Discover how Obsidian CF v2 simplifies high-performance printing with a reformulated blend that performs across platforms and print speeds.
Article collaborated with Wevolver
Carbon fiber-reinforced nylon is widely used in aerospace, automotive, and tooling industries for applications requiring strength, stiffness, and thermal resistance while maintaining a lightweight profile. However, many filaments come with limitations like proprietary ecosystems, high costs, and restricted compatibility with open-source platforms or newer printer models. These constraints make it difficult for teams working with diverse printer fleets or limited budgets to take full advantage of carbon-reinforced composites.
This article discusses how 3DXTech developed Obsidian CF v2 in response to these constraints, and examines its performance characteristics in more detail, including platform compatibility, mechanical behavior, and filament handling practices for consistent results.
From V1 to V2: Reengineering Based on Real-World Feedback
Filaments designed for engineering use often struggle to balance printability with mechanical performance, especially on open-source hardware. The original Obsidian CF (V1) material was positioned as an alternative to Markforged’s Onyx, but over time, feedback from the user community revealed some areas of improvement. For example, one area highlighted by the users was the difficulty in achieving reliable print results under Turbo settings. This feedback prompted 3DXTech to re-examine the base polymer blend, carbon fiber content, and the engineering validation pipeline. The objective was to develop a material that matches or exceeds Onyx on both printability and mechanical output regardless of whether users were locked into proprietary systems or using open hardware.
The new Obsidian CF v2, was rebuilt from the ground up to provide better flow characteristics, improved compatibility with high-speed settings, and better surface finish. It was tested in controlled lab conditions as well as in real-world printing environments.
Performance in Print: Test Results and Material Behavior
Printability and Flow Characteristics
Printability is one of the most critical factors in evaluating a high-performance filament. One of the main bottlenecks in adopting carbon fiber-reinforced filaments at scale is inconsistent extrusion behavior, especially at high speeds. To address this, 3DXTech reformulated Obsidian CF v2 and validated its printability using the Orca Slicer’s volumetric flow rate test, which gradually increases the material feed rate to identify the threshold beyond which consistent extrusion can no longer be maintained. Obsidian v2 Turbo achieved a max volumetric speed of 35 mm³/s, nearly identical to Onyx Turbo’s 33 mm³/s. This result places Obsidian CF v2 Turbo among the highest-performing filaments in its category, particularly for high-speed printing scenarios.
For applications such as drone housings, aerospace tooling, or automotive brackets, where dimensional accuracy must be preserved even under rapid prototyping conditions, Obsidian CF v2's high flow stability helps reduce print errors during high-speed runs.
In terms of flow ratio, Obsidian CF v2 achieved a value of 1.00, which is considered ideal and matches that of Onyx. This indicates that the filament exhibits reliable dimensional accuracy and layer consistency across various speeds.
Surface Quality and Visual Comparison
The visual characteristics of a print can heavily influence its suitability for end-use applications. Surface finish is a persistent concern when shifting filaments, especially for client-facing prototypes or end-use components. Visual inspection and comparative prints conducted across the Markforged X7, Bambu Lab X1E, and H2D platforms show that Obsidian CF v2's surface appearance is nearly indistinguishable from Onyx. When examining layer lines and top-layer fill, the differences between Obsidian CF v2 and Onyx were minimal. In side-by-side prints using a standard gripper jaw model, v2’s top layers were filled with similar density and alignment as Onyx, showing consistent fusion and minimal gaps. Moreover, v2 mimics Onyx’s subtle matte texture, resulting in a more uniform appearance. This improves aesthetics and reduces visual distractions in printed parts used for functional prototypes or end-use applications. This is valuable in customer-facing prototypes or production components in the automotive interior and aerospace cabin systems, where surface finish impacts both perception and functionality.
Mechanical Testing
The performance of any engineering-grade filament ultimately comes down to its mechanical properties. To evaluate strength and interlayer adhesion of v2 tensile tests (ASTM D638, Type V) were conducted across three printer platforms including Markforged X7, Bambu Lab X1E, and H2D in both XY and ZX orientations.
