MATERIALS

Polycarbonate used to be exclusive to expensive industrial FDM machines. Well, not any more, recently we have seen 3 kinds of available polycarbonate (PC) filament that are designed specifically for desktop 3D printing whilst maintaining polycarbonates excellent mechanical features.All polycarbonate materials share some key properties.

Heat Resistance

PC filament offers better heat resistance than almost all other 3D printing materials currently in the market. It can withstand temperatures above 110℃.

Easy Printing

PC filament which is designed specifically for desktop 3D printing can work with moderate printing temperatures and has an excellent warping resistance.

Excellent Mechanical Strength

Parts made with PC filament shows much improved mechanical strength compared to ABS and PLA under almost any deformation test.

Post-Process Capabilities

PC filament can be easily post-processed. Sand your print to achieve either a beautiful smooth surface or spray it with a clear coat of lacquer to obtain a glass-like transparency.

However, different grades of polycarbonate can be created to highlight specific properties.

PolyMax™ PC

PC-Max™ is an advanced polycarbonate filament with superior printability and mechanical properties, particularly fracture toughness. It offers the absolute best in toughness that is simply unobtainable from other 3D printing materials of similar stiffness. This makes PC-Max™ an excellent choice for real-world engineering applications.

PolyLite™ PC

PolyLite™ PC is a polycarbonate (PC) based filament with good printability. Available in transparent color. It shows good optical clarity, rendering parts with an attractive crystal shine. PolyLite™ PC also demonstrates a very high modulus, making it ideal for applications that require stiffness and light diffusion.

PolyMax™ PC-FR

PolyMax™ PC-FR is a polycarbonate-based filament designed specifically for extrusion 3D printing. It offers superior printing quality and high flame retardance. This material is classed under the UL94 fire rating system, scoring the highest possible V-0 rating as low as 1.5mm wall thickness. Many industries are well accustomed to working with fire rating standards. PolyMax™ PC-FR offers a solution where compliance is critical.

Polymaker™ PC-ABS

Polymaker™ PC-ABS characteristics make it ideal for automotive interior application such as dashboard, door handle, or instrument panels. PC-ABS combines the heat resistance of PC with the durability of ABS combining into a filament which has excellent processability and is commonly vacuum metalized in the automotive industry to create lightweight interior parts with a metallic finish.

Polymaker™ PC-PBT

Polymaker™ PC-PBT is another material commonly used in the automotive industry, however, usually for exterior parts such as trim and bumpers. This is due to PC-PBT’s ability to remain very impact resistant even in low temperatures. PC-PBT maintains 80% of its toughness at temperatures as low as -30°C, most other plastics will become brittle at such low temperatures. Another key feature of this blend is its chemical resistance. PC-PBT can resist, hydrocarbons, aqueous salts, organic acids and oils & lubricants that are commonly used in the automotive industry. This chemical resistance paired with good impact strength (especially at low temperatures) make it a perfect material for battery housings and cell holders.