When it comes to choosing the right filament for your 3D printing projects, strength and stiffness matter—but which one actually performs better where it counts? Today, we’re diving into a hands-on comparison between Carbon Fiber PLA and PLA Plus, testing both in real-world prints and stress tests to find out which filament deserves a spot on your print bed.
What Is PLA Plus?
PLA Plus (sometimes branded as PLA+, PLA Pro, or Tough PLA) is essentially an upgraded version of standard PLA. It’s:
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Tougher and less brittle
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More impact-resistant
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Just as easy to print with as standard PLA
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Great for functional prints that may take a bump or two
PLA Plus prints beautifully on nearly any machine without requiring fancy nozzles or exotic temps. It’s a true workhorse filament.
What Is Carbon Fiber PLA?
Carbon Fiber PLA mixes chopped carbon fibers into standard PLA. That gives it:
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Increased stiffness and rigidity
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A matte, professional-looking surface finish
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Dimensional stability for crisp detail
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Higher abrasion—meaning it requires a hardened steel nozzle or better
This isn’t a filament you run through your average brass nozzle unless you enjoy grief and nozzle replacements. But if your printer’s set up for it? It’s a powerhouse for certain applications.
Surface Finish and Aesthetic
Carbon fiber PLA just looks cool. Its textured, matte finish gives off serious don’t mess with me vibes—great for cosplay armor, enclosures, or anything functional that needs to look clean and high-end.
PLA Plus, on the other hand, tends to be shinier. That might work better for display models or decorative parts, depending on your build’s overall style.
Strength vs. Stiffness
Here’s where things get interesting. We printed two identical bridges—one in PLA Plus and one in Carbon Fiber PLA—and tested them using a force meter.
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PLA Plus bent before it broke. It flexed, absorbed force, and eventually cracked—but gave a warning first. You could see it bowing.
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Carbon Fiber PLA held its shape longer, but when it failed, it snapped with multiple cracks. It resisted bending, but once its limit was reached, there was no flex left to save it.
So what does that mean?
|
Filament Type |
Strength (Impact) |
Stiffness (Rigidity) |
Best Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
|
PLA Plus |
High |
Moderate |
Prototyping, models, parts that take stress |
|
Carbon Fiber PLA |
Moderate |
Very High |
Drone frames, brackets, rigid components |
If your part needs to absorb force—like a bumper or wearable—go PLA Plus. If you’re printing something that needs to hold its shape under pressure (like a drone arm or structural brace), carbon fiber PLA wins.
Price and Value
Here’s the catch: Carbon fiber PLA often costs 2x the price of PLA Plus. So unless you need the rigidity or love the finish, PLA Plus is going to give you better value and more flexibility.
Verdict
Both filaments are awesome—just for different reasons.
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Use PLA Plus as your go-to for durable, forgiving prints that work on nearly any printer.
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Use Carbon Fiber PLA when you need structural rigidity and are okay with a little nozzle maintenance.