In the XY orientation, Obsidian CF v2 consistently outperformed Onyx in tensile stress at break. On the X7, v2 measured 80.63 MPa, which is roughly 12% higher than Onyx’s 71.98 MPa. On the X1E, the difference grew even larger, with v2 reaching 80.62 MPa versus Onyx’s 55.63 MPa, which is a 45% improvement. Similar trends were observed on the H2D, where v2 reached 75.71 MPa, compared to Onyx’s 55.00 MPa. Elongation results showed a tradeoff, with v2 showing slightly lower ductility compared to Onyx, indicative of a stiffer, slightly more brittle material. However, the differences were within acceptable bounds, and the mechanical strength gains more than compensated for the minor loss in elongation.
In the ZX orientation, which tests interlayer adhesion, Obsidian CF v2 again outperformed its predecessor and closely matched Onyx. On the X1E and H2D, v2 demonstrated Tensile Stress at Break values of 35.54 MPa and 56.08 MPa respectively, outpacing Onyx in both cases. The inclusion of a heated chamber, available on the Bambu Lab platforms but not on the X7, further improved v2’s layer bonding.
Cross-Platform Consistency
One frequent concern with third-party filaments is performance drift across different hardware ecosystems. However, Obsidian v2 achieves consistent results, regardless of whether it is used on a closed-source Markforged X7 or open printers like the Bambu Lab X1E and H2D. It maintains relatively stable tensile strength values, with a recorded standard deviation of ±4.38 MPa. This consistency speaks to 3DXTech’s success in optimizing crystallization behavior and thermal stability. This results in fewer failed prints, more predictable part quality, and easier scaling.
Field Validation: Trusted by High-Use Customers
Along with lab testing, Obsidian CF v2 has already been validated by professional users in production environments. These customers operate under demanding conditions that test not just mechanical strength but also long-term reliability and require print consistency across batches. Their feedback reinforces the lab-based results, confirming that v2 performs reliably in high-throughput, real-use scenarios. The positive feedback from these users reinforces the material’s practical value and confirms that the improvements in formulation have translated into tangible real-world improvements.
Compatibility Beyond Markforged: Open-Source Advantages
A defining characteristic of Obsidian v2 is its smooth operation in open-source 3D printer ecosystems. Unlike Onyx, which is paired tightly with Markforged's proprietary systems, Obsidian CF v2 is engineered for broad compatibility, with notable success on Bambu Lab printers featuring AMS (Automatic Material System) and heated chambers. Test results from platforms like the X1E and H2D demonstrate that users can achieve performance comparable to Onyx, without being restricted to proprietary materials or software ecosystems. Organizations running mixed fleets or aiming to scale production across diverse equipment can use this material to standardize part quality and performance across platforms.
Cost Considerations: A Practical Onyx Alternative
When selecting materials for functional parts or production-grade components, cost efficiency becomes critical. Markforged’s Onyx is widely used for its reliability in high-performance environments, but its pricing and proprietary ecosystem can make it a less viable option for many users, especially those outside enterprise settings or those operating on open hardware.
In this regard, Obsidian CF v2 offers a practical alternative by significantly reducing material costs while still serving the same functional use cases. It allows teams to produce strong, stiff nylon-carbon fiber parts without committing to the higher price tags or vendor-specific constraints that often accompany closed systems. This is relevant in settings such as small-batch production, iterative prototyping, or large-format printing, where material usage can scale quickly and begin to dominate operational costs.
Engineering teams operating under budget constraints, whether in startups, academic settings, or lean R&D environments, can experiment, iterate, and manufacture with Obsidian CF v2 while maintaining financial sustainability. Similarly, companies scaling up production can benefit from switching to a more cost-accessible filament like Obsidian CF v2, as the savings compound across multiple printers and manufacturing cycles, improving overall project economics.
Moreover, its availability for a wide range of open-platform machines provides further cost relief by allowing users to avoid licensing fees, service contracts, and platform-specific accessories. Overall, Obsidian CF v2 shifts the pricing dynamics as it retains professional-grade material characteristics while freeing users from vendor lock-in and high recurring costs. This positioning makes it an economical substitute for Onyx, and a strategic material choice for organizations aiming to scale without overextending their budgets.
Filament Handling and Maintenance
Along with material properties and print performance, proper handling and storage practices are very important in achieving consistent results with carbon fiber-reinforced filaments.
