PC vs PET
How PC and PET compare, from typical settings across every filament we list.
- PC is tougher, more heat resistant and more flexible; PET is easier to print.
- PC typically prints about 45 °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 36 m more 1.75 mm filament.
- There are 47 PC filaments in 131 colours, and 17 PET filaments in 79 colours.
At a glance
Our rating, out of 5| PC | PET | |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | Easier to print | |
| Toughness | Tougher | |
| Stiffness | ||
| Heat resistance | More heat resistant | |
| Outdoor and UV | ||
| Flexibility | More flexible | |
| Setup | Needs an enclosure, Dry before printing, Needs ventilation | No enclosure or special setup needed |
| PC | PET | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Polycarbonate | Polyethylene terephthalate |
| Filaments listed | 47 | 17 |
| Brands | 27 | 13 |
| Colours | 131 | 79 |
| Nozzle temperature | 260–300 °C | 220–250 °C |
| Bed temperature | 100–120 °C | 70–90 °C |
| Density | 1.20 g/cm³ | 1.34 g/cm³ |
| Length of 1 kg (1.75 mm) | about 346 m | about 310 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
7 brands make both PC and PET.