Carbon Fiber with 3D Printing

Thomas Sanladerer embarked on an intriguing journey to create 3D prints using carbon fiber, and his findings suggest that it’s a viable and relatively cost-effective endeavor. He opted for an advanced PLA filament with higher temperature tolerance, a critical aspect since carbon fiber resin generates heat during curing. Initially, he printed a mold, a straightforward step apart from material selection.

Wet sanding was employed to eliminate gross imperfections in the mold’s surface. Next, a layer of UV resin was applied to prevent the carbon fiber resin from bonding to the plastic. This involved three layers of UV resin that adhered to the mold. Carbon fiber sheets in various styles were utilized, with the mold being prepared with two mold-release compounds. Proper safety precautions, such as wearing a respirator and ensuring adequate ventilation, were emphasized when working with resins and carbon fibers.

The actual process involved layering carbon fiber sheets and resin, followed by covering them with special paper and wrapping the assembly in cloth. The final step was placing the entire setup in a vacuum bag and gently heating it. While there were imperfections in the initial attempts, the third try yielded successful results. Though the process was labor-intensive, it showcased the potential of combining 3D printing with carbon fiber, primarily in the context of creating molds for various applications.

Needing more in 3D printing? Get a more detailed print by following this tutorial: Fitting 3D Prints in a Snap
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