PC (Polycarbonate) filament is one of the highest-performing engineering polymers: exceptional mechanical strength, operating temperature up to 130°C, excellent transparency, and outstanding impact resistance. It is the material of choice for technical parts where thermal and mechanical resistance must coexist—applications where ABS and PETG reach their limits.
When to use PC
- Under-the-hood automotive parts: continuous resistance to 120-130°C.
- Power electronic components: housings near heat sources.
- Helmets and ballistic protection: exceptional impact resistance.
- Technical transparent lenses and glazing: PC is optically transparent.
- Low-volume molds: for thermoforming, die-casting prototypes.
- Aerospace industry: strength-to-weight ratio.
Technical features
- Nozzle temperature: 260-310°C.
- Bed temperature: 100-120°C.
- Heated chamber: necessary at 60-90°C to reduce warping.
- Thermal resistance: 110-130°C continuous (standard PC), 140°C (PC-GF30).
- Impact resistance: exceptional—surpasses ABS, PETG, Nylon.
- Transparency: optical, up to 90% light transmission.
- Hygroscopicity: high, must be dried before printing.
Brands you'll find at Strato3D
eSUN ePC, BASF Forward AM Ultrafuse PC GF30 (reinforced with 30% glass fiber), Sunlu PC-ABS, and other technical grades.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a special printer? Yes, you need an all-metal hotend capable of 320°C, a heated chamber, and a print bed material that can handle 120°C (borosilicate glass, PEI).
Is PC truly transparent? The spools are natural/transparent. Prints are semi-transparent due to the layers; for full transparency, post-print smoothing or pressing is required.
PC or Nylon for mechanical parts? Nylon is better for wear/friction; PC is better for thermal resistance and rigidity.
Do I need to dry PC? Yes, always. 6-8 hours at 80°C before printing.