PC (Polycarbonate) Filament: Maximum Impact Resistance
PC (Polycarbonate) is one of the strongest filaments for 3D printing. It offers the highest impact resistance of all common filaments, excellent heat resistance up to 150 °C and can be printed optically clear. PC is the material of choice for safety glasses, protective goggles and highly stressed structural parts. However, it requires high print temperatures and an enclosure.
What is Polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic polymer from the polyester group. Developed in the 1950s, it is now one of the most important engineering plastics – known from CDs, safety glasses, motorcycle helmet visors and bulletproof "glass".
PC is characterized by unique properties:
- Highest impact resistance of all common filaments
- Heat-resistant up to ~150 °C (glass transition)
- Optically transparent possible
- Self-extinguishing (flame retardant)
- Good electrical insulation
- Dimensionally stable
Technical Properties in Detail
| Property | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Print Temperature (Nozzle) | 270–310 °C | All-metal hotend mandatory! |
| Bed Temperature | 100–120 °C | Highest bed temperature |
| Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) | ~150 °C | Highest of all common filaments |
| Impact Resistance | Excellent (>50 kJ/m²) | Nearly unbreakable |
| Tensile Strength | 55–75 MPa | Very high |
| Density | 1.20 g/cm³ | Similar to PLA |
| Transparency | High (clear PC) | Light transmission >85% |
| UV Resistance | Medium | Yellows over time without stabilizers |
| Moisture Absorption | Medium | Drying recommended before printing |
Pros and Cons of PC
✅ Advantages
- Highest impact resistance
- Heat-resistant up to 150 °C
- Optically transparent possible
- Self-extinguishing (V-2 per UL94)
- Good electrical insulation
- Dimensionally stable
- Proven industrial material
❌ Disadvantages
- Very high print temperature (270–310 °C)
- Strong warping
- Enclosure mandatory
- All-metal hotend required
- Hygroscopic (drying required)
- Expensive
- Not for beginners
- Scratch-sensitive
Printer Requirements for PC
Not every 3D printer can process PC. The following requirements must be met:
| Requirement | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Hotend Temperature | 280 °C | 300 °C+ |
| Hotend Type | All-metal (no PTFE in hotend) | All-metal with hardened steel nozzle |
| Heated Bed | 110 °C | 120 °C |
| Enclosure | Passive (closed) | Actively heated (50–60 °C) |
| Print Surface | PEI or glass + glue | Garolite (G10) or PC sheet |
Optimal Print Settings for PC
| Parameter | Recommended Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle Temperature | 280–300 °C | Higher for better layer adhesion |
| Heated Bed | 110–120 °C | Critical for warping reduction |
| Enclosure Temperature | 50–70 °C | Keep constant! |
| Print Speed | 30–50 mm/s | Slower = better quality |
| Fan | 0% | No part cooling for PC! |
| First Layer | 15–20 mm/s, bed 120 °C | Very slow and hot |
| Brim | 10–15 mm | Large brim against warping |
PC Variants Comparison
| Variant | Properties | Application |
|---|---|---|
| PC (pure) | Transparent, highest impact resistance | Safety glasses, visors, displays |
| PC-ABS | Blend, easier to print | Structural parts, housings |
| PC-CF | Carbon reinforced, extremely stiff | Structural parts, metal replacement |
| PC Max / PC Plus | Modified, less warping | General applications |
PC-ABS: The Compromise
PC-ABS is a blend of polycarbonate and ABS. It combines the impact resistance of PC with the easier printability of ABS. The print temperature is lower (250–270 °C) and warping is reduced. Ideal as an entry into the PC world.
Application Areas for PC
Ideally suited for:
- Safety glasses & visors: Highest impact resistance, transparent
- Safety parts: Protective covers, machine guards
- High-temperature applications: Parts up to 150 °C
- Structural components: Highly stressed mechanical parts
- Electrical insulation: Housings for electronics
- Automotive: Headlight components, interior
- Aerospace: Light, strong components
- Lighting: Diffusers, lampshades
Not recommended for:
- ❌ Beginners without experience
- ❌ Printers without all-metal hotend
- ❌ Printers without enclosure
- ❌ Outdoor (UV degradation without stabilizers)
- ❌ Food contact (BPA concerns)
- ❌ Chemical contact (sensitive to solvents)
Storage and Drying
PC is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture. Wet PC leads to bubbling, poor layer adhesion and cloudy instead of clear prints.
Drying Recommendation:
- Temperature: 80–90 °C
- Duration: 6–8 hours
- Method: Filament dryer or oven (convection)
Post-Processing PC
PC can be post-processed well:
- Sanding: Possible, but scratches easily
- Polishing: For optically clear parts with polishing paste
- Drilling: Well possible, drill slowly
- Gluing: Epoxy, cyanoacrylate or special PC glue
- Chemical smoothing: With dichloromethane (Caution: toxic!)
Our PC Filaments in the Shop
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can my printer print PC?
Check: (1) Can the hotend reach 280 °C+? (2) Is it an all-metal hotend (no PTFE)? (3) Does the bed reach 110 °C+? (4) Do you have an enclosure? If all points are met: Yes. If not: Check PC-ABS as alternative (lower temperatures).
Why does my transparent PC become cloudy?
Possible causes: (1) Wet filament → dry. (2) Temperature too low → increase. (3) Too many layers/infill → use less for transparency. (4) Post-processing: Polishing with paste can improve clarity.
Is PC stronger than ABS?
Yes, significantly. PC has about 2–3x higher impact resistance than ABS. It is the most impact-resistant common filament. However, ABS is easier to print and sufficient for many applications.
Is PC safe (BPA)?
PC can contain BPA (Bisphenol A), which is a health concern. For food contact, PC is not recommended. For technical applications without skin contact, it is safe. There are also BPA-free PC variants.
How do I reduce warping with PC?
(1) Enclosure is mandatory (50–70 °C). (2) Bed at 110–120 °C. (3) Large brim (15 mm). (4) No part cooling. (5) Print slower. (6) PC sheet or Garolite as print surface. (7) Use PC-ABS instead of pure PC.
Related Guides
- ABS Filament: The Classic
- PA (Nylon): Extremely Wear-Resistant
- ASA Filament: Outdoor Specialist
- PETG Filament: Robust All-Rounder
Note: The information is based on typical properties of PC filaments. Values vary by manufacturer and PC variant. Always consult the technical data sheets. PC requires advanced 3D printing experience.