FDM TechnologyCarbon Fiber Composite

Ultimate Strength Meets PrecisionCarbon Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic for High-Performance Applications

Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber combines the strength and lightweight properties of carbon fiber with the design freedom and cost-effectiveness of 3D printing. FDM allows for the creation of complex geometries and internal structures, optimizing part strength and weight distribution. This results in durable, high-performance parts that are ideal for applications requiring exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, such as aerospace, automotive, and sporting goods industries.

Tensile Strength
76 MPa
Flexural Modulus
10,300 MPa
Temperature Resistance
143 °C
Technology
FDM
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Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber 3D printed part example
Large Build Volume
Cost-Effective
FDM material

Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber overview

Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber is a revolutionary composite material that combines nylon 12 base polymer with chopped carbon fiber at 35% by weight. This unique composition results in exceptional mechanical properties with the highest stiffness-to-weight ratio in the Stratasys FDM material portfolio. The carbon fiber reinforcement provides anisotropic properties that can be leveraged similar to a composite laminate, making it ideal for applications where high strength and stiffness are critical requirements while maintaining the design freedom inherent to additive manufacturing.

Why manufacture with Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber

Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber combines highest stiffness-to-weight ratio in fdm material portfolio and exceptional tensile strength up to 76 mpa (xz direction), delivering outstanding flexural modulus up to 10,300 mpa for demanding applications. From rapid prototyping to production runs, teams rely on Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber to maintain tight tolerances while reducing assembly complexity through consolidated part designs.

FDM Production Technology

Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber revolutionizes FDM composites with 35% chopped carbon reinforcement delivering 10,300 MPa flexural modulus—the highest stiffness of any FDM thermoplastic. The Stratasys Fortus 450mc's specialized print head handles the abrasive carbon fibers while maintaining dimensional accuracy (±0.15%) critical for aerospace tooling. With 76 MPa tensile strength and exceptional fatigue resistance, this composite replaces aluminum in jigs, fixtures, and functional prototypes. The material's 0.5% moisture absorption and chemical resistance to fuels and lubricants make it ideal for automotive under-hood components and industrial equipment requiring both rigidity and environmental durability.

Build Volume

914 × 610 × 914 mm

Max part size

Lead Time

2-4 business days

Fast turnaround available

Layer Height

0.25 mm

Resolution

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Manufactured in Forge Labs' North American production centers with serialized traceability for Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber.

Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber FDM cube sample showing high-performance thermoplastic properties
Technical resources

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Technical datasheet

Detailed specs for Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber.

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Applications & field work

Where Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber excels

Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber represents a breakthrough in FDM composite materials, with 35% chopped carbon fiber by weight delivering the highest stiffness-to-weight ratio in the Stratasys portfolio. This advanced composite enables metal replacement strategies for brackets, fixtures, and structural components.

The carbon fiber reinforcement creates anisotropic properties similar to composite laminates, allowing engineers to optimize part orientation for specific load cases. With 11.5 GPa tensile modulus in the XY orientation, parts rival aluminum stiffness at 50% the weight.

Forge Labs' expertise in composite materials ensures optimal print strategies that maximize fiber alignment and minimize voids. Our documented process parameters deliver consistent mechanical properties critical for aerospace tooling and automotive production parts.

Mechanical
Tensile Strength (XZ Axis): 76 MPa
Tensile modulus 11.5 GPa (XY)
Thermal
Heat Deflection Temperature (0.45 MPa): 143 °C
CTE 1.5 μm/m·°C (XY flow)
Physical
Density: 1.15 g/cm³
Electrical
Volume Resistivity: 1.4×10³ – 1.01×10⁶ Ω·cm
High-performance brake pedal with carbon fiber reinforcement
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Industry applications for Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber

From Formula 1 to satellite components, Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber enables lightweighting strategies previously impossible with 3D printing. Discover how leaders leverage this composite material.

Nylon 12 CF enables lightweight aerospace tooling and UAV components with stiffness approaching aluminum at half the weight. The material's low coefficient of thermal expansion ensures dimensional stability across temperature ranges.

