Polycarbonate vs Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate
Compare Polycarbonate and Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate filaments side-by-side. See which one is best for your 3D printing project.
Polycarbonate
BPC
Very tough and stiff; doesn't shatter like PLA
Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate
ACFPC / PC-CF
Extremely stiff; useful where flex must be minimal
Detailed Comparison
Property
Polycarbonate
Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate
Tier Rating
Tier B
Tier A
Family
PC
PC
Nozzle Temp
260-310°C
270-300°C
Bed Temp
90-120°C
100-120°C
Enclosure
required
required
Cooling
Low cooling
Low cooling
Moisture Sensitivity
high
high
Strengths Comparison
Polycarbonate Strengths
- Very tough and stiff; doesn't shatter like PLA
- High heat resistance (~150C softening region)
Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate Strengths
- Extremely stiff; useful where flex must be minimal
- Surprisingly affordable in some brands
Considerations
Polycarbonate Caveats
- Often overkill and high effort for typical use
Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate Caveats
- Feeding can be difficult unless spool is close/direct-fed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Polycarbonate or Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate better for 3D printing?
Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate is generally rated higher (Tier A) compared to Polycarbonate (Tier B). However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: Polycarbonate is best for Very tough and stiff; doesn't shatter like PLA, while Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate is best for Extremely stiff; useful where flex must be minimal.
What are the temperature differences between Polycarbonate and Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate prints at 260-310°C nozzle / 90-120°C bed. Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate prints at 270-300°C nozzle / 100-120°C bed.
Do Polycarbonate and Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate need an enclosure?
Polycarbonate: required. Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate: required.
Which is more beginner-friendly: Polycarbonate or Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate?
Neither is particularly beginner-friendly - both typically require an enclosure.