Polycarbonate, better known by the acronym PC, is a material known in the 3D printing market for its impact resistance and transparency. It is a lightweight but strong thermoplastic, ideal for a wide range of professional applications.
It is not as easy to print as PLA or PETG, as it requires relatively high extrusion and print bed temperatures. However, it remains interesting for the design of complex parts that offer good thermal, mechanical, and optical properties.
Technical and mechanical characteristics of Polycarbonate
Resistance: Polycarbonate, known as PC, is famous for its resistance. It can withstand shocks, scratches, and heat, making it an ideal material for applications that require durability.
Transparency: PC is a transparent material and has a much lower density compared to glass. This characteristic makes it ideal for applications that require optical properties.
Resistance to chemicals and UV rays: PC is not resistant to chemicals and UV rays. Therefore, you should avoid using it in applications that are exposed to sunlight for long periods.
Release of bisphenol A particles: Since plastic can release particles of bisphenol A, it is recommended not to use PC in applications that come into contact with food.
Layer adhesion: PC has exceptional layer adhesion, which allows you to take advantage of FDM printing technology in ways that are not possible with other materials.
Mechanical properties: PC is an extremely resistant material, but also quite rigid. This combination of properties makes it a versatile material for a variety of 3D printing applications.
Printing tips for PC
Extrusion temperature: Polycarbonate requires relatively high extrusion and print bed temperatures. The extrusion temperature varies between 260° and 290° C. Some filaments may require temperatures up to 320° C.
Heated bed: A heated bed is necessary, at least 110° C. This helps to prevent the warping phenomenon and ensures good material adhesion to the plate.
Warping phenomenon: Polycarbonate tends to undergo the warping phenomenon, so it is essential to have good adhesion to the plate. Warping is a deformation or curvature of the 3D printed object that mainly occurs in the first layers that adhere to the print bed.
Enclosed housing: It is recommended to use an enclosed housing to avoid possible temperature changes and therefore deformations or cracks. This helps to maintain a constant temperature during the printing process.
Hygroscopic: The PC filament is hygroscopic, i.e., it absorbs moisture. Therefore, it is important to store it in a dry place to prevent problems during printing. 5di5
Suggested brands
The quality of raw materials, precision in diameter, and coil winding are essential for achieving excellent results, which is why my advice always falls on Prusament filament produced by Prusa Research. Prusament filaments have the purest and highest quality raw materials, dimensional precision of ±0.02mm (±0.03mm for the PC) with constant coloration.
Prusa, not satisfied, brands each coil with a QR code that shows a complete profile of the specific coil in terms of dimensional precision.
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