Polycarbonate vs ABS

Compare Polycarbonate and ABS filaments side-by-side so you can pick the right one for your 3D printing project.

Polycarbonate vs ABS: Polycarbonate is known for very tough and stiff, while ABS is known for fast printing. ABS is easier to print; Polycarbonate prints at higher nozzle temperatures (260-310°C vs 230-255°C). Choose Polycarbonate for very tough and stiff, or ABS for fast printing.

Key differences at a glance

Property
Polycarbonate
ABS
Nozzle temp
260-310°C
230-255°C
Bed temp
90-120°C
95-110°C
Enclosure needed
Required
Recommended
Ease of printing
Difficult
Moderate
Moisture sensitivity
high
moderate

Polycarbonate

B

PC

Very tough and stiff; doesn't shatter like PLA

ABS

C

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

Fast printing, acetone soluble (weld/vapor smooth), cheap, tough, decent heat resistance

Detailed Comparison

Property
Polycarbonate
ABS
Tier Rating
Tier B
Tier C
Family
PC
ABS
Nozzle Temp
260-310°C
230-255°C
Bed Temp
90-120°C
95-110°C
Enclosure
required
recommended
Cooling
Low cooling
Low cooling; avoid drafts
Moisture Sensitivity
high
moderate

Green marks the generally easier or more forgiving option in that row, based on tier, enclosure needs, and moisture sensitivity. It is not always the better choice for a specific job, so weigh it against what your project actually needs.

Strengths Comparison

Polycarbonate Strengths

  • Very tough and stiff; doesn't shatter like PLA
  • High heat resistance (~150C softening region)

ABS Strengths

  • Fast printing, acetone soluble (weld/vapor smooth), cheap, tough, decent heat resistance
  • Good impact toughness for the price

Considerations

Polycarbonate Caveats

  • Often overkill and high effort for typical use

ABS Caveats

  • Warps heavily
  • Strong fumes/off-gassing; enclosure plus ventilation recommended
  • Poor UV resistance; yellows and gets brittle outdoors (ASA is the better outdoor/UV choice)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Polycarbonate and ABS?
Polycarbonate prints at 260-310°C nozzle / 90-120°C bed (Required enclosure, high moisture sensitivity). ABS prints at 230-255°C nozzle / 95-110°C bed (Recommended enclosure, moderate moisture sensitivity).
Is Polycarbonate or ABS stronger?
Our dataset does not include comparable tensile strength values for both. Qualitatively, Polycarbonate is suited to very tough and stiff, while ABS is suited to fast printing.
Which prints at a higher temperature, Polycarbonate or ABS?
Polycarbonate prints at a higher temperature (260-310°C nozzle vs 230-255°C for ABS).
Is Polycarbonate or ABS better for beginners?
ABS is better for beginners: enclosure is recommended and moisture sensitivity is moderate, vs required enclosure and high moisture for Polycarbonate.
Should I use Polycarbonate or ABS for high-temperature parts?
For high-temperature parts, ABS is usually the better fit (Fast printing). Choose Polycarbonate instead when very tough and stiff.

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