PA12 vs PC
How PA12 and PC compare, from typical settings across every filament we list.
- PA12 is easier to print and more flexible; PC is tougher, stiffer and more heat resistant.
- PC typically prints about 25 °C hotter at the nozzle.
- PC typically prints about 20 °C hotter on the bed.
- PA12 is less dense, so a 1 kg spool holds about 66 m more 1.75 mm filament.
- There are 50 PA12 filaments in 90 colours, and 47 PC filaments in 131 colours.
At a glance
Our rating, out of 5| PA12 | PC | |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | Easier to print | |
| Toughness | Tougher | |
| Stiffness | Stiffer | |
| Heat resistance | More heat resistant | |
| Outdoor and UV | ||
| Flexibility | More flexible | |
| Setup | Dry before printing | Needs an enclosure, Dry before printing, Needs ventilation |
| PA12 | PC | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Nylon 12 (polyamide 12) | Polycarbonate |
| Filaments listed | 50 | 47 |
| Brands | 26 | 27 |
| Colours | 90 | 131 |
| Nozzle temperature | 240–270 °C | 260–300 °C |
| Bed temperature | 80–100 °C | 100–120 °C |
| Density | 1.01 g/cm³ | 1.20 g/cm³ |
| Length of 1 kg (1.75 mm) | about 412 m | about 346 m |
| Max drying temperature | 70 °C | 75 °C |
Temperatures are medians across each material's filaments, rounded to 5 °C. Always check the maker's settings for a specific filament.
Brands that make both
16 brands make both PA12 and PC; these have the most of each.