Why Moisture Matters for CF Filaments
Carbon fiber-reinforced nylons are hygroscopic as they naturally absorb moisture from the air, even at relatively low humidity levels. When these materials are exposed to ambient conditions for extended periods, absorbed water can lead to several undesirable outcomes during printing. The most immediate symptoms include stringing, oozing, and inconsistent extrusion, but the consequences go beyond surface defects. Moisture in the filament can disrupt the polymer matrix during melting, creating microvoids and weakening the overall integrity of the print. Poor layer bonding and surface finish caused by moisture-laden filament can lead to part failure, particularly in end-use components or mechanically loaded prints. Keeping the material dry is therefore imperative for maintaining reliable performance.
Best Practices for Users
Users should adopt consistent filament handling routines to mitigate the effects of moisture. Carbon fiber nylons should be stored in a controlled-humidity environment when not in use. Dry-boxes and automatic material systems (AMS) with sealed enclosures and desiccants are suitable for this purpose. These help prevent the material from absorbing moisture between prints, especially in humid climates or uncontrolled workshops.
If a spool has been exposed to room air for more than a few hours, it is better to dry it before the next print. Standard drying conditions for PA6-based composites typically involve heating the filament to 80–90°C for several hours, using a purpose-built filament dryer or a low-temperature oven with precise control. Users should avoid makeshift or unregulated methods, as excessive heat can degrade the polymer or cause uneven drying. Users can maintain consistent extrusion behavior and reduce waste caused by failed or low-quality prints by implementing these storage and drying habits.
3DXTech’s Drying and Storage Solutions
3DXTech provides several tools to help users manage moisture exposure effectively. Each spool of Obsidian CF v2 is shipped vacuum-sealed with desiccant packs, ensuring it arrives in optimal condition. This packaging is designed to limit humidity ingress during storage and transit, but it is only effective until the seal is broken. Once opened, proactive moisture management becomes the user’s responsibility.
3DXTech offers two key accessories, including the FM1 Filament Maintainer and the FD1 Filament Dryer, to support users in managing moisture. The FM1 is intended for dry storage of multiple spools, keeping them at low humidity levels for long durations between prints. This is useful for workshops that keep several materials on hand or rotate spools frequently.
The FD1, on the other hand, is designed for in-line filament drying. It actively removes moisture from filament as it feeds into the printer, making it suited for high-humidity environments or long-duration prints where moisture uptake could occur mid-job. These tools by 3DXTech give users control over keeping the material consistently dry.
Conclusion
Obsidian CF v2 stands out not only because it performs well in technical benchmarks, but because it addresses a broader challenge faced by many professional users to find a material that balances strength, consistency, and open-platform compatibility without introducing unnecessary tradeoffs. Users can incorporate Obsidian CF v2 into existing workflows without needing to overhaul equipment or commit to a locked ecosystem. Its consistent behavior across machines, compatibility with high-speed settings, and cost-effectiveness make it a preferred choice for professional users in demanding applications.
For teams seeking high-performance filament without vendor constraints, Obsidian CF v2 is a practical, validated option worth considering in professional print environments. To find out more, visit 3DXTech Website.
References
-
3DXTech. [Online] Available at: https://www.3dxtech.com/ (Accessed on July 20, 2025)
-
OBSIDIAN CF v2 [Online] 3DXTech. Available at: https://www.3dxtech.com/pages/obsidian-v2 (Accessed on July 20, 2025)
-
Onyx [Online] Markforged. Available at: https://markforged.com/materials/plastics/onyx?_gl=1*pbezl3*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjwyb3DBhBlEiwAqZLe5GPqQrfNN9IFsBopMxFuLh2YW-VDVKcGUYC-BdIu2mixR6yRRAz09xoCqscQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAADoxHCZ3vpnX7WLYMlz7c7aena3Vy (Accessed on July 20, 2025)
-
FM1 - Filament Maintainer [Online] 3DXTech. Available at: https://www.3dxtech.com/pages/fm1-filament-maintainer (Accessed on July 20, 2025)
-
FD1 - Filament Dryer [Online] 3DXTech. Available at: https://www.3dxtech.com/pages/fd1-filamentdryer (Accessed on July 20, 2025)
-
OBSIDIAN™ NYLON 6+CF V2 [Online] 3DXTech. Available at: https://www.3dxtech.com/products/obsidian-nylon-6-cf-v2 (Accessed on July 20, 2025)
