Materials / PC
Polycarbonate
PC 3D printing service
Polycarbonate is the toughest rigid material we print. It takes hard impacts without cracking and holds its shape past 110 °C, and it is available in clear for light pipes and covers.
Quote in PCData sheetPC
| Heat tolerance | ~110 – 115 °C |
|---|---|
| Toughness | Extremely impact resistant |
| Outdoor / UV | Limited sun |
| Flexible | No |
| Colors | Limited (clear, black, white) |
| Layer height | 0.08 – 0.28 mm |
| Max part size | 256 × 256 × 256 mm |
| Quantity | 1 – 500 per order |
Fit for purpose
Where PC works, and where it doesn't.
Good for
- Parts that take repeated impacts
- Protective guards and covers
- Housings near heat sources
- Clear covers and light pipes
Properties
- Outstanding impact resistance
- Heat tolerance to roughly 110–115 °C
- Available in clear
Things to consider
- Yellows and weakens over long UV exposure; ASA is better for permanent outdoor use
- Large flat parts are more prone to warping than in PLA or PETG
- Clear prints are translucent, not glass-clear
Compare
Other materials.
PLAStiff, accurate, most colors~55 – 60 °CPETGTough, moisture resistant, flexes before it breaks~70 – 80 °CABSHolds shape near heat, sands well~95 – 100 °CASAABS toughness with UV stability for outdoor parts~95 – 100 °CTPUFlexible and tear resistant for seals and gripsFlexiblePLA-CFStiffer and lighter than PLA, matte finish~55 – 60 °CPETG-CFPETG toughness with added stiffness and a matte finish~70 – 75 °CPA-CFStrongest and most heat tolerant, for end-use parts~150 – 180 °C