PC (Polycarbonate): The Strong and Heat-Resistant Champion of 3D Printing

Polycarbonate (PC) is a high-performance thermoplastic that stands out for its exceptional strength, toughness, and heat resistance. While it presents some challenges in 3D printing, its ability to withstand demanding environments and produce durable parts makes it a valuable material for specific applications. This post explores the properties, uses, and best practices for printing with PC filament, helping you harness its full potential.

Properties of PC Filament:

PC is an amorphous thermoplastic known for its remarkable combination of strength, toughness, and heat resistance. Key properties include:

• High Impact Strength: PC boasts excellent impact resistance, making it suitable for parts that may experience shocks or vibrations.

• Heat Deflection Temperature: PC has a high heat deflection temperature, meaning it can maintain its shape and strength even at elevated temperatures.

• Dimensional Stability: PC exhibits good dimensional stability, minimizing warping and shrinkage during and after printing.

• Transparency: Some PC filaments offer good transparency, allowing for the creation of translucent or transparent objects.

• Chemical Resistance: PC is resistant to a wide range of chemicals and solvents, making it suitable for applications where chemical exposure is a concern.

Uses of PC Filament:

The unique properties of PC make it well-suited for demanding applications in various fields:

• Functional Prototypes: PC is ideal for prototyping parts that need to withstand high temperatures, impacts, or chemical exposure.

• End-Use Parts: Its strength and durability make it suitable for end-use parts in industries like automotive, aerospace, and electronics, where high performance is required.

• Tooling and Fixtures: PC can be used to create durable tools, jigs, and fixtures for manufacturing and assembly processes.

• Medical Devices: Its biocompatibility and sterilizability make it a potential candidate for certain medical device applications.

• Protective Gear: PC's impact resistance makes it suitable for printing protective gear like safety glasses and helmets.

Best Practices for Printing with PC:

Printing with PC can be more challenging than with some other filaments due to its high printing temperature and tendency to warp. However, following these best practices can significantly improve your success rate:

• High Printing Temperature: PC typically requires printing temperatures between 280-320°C. Ensure your 3D printer can reach these temperatures.

• Heated Chamber: A heated chamber or enclosure is highly recommended for PC to maintain a stable printing temperature and minimize warping.

• Bed Adhesion: PC can be prone to warping and poor bed adhesion. Using a heated bed (around 100-120°C) with a suitable adhesive like Kapton tape, PC slurry, or specialized PC adhesive sheets can help.

• Slow Print Speed: Slower print speeds are generally recommended for PC to allow for proper layer adhesion and prevent warping.

• Cooling: While some cooling can be beneficial, excessive cooling can lead to warping and layer separation. Experiment with different fan speeds to find the optimal setting.

• Drying: PC can absorb moisture, which can affect its printing performance. Drying the filament before printing using a filament dryer or a food dehydrator can be helpful.

• Nozzle Choice: A hardened steel nozzle is recommended for printing with PC due to its high printing temperature.

Conclusion:

PC filament offers a powerful combination of strength, heat resistance, and durability, making it a valuable material for demanding 3D printing applications. While printing with PC requires careful attention to detail and potentially specialized equipment, the results can be exceptional. By understanding its properties and following best practices, you can unlock the full potential of PC and create high-performance 3D printed objects that can withstand challenging environments.