PC (Polycarbonate)
☀ UV Stable
260–310
°C
Print Temp
100–120
°C
Bed Temp
130
°C
Max Service
Overview
Polycarbonate - highest heat resistance of common filaments (~130C), optical clarity, extreme impact strength. Demanding to print but produces industry-grade parts. Print 260-310C nozzle, 100-120C bed. Enclosure required.
Properties
Difficulty
expert
Flexibility
rigid
Layer Adhesion
fair
Enclosure
required
Heated Bed
required
Dry Storage
required
Pros
- Extremely strong and impact resistant
- Highest temp resistance (~115°C)
- Transparent options available
- Excellent dimensional stability
- Self-extinguishing (UL94 V-2)
- Good for engineering applications
- Professional-grade material
Cons
- ⚠️ Requires 300°C+ nozzle (all-metal hotend)
- ⚠️ HIGH VOC at print temps
- Enclosure mandatory
- Very hygroscopic (must be dried)
- Difficult to print (warps heavily)
- Requires high bed temps (100-120°C)
- Expensive
- Not food safe (BPA concerns)
- Not biodegradable
Best For
- Clear lamp covers
- light diffusers
- safety shields
- high-temp enclosures
- automotive lighting components
- tooling masters
Avoid For
- Beginners
- open-frame printers
- any print without enclosure
Storage
Dry 6-8h at 90C before every print. Vacuum seal between uses.
Laser Compatibility
LASER INTERACTION
Safety: DANGER — NEVER LASER polycarbonate.
Fumes: PC releases bisphenol-A (endocrine disruptor), phenols, and carbon monoxide when burned. Some formulations contain flame retardants that create additional toxic outputs.
Warning: Bisphenol-A is a hazardous compound even in small quantities. PC combustion also produces carbon monoxide which is acutely dangerous. Never laser PC filament parts.
Brands
Polymaker PolyMax PCPrusament PC BlendBambu Lab PCHatchbox PCeSUN PC