Nevermore3D Carbon, XL (2.300 ml)

The Nevermore3D Carbon was specially developed for maximum adsorption performance. Thanks to its extremely microporous structure, this activated carbon reliably binds volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced during 3D printing - including styrene, benzaldehyde, toluene and benzene.

With an industry-leading surface area of 1250 m²/g, it offers exceptional storage capacity and a CTC efficiency of ≥ 80 - meaning first-class adsorption power that efficiently captures and retains VOCs. The benzene adsorption capacity of up to 0.48 g/g emphasises its outstanding quality.

Tip: For a clean and uncomplicated application, the activated carbon is vacuum-packed and dedusted so that it is ready for immediate use - without any annoying dust formation during filling.

General information on activated charcoal

Not all activated carbon is the same - and when it comes to clean air for 3D printing, you shouldn't compromise! Activated carbon offers maximum adsorption power for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), fine dust and other pollutants, making it ideal for 3D printing applications.

When choosing the right activated carbon, you should consider several factors: Surface area, CTC/benzene efficiency, porosity and pH value are among them.

► The larger the surface area, the more pollutants can be bound. Activated carbon is typically in the range of 500 to 1250 m²/g, whereby a carbon with 1200 m²/g can absorb twice as much as one with 600 m²/g.

⇒ A good guide value for high-quality activated carbon is at least 1000 m²/g. If you save money here, you often pay twice: cheaper activated carbons with a smaller surface area usually do not last long and need to be replaced more frequently.

► The CTC efficiency is a decisive factor for the adsorption power of activated carbon, especially when it comes to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are produced during 3D printing, for example. A high CTC efficiency indicates a higher proportion of micropores - and it is precisely these that are crucial for effectively binding and retaining tiny pollutants from the air.

⇒ A good guideline value is at least 60 % CTC efficiency. Lower values often mean lower adsorption performance and therefore faster saturation of the activated carbon. If you opt for a seemingly more favourable alternative with a lower CTC efficiency, you run the risk that only half of the pollutants will actually be bound - and the rest will be released unhindered into the ambient air.

► The pore size of activated carbon significantly influences its ability to bind pollutants. Depending on the quality, the activated carbon contains micropores (< 2 nm), Mesopores (2–50 nm) und Macropores (> 50 nm) in varying proportions.

⇒ High microporosity and mesoporosity are crucial for 3D printing, as micropores adsorb VOCs (< 2 nm) and mesopores adsorb ultrafine particles (< 50 nm). Macropores, on the other hand, are less suitable for hot applications as they are less effective at retaining VOCs. Poor pore distribution can lead to pollutants being insufficiently bound and released back into the air.

► The pH value also plays an important role, especially in pH-sensitive applications. Neutral or slightly alkaline activated carbon is ideal for adsorbing a wide range of VOCs, as it can effectively bind neutral, acidic and alkaline pollutants.

⇒ In heated applications such as 3D printing chambers, it can release harmful substances that can even lead to corrosion of the printer. To be on the safe side, vapour-activated and untreated activated carbon should therefore be used.

Compare activated carbon correctly

A simple method of comparing neutral activated carbons is to multiply the surface area and CTC efficiency - i.e. available adsorption space and binding capacity:

• Activated carbon A: 1250 m²/g × 80 % CTC → 1000
• Activated carbon B: 1000 m²/g × 50 % CTC → 500

This means that activated carbon A can absorb twice as many VOCs and therefore lasts longer. A supposedly more favourable choice can quickly become expensive if the filter has to be changed twice as often.