PET-CF
Carbon-fiber-reinforced PET
The stiffest material we run, and the most heat-tolerant. For structural parts that have to hold their shape under load.
PET-CF is PET reinforced with chopped carbon fiber: our stiffest, most heat-tolerant material. It's about twice as stiff as PC and holds its shape under sustained load. Unlike nylon-based composites, PET-CF doesn't soak up moisture, so dimensions stay predictable in humid conditions.
The surface finish is matte with a faint carbon-fiber texture. Parts machine and drill cleanly, but the fiber chews through standard tools, so hardened tooling is a must for post-processing. Sanding works, though it exposes more fiber. Two-part epoxies bond well.
Specifications
- Heat deflection (0.45 MPa, annealed)
- 147 °C
- Tensile strength (XY)
- 66 MPa
- Young's modulus
- 5,481 MPa
- Charpy impact (notched, XY)
- 5 kJ/m²
- Density
- 1.34 g/cm³
- Price tier
- $$$$
When to use
Parts that face continuous load, sustained heat above 100 °C, or both. Structural brackets, drone frames, tooling, motor housings — anywhere a part has to hold its shape when it gets hot.
When not to use
The fiber makes PET-CF more brittle than unfilled plastics, so it's a poor choice for parts that need to absorb high-impact loads without cracking. UV exposure degrades unstabilized PET-CF, ruling it out for sustained outdoor use. It's also our most expensive material. Not the right call when a cheaper option will do.