Polycarbonate (PC) Filament

Polycarbonate is a strong, heat resistant engineering filament. PC parts stay rigid well above 100°C and take heavy impact. It prints hot, needs an enclosure and must be dry. We stock PC in 1.75 mm on plastic spools, along with PC ABS, PC GF and PC PBT blends that are easier to print.

PC and its blends

• PC for the highest heat resistance and impact strength.
• PC ABS prints more easily than straight PC and keeps good heat resistance.
• PC GF adds glass fibre for stiffness and less warping.
• PC PBT adds chemical resistance and toughness in the cold.

What polycarbonate is good for

PC suits parts near motors, heaters and engines, load bearing brackets, printer parts for enclosed machines and protective housings. It warps more than ABS, so it wants a hot bed, a warm chamber and good bed adhesion.

Print settings

Check that your hotend is rated for these temperatures. PC GF needs a hardened nozzle. Data sheets are in the TDS library.

Common questions

Can any 3D printer print polycarbonate?

Polycarbonate needs a printer with an all metal hotend that reaches 260 to 300°C, a bed that reaches 100 to 120°C and an enclosure. Open printers struggle with polycarbonate because it warps badly in cool air. PC ABS is an easier blend for less capable machines.

Does polycarbonate filament need to be dried?

Polycarbonate filament must be dried before printing. Polycarbonate absorbs moisture quickly, and wet polycarbonate prints with bubbles, stringing and weak layers. Dry the polycarbonate spool and print from a dry box for reliable results.

Is polycarbonate stronger than ABS?

Polycarbonate is stronger and more heat resistant than ABS. Polycarbonate parts stay rigid at temperatures where ABS has softened and absorb more impact before breaking. Polycarbonate is also harder to print than ABS, with higher temperatures and more warping.