Polycarbonate vs TPU

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

Polycarbonate vs TPU: Polycarbonate is known for very tough and stiff, while TPU is known for excellent layer adhesion. TPU is easier to print; Polycarbonate prints at higher nozzle temperatures (260-310°C vs 200-240°C). Choose Polycarbonate for very tough and stiff, or TPU for excellent layer adhesion.

Key differences at a glance

Property
Polycarbonate
TPU
Nozzle temp
260-310°C
200-240°C
Bed temp
90-120°C
30-60°C
Enclosure needed
Required
No
Ease of printing
Difficult
Easy
Moisture sensitivity
high
high

Polycarbonate

B

PC

Very tough and stiff; doesn't shatter like PLA

TPU

S

Thermoplastic Polyurethane

Excellent layer adhesion; extremely impact resistant; highly durable

Detailed Comparison

Property
Polycarbonate
TPU
Tier Rating
Tier B
Tier S
Family
PC
Flexible
Nozzle Temp
260-310°C
200-240°C
Bed Temp
90-120°C
30-60°C
Enclosure
required
not needed
Cooling
Low cooling
Moderate cooling
Moisture Sensitivity
high
high

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)

TPU Strengths

  • Excellent layer adhesion; extremely impact resistant; highly durable
  • Great for combat robots, tactical/rough-use parts
  • Rubber-like parts (gaskets, grips, bumpers, wheels)

Considerations

Polycarbonate Caveats

  • Often overkill and high effort for typical use

TPU Caveats

  • Slow printing; retraction can cause jams (especially in Bowden setups)
  • Stringing is common
  • Very moisture sensitive; wet TPU prints poorly

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Polycarbonate and TPU?
Polycarbonate prints at 260-310°C nozzle / 90-120°C bed (Required enclosure, high moisture sensitivity). TPU prints at 200-240°C nozzle / 30-60°C bed (No enclosure, high moisture sensitivity).
Is Polycarbonate or TPU stronger?
Our dataset does not include comparable tensile strength values for both. Qualitatively, Polycarbonate is suited to very tough and stiff, while TPU is suited to excellent layer adhesion.
Which prints at a higher temperature, Polycarbonate or TPU?
Polycarbonate prints at a higher temperature (260-310°C nozzle vs 200-240°C for TPU).
Is Polycarbonate or TPU better for beginners?
TPU is better for beginners: enclosure is no and moisture sensitivity is high, vs required enclosure and high moisture for Polycarbonate.
Should I use Polycarbonate or TPU for flexible parts?
For flexible parts, TPU is usually the better fit (Excellent layer adhesion). Choose Polycarbonate instead when very tough and stiff.

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