Material profile
PC (Polycarbonate)
Use it for: load-bearing brackets, under-hood parts, tooling, high-heat fixtures.
PC (Polycarbonate) · slicer settings
| Nozzle temperature | 260–280°C |
|---|---|
| Bed temperature | 100–110°C |
| Enclosure | Required |
| Hardened nozzle | Not needed |
| Drying | Critical — always dry before printing |
Strengths & weaknesses
- Strengths: the strongest common filament: stiff, ~110°C+ heat tolerance, optical grades exist.
- Weaknesses: demands high temps, an enclosure, and bone-dry filament; warps aggressively.
- Use it for: load-bearing brackets, under-hood parts, tooling, high-heat fixtures.
Which printers print PC (Polycarbonate) clean?
Verdicts below come from the documented compatibility rules — bed and hotend ceilings, enclosure, and nozzle hardness — applied identically to all 9 printers in the database. 3 print it clean, 5 need mods, 1 should sit this one out.
- Bambu Lab P1S$699Prints clean
- Bambu Lab X1 Carbon$1,199Prints clean
- Creality K1C$559Prints clean
- Bambu Lab A1$339needs enclosure or draft shieldWith mods
- Prusa MK4S$1,099needs enclosure or draft shieldWith mods
- Creality Ender 3 V3 SE$199needs enclosure or draft shieldWith mods
- Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro$300needs enclosure or draft shieldWith mods
- Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo$449needs enclosure or draft shieldWith mods
- Bambu Lab A1 mini$199bed tops out at 80°C — needs 100°C+Not recommended
FAQ
What temperature should I print PC (Polycarbonate) at?
Nozzle 260–280°C, bed 100–110°C. Start mid-range and tune with a temperature tower — exact sweet spots vary by brand and color.
Does PC (Polycarbonate) need an enclosure?
Yes — PC (Polycarbonate) needs an enclosure (or at minimum a serious draft shield). On an open-frame printer ambient drafts cool layers unevenly, which causes warping, cracking, and parts detaching mid-print.
Does PC (Polycarbonate) need drying?
Drying is critical for PC (Polycarbonate). It absorbs moisture from the air within hours of opening; wet filament prints with popping, stringing, weak layers, and a rough surface. Dry it before every session and keep it in a dryer or dry box while printing.