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PC · FDM · SAN DIEGO

Polycarbonate (PC) 3D Printing — Transparent, Impact-Tough

Polycarbonate is the go-to for clear, high-impact parts — light covers, safety shields, machine guards. $0.063/cm³ at 1.8× PLA. Requires a high-temp hotend and dried spool.

Price
$0.063
per cm³
HDT
113°C
heat deflect
Tensile
63 MPa
strength
Colors
3
in stock
Quote PC →See properties table

When to choose PC

PC is the right pick when you need maximum impact resistance, high heat tolerance, or optical passage. Machine guards, face shields, lab equipment covers, drone propeller guards, LED diffusers, transparent prototypes, high-temp fixtures (engine bays, dishwasher-safe parts), and ballistic-adjacent protective parts.

When to pick something else

Skip PC for budget projects — it's pricey. Skip for cosmetic parts that need crisp detail — PC layer lines are more prominent than PLA. Skip for long-term outdoor without UV protection — use ASA or coat the PC.

PC Properties & Datasheet

Verified against manufacturer datasheets and our own print testing at the San Diego shop.

Tensile strength63 MPaOne of the strongest pure polymers we print
Heat deflection113 °CSurvives boiling water + dishwasher
Impact resistanceExtremeHammer-test tolerant; used in riot shields
TransparencyYes (Clear spool)Not optical-grade but usable for light passage
Layer adhesionGoodBed + chamber temp critical
Moisture sensitivityHighWe print from dry boxes
MachinabilityGoodDrills and machines but can chip
UV resistanceFairYellows over years; ASA is better for pure outdoor

DESIGN TIPS

Designing for PC

  • 01Walls: 3+ perimeters for impact-critical parts; PC's strength is most available at thicker cross-sections.
  • 02Drying the filament is mandatory — wet PC prints poorly and parts are brittle. We dry every spool.
  • 03For transparent parts: thinner walls = more clarity. Use Clear PC and 2 perimeters max for see-through parts.
  • 04Post-process with a light sanding + polish for optical surfaces.
  • 05Heat-set inserts install beautifully; PC welds around the insert.

CUSTOMER WORK

Real parts we've printed in PC

LED diffuser enclosure

Clear PC housing for a lighting fixture; diffuses LEDs while surviving ceiling-mount heat.

Drone prop guard

Impact-tolerant guard for a 7" long-range drone — absorbs a crash without splintering.

Machine guard window

Laser-cutter safety window in Clear PC; took a workshop shelf-collapse drop and survived.

Considering alternatives?

ABSSee specs →

Much cheaper when transparency + extreme heat aren't required.

PA6-CF30See specs →

Higher strength at higher HDT; not transparent.

PC FAQ

How much does PC 3D printing cost?+
PC prints at $0.063 per cm³ (1.8× PLA). A typical palm-sized part (~20 cm³) runs around $1.89 including our markup. Exact price depends on quality preset, infill, and quantity — see /pricing for the full formula.
What is PC best for?+
PC is the right pick when you need maximum impact resistance, high heat tolerance, or optical passage. Machine guards, face shields, lab equipment covers, drone propeller guards, LED diffusers, transparent prototypes, high-temp fixtures (engine bays, dishwasher-safe parts), and ballistic-adjacent protective parts.
When should I NOT use PC?+
Skip PC for budget projects — it's pricey. Skip for cosmetic parts that need crisp detail — PC layer lines are more prominent than PLA. Skip for long-term outdoor without UV protection — use ASA or coat the PC.
What does TAKT 3D's PC print setup require?+
High-temperature hotend (300°C capable) and dried spool required. Enclosed chamber recommended; moisture control is the #1 print-quality driver. All of our PC jobs use filament dried the same day to avoid moisture-induced defects, and every spool is logged against the part batch for traceability.
How long is PC 3D printing turnaround?+
Standard turnaround for PC is 3–5 business days. Expedited (3 days) adds 30%; rush (1–2 days) adds 60%. Most small PC orders ship within 48 hours from our San Diego shop.
Ready when you are

Ready to print in PC?

Upload your STL, STEP, OBJ, or 3MF and get an instant price in PC — no form, no sales call.

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