PA12 vs PCTG
How PA12 and PCTG compare, from typical settings across every filament we list.
- PA12 is more heat resistant and more flexible; PCTG is easier to print and tougher.
- PA12 typically prints about 10 °C hotter at the nozzle.
- PA12 typically prints about 10 °C hotter on the bed.
- PA12 is less dense, so a 1 kg spool holds about 74 m more 1.75 mm filament.
- There are 50 PA12 filaments in 90 colours, and 26 PCTG filaments in 151 colours.
At a glance
Our rating, out of 5| PA12 | PCTG | |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | Easier to print | |
| Toughness | Tougher | |
| Stiffness | ||
| Heat resistance | More heat resistant | |
| Outdoor and UV | ||
| Flexibility | More flexible | |
| Setup | Dry before printing | No enclosure or special setup needed |
| PA12 | PCTG | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Nylon 12 (polyamide 12) | Polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate glycol |
| Filaments listed | 50 | 26 |
| Brands | 26 | 13 |
| Colours | 90 | 151 |
| Nozzle temperature | 240–270 °C | 230–260 °C |
| Bed temperature | 80–100 °C | 70–90 °C |
| Density | 1.01 g/cm³ | 1.23 g/cm³ |
| Length of 1 kg (1.75 mm) | about 412 m | about 338 m |
| Max drying temperature | 70 °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
5 brands make both PA12 and PCTG.