3DXTech OBSIDIAN Nylon 6+CF V2 The Drop-In Markforged Onyx Alternative — Tested Head-to-Head
The Drop-In Markforged Onyx Alternative — Tested Head-to-Head
OBSIDIAN-CF V2 is a USA-made carbon-fiber-reinforced Nylon 6 filament engineered as a true one-to-one drop-in alternative to Markforged’s Onyx — at a fraction of the cost. Reformulated and retested by an independent lab against Onyx on identical printers, it matches Onyx’s matte-black finish and toughness while beating it on stiffness and heat resistance. Prints on Markforged X7 and open-format machines like the Bambu X1E and H2D. Full specifications →
Made in the USA — ships from Rev1. Need bulk pricing, 2.85 mm, or a print profile for your machine? Call (248) 707-2950.
A real Onyx alternative, with a third-party datasheet behind it.
3DXTech compounds OBSIDIAN-CF V2 in Grand Rapids, Michigan and had an independent lab test it directly against Markforged Onyx — identical printers, settings, and part orientations — so the numbers are a true one-to-one comparison, not marketing. Rev1 Technologies is your authorized 3DXTech reseller and US support partner, Auburn Hills, Michigan.
Onyx-level carbon-fiber nylon — without the ecosystem lock-in.
OBSIDIAN-CF V2 is a premium high-modulus carbon-fiber reinforced Nylon 6 (PA6) copolymer, formulated by 3DXTech to be a low-cost, drop-in replacement for Markforged’s Onyx. The original OBSIDIAN was completely reformulated and retested — the V2 grade now delivers the toughness and immaculate matte-black surface finish Onyx is known for, while printing reliably on Markforged machines and a wide range of open-format printers. It’s the pick for anyone who wants Onyx results without being locked into a single OEM’s filament supply.
The matte-black finish and toughness of Onyx — for a fraction of the cost.
Reformulated, retested, and customer-approved on the Markforged platform.
Made with premium high-modulus carbon fiber and a tough PA6 base, OBSIDIAN-CF V2 produces functional parts with a clean matte-black surface even at higher print speeds. It’s a genuine engineering nylon — stiff, tough, and heat-resistant — that lets Markforged owners cut material cost dramatically while keeping the look and performance their parts already ship with, and lets open-printer owners get Onyx-grade results on hardware they already own.
It beats Onyx on stiffness — measured, not claimed.
Every number below is from the 3DXTech OBSIDIAN-CF V2 Technical Data Sheet (Rev 1.0). An independent lab printed OBSIDIAN and Onyx samples on the same Markforged X7 with identical settings and orientations, so these are true one-to-one figures.
Stiffer than Onyx’s 1,207 MPa (ASTM D638) — more rigidity from the same part geometry.
On par with Onyx (31.9 MPa, ASTM D638) — holds sustained structural load.
Beats Onyx’s 30.8 MPa (ASTM D790) with a 1,048 MPa flexural modulus vs Onyx’s 820 MPa.
At 0.45 MPa (ISO 75) — edges out Onyx’s 145°C for parts that see heat.
Tough and impact-resistant (ASTM D256), matching the ductility Onyx is prized for.
Light, dimensionally stable carbon-fiber nylon (ISO 1183) for weight-sensitive parts.
Easy-printing carbon-fiber nylon — a hardened nozzle is the one must-have.
Unlike high-temp CF nylons, OBSIDIAN-CF V2 prints in a comfortable range on standard high-performance FFF machines. Carbon fiber is abrasive, so a hardened nozzle is required; nylon is hygroscopic, so dry it first. These are 3DXTech’s recommended settings.
Prints in a moderate range — no exotic high-temp hotend required (Markforged X7 profile: 275°C).
A heated bed with a suitable nylon adhesive gives reliable first-layer grip.
A heated chamber improves layer bonding and reduces warp on larger structural parts.
Use a hardened-steel or abrasion-resistant nozzle — carbon fiber wears out brass fast.
Runs fine down to 0.10 mm for detail, or thicker for speed and strength.
Nylon absorbs moisture; dry the filament and keep it dry for the best surface and strength.
A drop-in swap that frees you from single-OEM filament.
Same parts, same finish, dramatically lower material cost.
Compatible with Markforged X7 and open-format printers alike.
Markforged’s Onyx locks you into a single OEM’s filament supply and pricing. OBSIDIAN-CF V2 is engineered to drop straight into that workflow — same 1.75 mm carbon-fiber nylon, same matte-black look, same toughness — while also printing on machines Markforged never supported, like the Bambu X1E and H2D. The 750 g reel is sized to fit popular automated material systems including the Bambu AMS, Creality CFS, and Anycubic ACE Pro. You keep your parts and your process; you drop the cost and the lock-in.
Deep matte carbon-fiber black — just like Onyx.
OBSIDIAN-CF V2 ships in a single, purpose-built color: a deep matte carbon-fiber black that mirrors Onyx’s signature look and holds an immaculate surface finish even at higher print speeds. Carbon fiber is inherently black, so there are no other color options. It’s stocked in 1.75 mm on a 750 g reel; need 2.85 mm or bulk quantities? Ask us about standing-order pricing.
Tested head-to-head on the same printer — here’s how it stacks up.