Key Applications

  • UAV structural frames and components
  • Composite layup and bonding fixtures
  • Satellite panel inserts and brackets
  • Ground support equipment components

Performance Data

Achieves specific stiffness of 9.0 GPa·cm³/g, exceeding unfilled polymers by 300% while maintaining <2% moisture absorption for stable performance.

Explore aerospace structures & tooling

Racing teams leverage Nylon 12 CF for rapid iteration of aerodynamic components and structural parts. The material withstands track conditions while enabling overnight design changes between sessions.

Key Applications

  • Aerodynamic winglets and vanes
  • Brake cooling ducts and deflectors
  • Structural brackets and mounts
  • Custom driver controls and pedals

Performance Data

Tensile strength of 75.9 MPa with 1.9% elongation provides rigid components that survive high-frequency vibration and 100°C track temperatures.

Nylon 12 CF's exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratio enables faster robotic movements and reduced cycle times. The material's low mass reduces inertia, allowing higher acceleration and precision.

Key Applications

  • Lightweight gripper fingers and jaws
  • End-of-arm tooling structures
  • Vision system mounting brackets
  • Cable management components

Performance Data

Reduces end effector weight by 60% versus aluminum while maintaining <0.2mm deflection under 50N load, enabling 30% faster pick-and-place cycles.

Explore robotic end effectors

Professional athletes rely on Nylon 12 CF for customized equipment that combines lightweight performance with exceptional stiffness. The material enables personalized designs optimized for individual biomechanics.

Key Applications

  • Custom bicycle components and brackets
  • Protective gear reinforcement structures
  • Equipment handles and grips
  • Performance measurement housings

Performance Data

Fatigue resistance through 100,000 cycles at 50% ultimate tensile strength, with specific modulus exceeding magnesium for weight-critical applications.

Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber production examples

High-performance brake pedal with carbon fiber reinforcement

High-performance brake pedal with carbon fiber reinforcement

Automotive Brake Component

FDM Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber sample cube

FDM Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber sample cube

Material Sample

Carbon fiber reinforced nylon component

Carbon fiber reinforced nylon component

Structural Component

Performance Dashboard

Technical performance for Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber

Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber delivers dependable strength and impact resistance for High-strength aerospace brackets and mounts and Automotive brake components and structural parts, helping teams move from prototype to production with confidence.

Mechanical Properties

Tensile Strength (XZ Axis)

76 MPa

Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber records Tensile Strength (XZ Axis) at 76 MPa, reinforcing its mechanical properties story.

Mechanical Properties

Tensile Strength (ZX Axis)

34 MPa

Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber records Tensile Strength (ZX Axis) at 34 MPa, reinforcing its mechanical properties story.

Mechanical Properties

Elongation at Break

1.9 %

Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber records Elongation at Break at 1.9 %, reinforcing its mechanical properties story.

Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber combines Highest stiffness-to-weight ratio in FDM material portfolio and Exceptional tensile strength up to 76 MPa (XZ direction) to support High-strength aerospace brackets and mounts and Automotive brake components and structural parts that demand production-ready durability.

Measurement
Nylon 12 Carbon FiberBase
Standard
Tensile Strength (XZ Axis)76 MPa—
Tensile Strength (ZX Axis)34 MPa—
Elongation at Break1.9 %—
Tensile Modulus (XZ Axis)7,600 MPa—
Tensile Modulus (ZX Axis)2,300 MPa—
Flexural Strength (XZ Axis)142 MPa—
Flexural Strength (ZX Axis)58 MPa—
Flexural Modulus (XZ Axis)10,300 MPa—
Flexural Modulus (ZX Axis)2,070 MPa—
Impact Strength (Notched)85 J/m—
Compression Strength67 MPa—
Mechanical Performance

Mechanical Properties

Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber delivers dependable strength and impact resistance for High-strength aerospace brackets and mounts and Automotive brake components and structural parts, helping teams move from prototype to production with confidence.

Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber delivers exceptional mechanical performance with excellent strength characteristics, effectively handling demanding load conditions. Its balanced mechanical profile allows it to maintain structural integrity while preventing brittleness in critical applications.

