{"id":19016,"date":"2026-07-01T00:01:46","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T22:01:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.3dnatives.com\/en\/?p=19016"},"modified":"2026-08-19T15:02:17","modified_gmt":"2026-08-19T13:02:17","slug":"polycarbonate-pc-for-3d-printing-110220204","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.3dnatives.com\/en\/polycarbonate-pc-for-3d-printing-110220204\/","title":{"rendered":"All You Need to Know About Polycarbonate (PC) for 3D Printing"},"content":{"rendered":"

Polycarbonate (PC)<\/strong> is a family of thermoplastic polymers defined by the carbonate groups in their molecular structure. Engineering-grade PC is prized for its exceptional impact resistance, and certain grades are optically transparent, combining strength, durability and clarity in a single filament. This lightweight yet high-performance polymer is widely used across professional and industrial applications.<\/p>\n

PC is not the easiest material to 3D print. Unlike PLA or PETG<\/a>, it demands high extrusion and build plate temperatures, along with a properly enclosed setup to prevent warping. That extra complexity pays off, however: PC parts deliver outstanding thermal resistance, mechanical strength and, in some formulations, optical clarity that few other filaments can match.<\/p>\n

Demand reflects this performance edge. According to Dataintelo, the global PC filament market reached USD 526.4 million<\/strong> in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% between 2025 and 2033, reaching an estimated USD 1,064.3 million by 2033<\/strong>. PC is most commonly used in FDM<\/a> filament form, though there are also PC resins compatible with photopolymerization processes.<\/p>\n

History and Chemical Composition<\/h2>\n

Polycarbonate was patented in the 1950s by the German chemical company Bayer AG. It is produced through the polycondensation of bisphenol A and phosgene: an organic compound and a chemical compound, respectively. The bisphenol A is first converted into a salt, which then reacts with phosgene dissolved in a chlorine solution. This reaction yields polycarbonate.<\/p>\n

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Parts printed with Prusament PC Blend (Image Credits: Prusa Research)<\/p><\/div>\n

Key Properties of PC Filament<\/h2>\n

Polycarbonate is valued for its resistance to impact, scratches and heat. It is also transparent and less dense than glass, giving it excellent optical properties for a plastic. That said, PC has two notable limitations: it is not resistant to chemicals or UV rays, so parts exposed to sunlight over long periods will degrade, and it should be avoided outdoors or in applications requiring long-term light exposure. It is also not recommended for food-contact applications, since the plastic can release bisphenol A particles over time.<\/p>\n

3D Printing with Polycarbonate<\/h2>\n

Polycarbonate is primarily available as a filament for FDM 3D printing, and it requires specific settings to print successfully:<\/p>\n