Stronger filament doesn't automatically mean a stronger print, and the toughest materials can require better hardware too.
If you're looking for one winner, it's not exactly convenient that a 3D print can be "strong" in a few different ways. A rigid bracket should resist bending, while a part that gets knocked around may last longer if it can flex and recover instead of breaking. In this article, we're going to hone in on rigidity and the types of materials that work well for structural parts.
Carbon-fiber-reinforced nylon (PA-CF) and polycarbonate (PC) are two of the strongest practical materials for the kind of filament-based 3D printers that are accessible to the average maker. Both materials can handle demanding functions, higher temperatures and considerably rougher treatment than everyday polylactic acid (PLA) or glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG).
Sure, there are stronger, more expensive specialty materials that could vie for the title of heavyweight filament champ. But let's stick to the pros and cons of carbon-fiber nylon versus polycarbonate, so you can decide which material packs the most punch for your projects.
Carbon-fiber-reinforced nylon (PA-CF) combines nylon with short carbon fibers — hence the name. Nylon already handles demanding functional parts well, and the added fibers make the finished material stiffer and more resistant to bending under load. How resistant, you ask?
