Polycarbonate vs PLA

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

Polycarbonate vs PLA: Polycarbonate is known for very tough and stiff, while PLA is known for easiest to print. PLA is easier to print; Polycarbonate prints at higher nozzle temperatures (260-310°C vs 190-220°C). Choose Polycarbonate for very tough and stiff, or PLA for easiest to print.

Key differences at a glance

Property
Polycarbonate
PLA
Nozzle temp
260-310°C
190-220°C
Bed temp
90-120°C
50-60°C
Enclosure needed
Required
No
Ease of printing
Difficult
Easy
Moisture sensitivity
high
moderate

Polycarbonate

B

PC

Very tough and stiff; doesn't shatter like PLA

PLA

A

Polylactic Acid

Easiest to print, cheap, widely available, fast, good bridges/overhangs, easy support removal

Detailed Comparison

Property
Polycarbonate
PLA
Tier Rating
Tier B
Tier A
Family
PC
PLA
Nozzle Temp
260-310°C
190-220°C
Bed Temp
90-120°C
50-60°C
Enclosure
required
not needed
Cooling
Low cooling
High part cooling usually beneficial
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)

PLA Strengths

  • Easiest to print, cheap, widely available, fast, good bridges/overhangs, easy support removal
  • Stiff non-composite thermoplastic, good tensile strength

Considerations

Polycarbonate Caveats

  • Often overkill and high effort for typical use

PLA Caveats

  • Creeps under sustained load
  • Poor heat resistance, UV degradation, can shatter on drops
  • Not great for sanding/gluing/painting/touch-ups

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Polycarbonate and PLA?
Polycarbonate prints at 260-310°C nozzle / 90-120°C bed (Required enclosure, high moisture sensitivity). PLA prints at 190-220°C nozzle / 50-60°C bed (No enclosure, moderate moisture sensitivity).
Is Polycarbonate or PLA stronger?
Our dataset does not include comparable tensile strength values for both. Qualitatively, Polycarbonate is suited to very tough and stiff, while PLA is suited to easiest to print.
Which prints at a higher temperature, Polycarbonate or PLA?
Polycarbonate prints at a higher temperature (260-310°C nozzle vs 190-220°C for PLA).
Is Polycarbonate or PLA better for beginners?
PLA is better for beginners: enclosure is no and moisture sensitivity is moderate, vs required enclosure and high moisture for Polycarbonate.
Should I use Polycarbonate or PLA for very tough and stiff?
For very tough and stiff, PLA is usually the better fit (Easiest to print). Choose Polycarbonate instead when very tough and stiff.

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