One of the strongest 3D printing filaments available. Exceptional impact resistance, heat deflection up to 135°C, and optically clear variants. For demanding engineering applications.
260–310°C
Nozzle Temp
20–50 mm/s
Print Speed
Up to 135°C
Heat Deflection
Very High
Impact Resistance
Polycarbonate (PC) is an engineering-grade thermoplastic renowned for its exceptional strength, impact resistance, and heat tolerance. It's the same material used in bulletproof glass, aircraft cockpit windows, and riot shields. In 3D printing, PC filament delivers mechanical properties that surpass almost every other FDM material.
PC is notoriously challenging to print — it requires high temperatures (260–310°C), a heated enclosure, and careful moisture management. But when dialed in correctly, it produces parts with truly outstanding durability that no amount of ABS, PETG, or even Nylon can match.
PC is not a beginner filament
Printing PC successfully requires: a hardened steel or all-metal hotend rated to 300°C+, an enclosure, a properly heated bed (90–130°C), and a dry filament. If your printer can't reliably reach 280°C, start with ABS or ASA instead.
| Setting | Recommended Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle Temperature | 260–310°C | Start at 270°C, increase if under-extrusion |
| Bed Temperature | 90–130°C | PEI or glass + glue stick for adhesion |
| Chamber/Enclosure | 50–70°C | Critical — prevents warping and layer delamination |
| Print Speed | 20–50 mm/s | Slower speeds improve layer bonding significantly |
| Cooling Fan | 0–10% | Minimal or off — cooling causes warping and delamination |
| Layer Height | 0.1–0.3 mm | 0.2mm is standard; thinner = better optical clarity |
| Retraction | 0.5–2mm (direct) / 3–5mm (Bowden) | PC strings easily — tune carefully |
| Infill | 20–40% | Higher infill for structural parts |
| Nozzle Material | Hardened Steel or Brass (pure PC) | CF/GF variants need hardened steel only |
| Drying | 80–90°C for 4–8h | PC absorbs moisture rapidly — always dry before printing |
Pure PC is the baseline, but manufacturers offer several blends that trade some properties for easier printing or enhanced specific performance.
Maximum strength and heat resistance. Hardest to print. Needs 280–310°C and a true enclosure.
PROS
CONS
The most popular PC blend. Easier to print than pure PC while retaining good strength. Lower temperatures (~260°C).
PROS
CONS
PC reinforced with chopped carbon fiber. Stiffer and lighter, but brittle. Requires hardened nozzle.
PROS
CONS
PC with added flame retardants for electronics and automotive applications. UL94 V-0 rated.
PROS
CONS
| Property | PC | ABS | ASA | Nylon (PA12) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Deflection | 110–135°C | 95–105°C | 95–105°C | 50–60°C |
| Impact Resistance | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Stiffness (Tensile) | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| UV Resistance | ★★☆☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Moisture Resistance | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Print Difficulty | Very Hard | Hard | Hard | Medium-Hard |
| Min Printer Grade | High-End | Mid-Range | Mid-Range | Mid-Range |
| Price (per kg) | €30–60 | €15–25 | €20–35 | €25–45 |
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| Brand / Product | Type | Price (~) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polymaker PolyMax PC | Pure PC | €35/kg | Best all-around — great printability for PC |
| Bambu Lab PC | Pure PC | €30/kg | Optimized for Bambu printers, easy profiling |
| Prusament PC Blend | PC-ABS | €32/kg | Excellent QC, ±0.02mm tolerance |
| Fillamentum PC | Pure PC | €40/kg | Premium quality, wide color range |
| Polymaker PC-ABS | PC-ABS | €28/kg | Budget-friendly PC experience |
| ColorFabb HT | Modified co-polyester | €45/kg | PC alternative, easier to print, 100°C HDT |
| Raise3D Premium PC | Pure PC | €55/kg | Professional use, industrial printers |
* Prices approximate, may vary by retailer and region.
Not recommended. Stock Ender 3 maxes out at ~240°C (PTFE hotend) which is insufficient for PC. You would need an all-metal hotend upgrade (e.g. Micro Swiss), a higher-power heater, and ideally an enclosure. PC-ABS blends are more achievable but still challenging.
No. PC contains bisphenol-A (BPA) which is a known endocrine disruptor. Pure PC filament should not be used for food contact. Look for certified food-safe PETG or PP instead.
Yes. PC can be bonded with methylene chloride (dichloromethane), acetone, or specialized plastic adhesives. It cannot be acetone-smoothed the same way as ABS (much less reaction). Use PC-specific cement or epoxy for structural bonds.
PC yellows when exposed to UV light over time — it has poor UV resistance. For UV-exposed applications, consider a UV-stabilized PC variant, or choose ASA which has excellent UV resistance by design.
PC-ABS if you want a manageable challenge with good results on a mid-range printer. Pure PC if you need maximum heat resistance and strength and have a high-end enclosed printer. PC-ABS prints at ~250–260°C vs PC's 270–310°C.