Rev1 PLA-CF The Easiest Carbon Fiber to Print. Premium Matte Black, Ships from Michigan.

Rev1 PLA-CF is carbon-fiber-reinforced PLA: the look and stiffness of a carbon composite, with the effortless printing of the material almost everyone starts with. It prints low-warp on any FDM printer with no heated chamber or enclosure, holds fine detail, and finishes in a speckled matte black that hides layer lines. The chopped carbon fiber adds rigidity and dimensional stability over plain PLA and cuts stringing. The one catch: carbon fiber is abrasive, so run a hardened-steel nozzle — otherwise it prints as easily as regular PLA.

Why makers reach for PLA-CF

PLA-CF gives you a professional carbon-composite look without the enclosure, high temps, and finicky tuning that PA-CF or PC-CF demand. It sticks to the bed without a heated enclosure, prints crisp detail, and the matte carbon surface reads as premium straight off the printer — equally at home on a hobby machine or a production farm.

• The easiest carbon-fiber filament to print — PLA-based, low temps
• No heated chamber or enclosure required
• Premium matte-black carbon finish that hides layer lines
• Stiffer and more dimensionally stable than plain PLA

The carbon fiber makes Rev1 PLA-CF noticeably stiffer and more dimensionally stable than plain PLA, and it prints crisp detail — ideal for premium display prototypes, models, and desk items. Be honest about its limits: like all PLA it is stiff-but-brittle and softens with heat (~55°C), so it is not a high-heat or heavy-load material. For functional, outdoor, or high-heat parts, step up to a true engineering carbon like PA-CF or PC+-CF, or to ABS, from the Rev1 catalog.

Key property summary

• Tensile strength: ~50–60 MPa (typical PLA-CF range)
• Flexural modulus: ~4–5 GPa — stiffer than plain PLA thanks to the carbon fiber
• Elongation at break: ~2–4% — stiff but brittle, like all PLA
• Glass transition: ~55–60°C — softens in hot cars or near motors
• Density: ~1.24 g/cm³ — light, matte carbon finish

Values are representative of standard PLA-CF grades. Contact Rev1 for OEM-specific TDS.

Rev1 PLA-CF comes in a single, purpose-built color — Carbon Fiber matte black. The chopped carbon fiber gives a speckled, low-gloss surface that hides layer lines and reads as premium straight off the printer, with no painting or post-processing. Each spool is made to order on a 1–3 week lead time and ships from our Michigan warehouse. Reserve yours today and receive a tracking number when it ships.

Why the matte carbon finish

• Matte black — a deep, low-gloss surface with no shine
• Speckled carbon texture — the fiber gives a fine, technical grain
• Hides layer lines — the matte finish diffuses light and softens stepping
• Premium look — parts read as finished composite, not hobby plastic
• No painting needed — the color and texture are built in
• Added stiffness — the same carbon fiber that colors it also rigidizes it
• Consistent spooling — precision-wound for snag-free feeding

Add Carbon Fiber to your cart in the configurator above to see availability and place a made-to-order request.

Rev1 PLA-CF is one of the most forgiving carbon filaments you can load. If you have a working PLA profile, use it as a starting point — low warp and no enclosure needed. The one requirement: because the carbon fiber is abrasive, run a hardened-steel nozzle so it doesn’t wear out a standard brass tip. A 0.4 mm nozzle or larger clears the fiber cleanly.

Recommended print settings

Nozzle temperature

210–230°C

Bed temperature

50–60°C

Nozzle

Hardened steel, 0.4 mm+

Print speed

40–80 mm/s

Layer height

0.1–0.3 mm

Cooling fan

80–100%

For the best matte-carbon surface, use 3–4 perimeters and 20–30% infill for decorative parts, and keep cooling high for sharp overhangs and bridges. No enclosure is needed — a hardened nozzle is the only extra hardware.

Because PLA-CF prints at low temperatures with no warp, it runs on any desktop FDM printer that accepts 1.75 mm filament — no enclosure and no all-metal hot end needed. The only requirement is a hardened-steel nozzle, since the carbon fiber will wear a standard brass tip over time.

Verified compatible printer families

• Bambu Lab (A-series, P-series, X-series) — Generic PLA profile + hardened nozzle
• Creality (Ender, CR, K-series)
• Prusa (MK-series, MINI)
• Ultimaker / Makerbot
• Raise3D, Dremel, Qidi Tech
• Any open-format FDM printer accepting 1.75 mm

Rev1 can provide slicer profiles for your printer on request. Call (248) 707-2950 or use the contact form below.

PLA-CF excels wherever you want a premium matte-carbon look and a bit more stiffness than plain PLA, while mechanical and thermal demands stay moderate — display prototypes, models, miniatures, cosplay props, architectural scale models, decorative pieces, and light RC or drone parts. It’s not the pick for structural, outdoor, or high-heat parts; reach for a true engineering carbon like PA-CF or PC+-CF, or ABS, there.

Common use cases

• Architectural models and scale replicas
• Premium product design mockups and display prototypes
• Display pieces, trade-show models
• Decorative pieces, faceted vases, and desk gadgets
• Cosplay props, helmets, and figurines
• Light RC and drone parts
• Tabletop miniatures and training aids

Like all PLA, PLA-CF is hygroscopic and will absorb moisture from the air, leading to stringing, bubbling, and reduced surface quality. Rev1 PLA-CF ships vacuum-sealed with a desiccant pack. After opening, reseal with desiccant or store in an airtight container.

Storage & drying guide

• Storage: Sealed bag or airtight container with desiccant
• Ideal humidity: below 20% RH
• Shelf life (sealed): 12–24 months
• Drying (if wet): 45–55°C for 4–6 hours in a filament dryer or oven
• Signs of moisture: popping/crackling sounds during print, rough surface, blobs

Rev1 stocks filament dryers and vacuum-seal accessories. Ask about a bundle at checkout or call (248) 707-2950.

Rev1 PLA-CF is the easiest carbon fiber to print — it adds a premium matte-black finish and more stiffness than plain PLA, with the same effortless, enclosure-free printing. It is not a heat- or load-rated material: for structural, high-heat, or outdoor carbon parts, step up to a true engineering carbon like PA-CF, which is far tougher and more heat-resistant but much harder to print.