PA6 vs PC
How PA6 and PC compare, from typical settings across every filament we list.
- PA6 is easier to print and more flexible; PC is stiffer, more heat resistant and better outdoors.
- PC typically prints about 10 °C hotter at the nozzle.
- PC typically prints about 20 °C hotter on the bed.
- PA6 is less dense, so a 1 kg spool holds about 19 m more 1.75 mm filament.
- There are 69 PA6 filaments in 119 colours, and 47 PC filaments in 131 colours.
At a glance
Our rating, out of 5| PA6 | PC | |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | Easier to print | |
| Toughness | ||
| Stiffness | Stiffer | |
| Heat resistance | More heat resistant | |
| Outdoor and UV | Better outdoors | |
| Flexibility | More flexible | |
| Setup | Needs an enclosure, Dry before printing | Needs an enclosure, Dry before printing, Needs ventilation |
| PA6 | PC | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Nylon 6 (polyamide 6) | Polycarbonate |
| Filaments listed | 69 | 47 |
| Brands | 28 | 27 |
| Colours | 119 | 131 |
| Nozzle temperature | 250–290 °C | 260–300 °C |
| Bed temperature | 80–100 °C | 100–120 °C |
| Density | 1.14 g/cm³ | 1.20 g/cm³ |
| Length of 1 kg (1.75 mm) | about 365 m | about 346 m |
| Max drying temperature | 80 °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 PA6 and PC; these have the most of each.