These qualities make it well-suited for High-strength aerospace brackets and mounts, Automotive brake components and structural parts, and Robotic end-of-arm tooling and grippers, providing long-term durability in demanding environments. Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber maintains dimensional stability over time, ensuring consistent performance across temperature and stress variations.

This makes it a reliable choice for applications requiring precise geometries and tight tolerances across Aerospace, Automotive, and Robotics. Its versatility and durability allow it to perform consistently across a wide range of mechanical applications, ensuring parts maintain their integrity under repetitive stress and environmental conditions.

Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber combines Highest stiffness-to-weight ratio in FDM material portfolio and Exceptional tensile strength up to 76 MPa (XZ direction) to support High-strength aerospace brackets and mounts and Automotive brake components and structural parts that demand production-ready durability.

Key metric

Tensile Strength (XZ Axis)

76 MPa

Key metric

Tensile Strength (ZX Axis)

34 MPa

Key metric

Elongation at Break

1.9 %

Dive into the data

Detailed mechanical measurements live in the performance dashboard above. Switch tabs to compare against other materials instantly.

Material Makeup

Physical Properties

Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber offers consistent density and surface quality so critical features hold tolerances and downstream finishing remains predictable.

Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber exhibits a density of 1.15 g/cm³ that contributes to lightweight yet durable parts. With moisture absorption of <0.5 %, ensures dimensional stability in varying environmental conditions.

These physical properties enable consistent part quality and predictable performance across High-strength aerospace brackets and mounts, Automotive brake components and structural parts, and Robotic end-of-arm tooling and grippers. The material's inherent characteristics minimize warpage and maintain tight tolerances throughout the part lifecycle.

For Aerospace, Automotive, and Robotics, these physical attributes translate to reliable production outcomes with minimal post-processing requirements, ensuring parts meet specifications straight from the build platform.

Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber delivers 1.15 g/cm³ density so assemblies fit and finish without secondary rework.

Key metric

Density

1.15 g/cm³

Key metric

Carbon Fiber Content

35 % by weight

Key metric

Water Absorption

<0.5 %

Dive into the data

Detailed physical properties measurements live in the performance dashboard above. Switch tabs to compare against other materials instantly.

Heat Performance

Thermal Properties

Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber maintains dimensional stability through temperature swings, making it a reliable option for Aerospace and Automotive programs that see repeated thermal cycling.

Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber demonstrates excellent thermal stability with a heat deflection temperature of 143 °C, enabling it to maintain dimensional accuracy in elevated temperature environments. This thermal performance ensures parts retain their shape and mechanical properties even under thermal stress.

The material's thermal characteristics make it ideal for High-strength aerospace brackets and mounts, Automotive brake components and structural parts, and Robotic end-of-arm tooling and grippers that experience temperature fluctuations. Its ability to withstand thermal cycling without degradation ensures long-term reliability in Aerospace, Automotive, and Robotics.

With broad temperature tolerance, Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber provides engineers with confidence when designing parts for thermally demanding applications, from under-hood automotive components to industrial equipment exposed to heat sources.

Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber maintains geometry with a Heat Deflection Temperature (0.45 MPa) of 143 °C, protecting dimensional integrity during heat cycling.

Key metric

Heat Deflection Temperature (0.45 MPa)

143 °C

Key metric

Glass Transition Temperature

41 °C

Key metric

Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (Flow)

25 μm/m·°C

Dive into the data

Detailed thermal properties measurements live in the performance dashboard above. Switch tabs to compare against other materials instantly.

Functional Performance

Electrical Properties

Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber provides predictable electrical behavior for housings and functional prototypes that need controlled resistivity and dielectric strength.

Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber provides controlled electrical resistivity of 1.4×10³ – 1.01×10⁶ Ω·cm, making it suitable for electrical housings and insulators. The material's insulation properties ensure reliable performance in electrical assemblies.

These electrical characteristics enable its use in High-strength aerospace brackets and mounts, Automotive brake components and structural parts, and Robotic end-of-arm tooling and grippers where electrical performance is critical. The material maintains consistent electrical properties across its operating temperature range, ensuring stable performance in varying conditions.

