBlack and natural
Format0.75 kg spool0.75 kg spool or 1 kg refill
SurfaceMatte and dark, technical lookMatte, layer lines less noticeable

In general, carbon fibre makes a print the stiffest, while glass fibre leaves a little more toughness. The natural colour of PCTG + GF is handy if you want a lighter part.

PCTG + GF as a refill

PCTG + GF is also available as a 1 kg refill: filament on a cardboard core, without a plastic spool. You mount it on a reusable Fiberlogy spool with a twist-lock system, which according to Fiberlogy also fits the AMS and other multi-material systems. That saves plastic.

Print settings

  • Nozzle: 250–270 °C, for CF and GF.
  • Print bed: 90–110 °C.
  • Hardened nozzle: carbon and glass fibre are abrasive. Use a hardened steel nozzle or another wear-resistant material.
  • Adhesion: print on a textured sheet or use glue stick as a release agent.
  • Enclosure: not needed; the material shrinks little and hardly warps.

Something going wrong? Solving 3D printing problems covers the most common problems and how to fix them.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Impact-resistant PCTG base with the stiffness of fibre reinforcement
  • Dimensionally stable, with little shrinkage and warping
  • According to Fiberlogy, more heat-resistant than ordinary PCTG
  • Matte surface; PCTG + GF also as a refill

Cons

  • Abrasive: a hardened nozzle is needed
  • Few colours: CF only black, GF black or natural
  • Needs a hot print bed (90–110 °C)
  • Absorbs moisture, so store it dry

Uses

  • Prototypes: functional prototypes that are put under load.
  • Workshop: tools, moulds and jigs for repeated use.
  • Industry: machine parts, brackets and enclosures.
  • Engineering: gears, guides and parts for the car.

Frequently asked questions

  • What do CF and GF mean for filament?

    CF stands for carbon fibre and GF for glass fibre. They are short fibres mixed through the plastic. They make a print stiffer and more dimensionally stable. Because they are abrasive, you need a hardened nozzle for both.

  • What is the difference between PCTG CF and PETG CF?

    Both contain 10% carbon fibre and print at the same temperatures: 250–270 °C with a bed of 90–110 °C. The difference is in the base. PCTG is far more impact-resistant than PETG, so PCTG CF copes better with knocks and vibration. PETG CF is a good choice for stiff parts that do not have to take much punishment. You can read more about the difference in PCTG vs PETG.

  • Do I need a hardened nozzle for PCTG GF?

    Yes. Like carbon fibre, glass fibre is abrasive and wears out a brass nozzle in a short time. The opening then gets larger and your prints become inaccurate. Use a hardened steel nozzle or another wear-resistant material.

  • How hot can a PCTG CF or GF part get?

    Ordinary PCTG keeps its shape up to around 76 °C. According to Fiberlogy, the carbon and glass fibre versions are more heat-resistant, but the manufacturer does not give an exact temperature. If a part really has to get hot, test it first or choose a material made for higher temperatures, such as CPE HT.

  • Can I use PCTG CF and GF in the Bambu Lab AMS?

    Yes. The 0.75 kg spools are 199 mm in diameter and 59 mm wide and fit in the AMS; see also Fiberlogy spools in the AMS. You mount the PCTG + GF refill on a Fiberlogy twist-lock spool, which is also suitable for the AMS. Do make sure you have a hardened nozzle.