Polycarbonate (PC)

Polycarbonate (PC) is one of the strongest and most heat-resistant consumer filaments. It withstands ~110–130 °C and is extremely impact-resistant (it is used in bulletproof glass and face shields). The price for that strength is high print temperatures, heavy warping, and mandatory drying.

What it is good for

• High-load functional parts
• Heat-resistant housings, parts near heat
• Protective and impact-resistant elements
• Strong transparent items (pure PC is clear)

Where NOT to use it

• Printing on an open machine — heavy warping
• Printers without a high-temp hotend (needs up to 290 °C)
• Without drying — wet PC clouds and loses strength
• Simple parts where PETG or ABS is enough

How to print

• Nozzle temperature: 250–290 °C
• Bed temperature: 90–120 °C
• Cooling: 0–20%
• Enclosure REQUIRED: warm chamber, no drafts
• Adhesion: dedicated adhesive or glue; wide brim mandatory
• Speed: 30–50 mm/s

Drying and storage

PC is very hygroscopic. Moisture makes the part cloudy and bubbly and sharply reduces strength.

• Drying: 80–90 °C for 6–8 hours
• Print from the dryer — recommended
• Storage: strictly airtight with silica gel
• Signs of moisture: clouding of clear PC, bubbles, brittleness

Pros and cons

• Very strong and impact-resistant
• High heat resistance (~110–130 °C)
• Transparent in pure form
• Resists load and deformation

• Very high print temperatures
• Severe warping
• Hygroscopic, needs drying
• Needs an enclosure and all-metal hotend