For Aerospace, Automotive, and Robotics requiring precise electrical behavior, Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber delivers the consistency and reliability needed for functional prototypes and production parts that interact with electrical systems.

Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber posts 1.4×10³ – 1.01×10⁶ Ω·cm Volume Resistivity, giving enclosures dependable insulating performance.

Key metric

Volume Resistivity

1.4×10³ – 1.01×10⁶ Ω·cm

Key metric

Surface Resistivity

3.3×10⁴ – 6.9×10⁵ Ω/sq

Dive into the data

Detailed electrical properties measurements live in the performance dashboard above. Switch tabs to compare against other materials instantly.

Compatibility Data

Chemical Properties

Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber offers tested chemical resistance across acids, bases, solvents, and hydrocarbons to ensure reliable performance in harsh environments.

Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber demonstrates broad chemical resistance with testing against 12 different chemicals, showing excellent compatibility with 5 substances and good compatibility with 4 others. This extensive chemical resistance profile makes it suitable for harsh industrial environments.

The material's resistance to acids, bases, solvents, and hydrocarbons enables its use in High-strength aerospace brackets and mounts, Automotive brake components and structural parts, and Robotic end-of-arm tooling and grippers that require exposure to aggressive chemicals. Its chemical inertness ensures parts maintain their mechanical properties even after prolonged chemical exposure.

For Aerospace, Automotive, and Robotics, this chemical stability translates to longer service life and reduced maintenance requirements, making Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber a cost-effective choice for chemically demanding applications.

Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber has been tested against 12 chemicals with 5 showing excellent compatibility for demanding chemical environments.

Key metric

Gasoline

Excellent

Type: Hydrocarbon

Key metric

Diesel Fuel

Excellent

Type: Hydrocarbon

Key metric

Jet Fuel

Excellent

Type: Hydrocarbon

Dive into the data

Detailed chemical properties measurements live in the performance dashboard above. Switch tabs to compare against other materials instantly.

Chemical Resistance

Chemical compatibility for Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber

Evaluate how Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber responds to common chemicals before you commit to production tooling. Filter the grid to focus on acids, bases, solvents, or hydrocarbons.

12 of 12 chemicals shown

ChemicalTypeCompatibility
GasolineHydrocarbonExcellent
Diesel FuelHydrocarbonExcellent
Jet FuelHydrocarbonExcellent
Hydraulic OilsHydrocarbonExcellent
Aliphatic HydrocarbonsHydrocarbonExcellent
Aromatic HydrocarbonsHydrocarbonGood
Alcohols (except methanol)SolventGood
Weak AcidsAcidGood
Salt SolutionsSalt SolutionGood
Strong AcidsAcidPoor
Strong BasesBasePoor
Oxidizing AgentsOxidizerPoor
Resources

Datasheets and design resources

Equip your team with certification packs, design guides, and spec sheets tailored to Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber.

Download center

Access the most recent datasheet and supporting documentation maintained by our engineering team.

Resources

Material DatasheetMechanical Properties Overview

Design guidelines

Explore printable geometry recommendations, wall thickness tips, and finishing playbooks for FDM.

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Compliance certificates

Keep your quality packet current with pre-approved certifications.

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Advanced Manufacturing

Built with Precision FDM Technology

Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber is manufactured using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology, offering reliable performance for functional prototypes and end-use parts.

FDM Manufacturing Lab

Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber runs on industrial FDM platforms with heated chambers, hardened extrusion paths, and qualified material profiles to guarantee consistent layer adhesion and mechanical integrity.

Process Parameters

Layer Height
0.25 mm
Tolerance
± 0.15 mm or ± 0.2%, whichever is greater
  • Build Volume: 914 × 610 × 914 mm. Large production capacity enables efficient manufacturing of multiple parts or assemblies.
  • Quality Control. In-process monitoring and batch traceability ensure consistent part quality and material properties.

Finishing Options

Support removalBead blastingVapor polishingPaintingThreading
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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber

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Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber is known for its highest stiffness-to-weight ratio in fdm material portfolio, exceptional tensile strength up to 76 mpa (xz direction), outstanding flexural modulus up to 10,300 mpa, making it suitable for aerospace and automotive applications.

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