3DXTech commissioned an independent lab to print OBSIDIAN-CF V2 and Markforged Onyx samples on the same Markforged X7 with identical settings and orientations. The chart and table below use those third-party figures (TDS Rev 1.0) — a true one-to-one comparison.
Stiffer, more heat-resistant, matched on strength and toughness.
Click the chart to enlarge the full OBSIDIAN-vs-Onyx comparison.
OBSIDIAN-CF V2 out-measures Onyx on tensile modulus (1,510 vs 1,207 MPa), flexural strength (33.9 vs 30.8 MPa), flexural modulus (1,048 vs 820 MPa), and heat deflection (147 vs 145°C), while matching it on tensile strength and impact toughness — all on the same printer, same settings.
| Property (ASTM/ISO) | OBSIDIAN-CF V2 | Markforged Onyx | Generic PA-CF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile modulus (Edge) | 1,510 MPa | 1,207 MPa | Varies widely |
| Tensile strength (Edge) | 31.0 MPa | 31.9 MPa | Varies widely |
| Flexural strength | 33.9 MPa | 30.8 MPa | Varies widely |
| HDT @ 0.45 MPa | 147°C | 145°C | Typically lower |
| Finish | Matte black | Matte black | Matte black |
| Printer compatibility | Markforged X7 + open-format | Markforged only | Open-format |
| Relative material cost | Lower | Premium (OEM-locked) | Lower, inconsistent |
OBSIDIAN vs Onyx figures are from the 3DXTech OBSIDIAN-CF V2 TDS (Rev 1.0), independent third-party lab, identical Markforged X7 printer and settings. Generic PA-CF varies by supplier; confirm against each supplier’s own TDS. Markforged and Onyx are trademarks of Markforged, Inc.; 3DXTech OBSIDIAN is an independent alternative and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Markforged.
3DXTech OBSIDIAN-CF V2 Technical Data
Check the 750 g reel fits your printer or AMS.
Standard spool dimensions — sized for Bambu AMS, Creality CFS, and Anycubic ACE Pro.
3DXTech ships OBSIDIAN-CF V2 on a consistent 750 g reel.
The 750 g reel is dimensioned to fit popular automated material systems as well as standard spool holders and dryboxes. Before you buy, check the outer diameter, width, and center bore against your printer’s spool holder or AMS. Open the full 3DXTech reel infographic for exact dimensions.
View reel dimensions →RESOURCES
Datasheet & Print Support
Everything you need to qualify and print OBSIDIAN-CF V2 — including the head-to-head Onyx data.
WHY REV1 TECH
Authorized 3DXTech Reseller. Engineering-Materials Specialists.
Rev1 Technologies is an authorized 3DXTech reseller in Auburn Hills, MI, supplying genuine USA-made engineering filament with real print support.
We help you make the switch off Onyx, dial in the profile, and keep production running.
FAQ
3DXTech OBSIDIAN-CF V2 — Common Questions
Is OBSIDIAN-CF V2 really a drop-in Onyx replacement?
Yes. 3DXTech reformulated OBSIDIAN specifically to print on the Markforged platform and match Onyx’s matte-black finish and toughness. An independent lab tested both on the same Markforged X7 with identical settings, and OBSIDIAN-CF V2 matched or beat Onyx on every measured property — at a fraction of the cost.
Does it print on non-Markforged printers?
Yes — it’s compatible with any printer capable of PA6+CF, including the Bambu X1E and H2D. The 750 g reel is sized to fit the Bambu AMS, Creality CFS, and Anycubic ACE Pro. You get Onyx-grade results on open-format hardware.
What printer settings does it need?
Extruder 265–285°C (275°C on the Markforged X7), bed 90–110°C, and a hardened-steel nozzle (0.4 mm minimum). A heated chamber is recommended for larger parts but isn’t strictly required. It’s much easier to print than high-temp carbon-fiber nylons.
Why do I need a hardened nozzle?
The carbon fiber that gives this filament its stiffness is abrasive and quickly wears out a standard brass nozzle. Use a hardened-steel or other abrasion-resistant nozzle, 0.4 mm minimum — the same requirement as Onyx.
Do I have to dry it?
Yes. Nylon is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture from the air. Dry the filament at 80°C for about 6 hours before printing and keep it in a dry box for the best surface finish and strength.
What changed in V2?
The original OBSIDIAN was completely reformulated and retested. V2 improves printability on both Markforged and open-source machines and now delivers mechanical performance that exceeds Onyx in nearly every measured property, with an immaculate surface finish even at higher print speeds.
What colors and sizes are available?
OBSIDIAN-CF V2 ships in matte black only (carbon fiber is inherently black), in 1.75 mm on a 750 g reel. Need 2.85 mm or bulk quantities? Call us about standing-order pricing.
Is it made in the USA?
Yes — 3DXTech manufactures OBSIDIAN-CF V2 at its 68,000 sq ft facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with published data and lot traceability.
How is OBSIDIAN different from CarbonX Nylon6+CF?
Both are 3DXTech carbon-fiber PA6. OBSIDIAN-CF V2 is purpose-built as a Markforged Onyx drop-in — it prints in a moderate 265–285°C range on the Markforged platform and open-format machines. CarbonX Nylon6+CF is a higher-temp grade (365–390°C) for maximum stiffness on high-temp printers. Choose OBSIDIAN for Onyx compatibility and easy printing; choose CarbonX for the highest modulus. We’ll help you pick.