Polycarbonate vs PETG

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

Polycarbonate vs PETG: Polycarbonate is known for very tough and stiff, while PETG is known for tougher than pla. PETG is easier to print; Polycarbonate prints at higher nozzle temperatures (260-310°C vs 230-250°C). Choose Polycarbonate for very tough and stiff, or PETG for tougher than pla.

Key differences at a glance

Property
Polycarbonate
PETG
Nozzle temp
260-310°C
230-250°C
Bed temp
90-120°C
70-90°C
Enclosure needed
Required
Optional
Ease of printing
Difficult
Moderate
Moisture sensitivity
high
moderate

Polycarbonate

B

PC

Very tough and stiff; doesn't shatter like PLA

PETG

A

Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified

Tougher than PLA, higher temp tolerance, more durable in real-world use

Detailed Comparison

Property
Polycarbonate
PETG
Tier Rating
Tier B
Tier A
Family
PC
PETG
Nozzle Temp
260-310°C
230-250°C
Bed Temp
90-120°C
70-90°C
Enclosure
required
optional
Cooling
Low cooling
Moderate cooling; too much cooling can hurt layer adhesion
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)

PETG Strengths

  • Tougher than PLA, higher temp tolerance, more durable in real-world use
  • Good clarity and low friction among easy-to-print materials

Considerations

Polycarbonate Caveats

  • Often overkill and high effort for typical use

PETG Caveats

  • Overhangs/bridges sag; supports can be hard to remove
  • Absorbs water fairly quickly

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Polycarbonate and PETG?
Polycarbonate prints at 260-310°C nozzle / 90-120°C bed (Required enclosure, high moisture sensitivity). PETG prints at 230-250°C nozzle / 70-90°C bed (Optional enclosure, moderate moisture sensitivity).
Is Polycarbonate or PETG stronger?
Our dataset does not include comparable tensile strength values for both. Qualitatively, Polycarbonate is suited to very tough and stiff, while PETG is suited to tougher than pla.
Which prints at a higher temperature, Polycarbonate or PETG?
Polycarbonate prints at a higher temperature (260-310°C nozzle vs 230-250°C for PETG).
Is Polycarbonate or PETG better for beginners?
PETG is better for beginners: enclosure is optional and moisture sensitivity is moderate, vs required enclosure and high moisture for Polycarbonate.
Should I use Polycarbonate or PETG for very tough and stiff?
For very tough and stiff, PETG is usually the better fit (Tougher than PLA). Choose Polycarbonate instead when very tough and stiff.

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