PC vs PCTG
How PC and PCTG compare, from typical settings across every filament we list.
- PC is stiffer and more heat resistant; PCTG is easier to print.
- PC typically prints about 35 °C hotter at the nozzle.
- PC typically prints about 30 °C hotter on the bed.
- PC is less dense, so a 1 kg spool holds about 8 m more 1.75 mm filament.
- There are 47 PC filaments in 131 colours, and 26 PCTG filaments in 151 colours.
At a glance
Our rating, out of 5| PC | PCTG | |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | Easier to print | |
| Toughness | ||
| Stiffness | Stiffer | |
| Heat resistance | More heat resistant | |
| Outdoor and UV | ||
| Flexibility | ||
| Setup | Needs an enclosure, Dry before printing, Needs ventilation | No enclosure or special setup needed |
| PC | PCTG | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Polycarbonate | Polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate glycol |
| Filaments listed | 47 | 26 |
| Brands | 27 | 13 |
| Colours | 131 | 151 |
| Nozzle temperature | 260–300 °C | 230–260 °C |
| Bed temperature | 100–120 °C | 70–90 °C |
| Density | 1.20 g/cm³ | 1.23 g/cm³ |
| Length of 1 kg (1.75 mm) | about 346 m | about 338 m |
| Max drying temperature | 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
9 brands make both PC and PCTG.