PC vs PP
How PC and PP compare, from typical settings across every filament we list.
- PC is tougher, stiffer and more heat resistant; PP is easier to print and more flexible.
- PC typically prints about 55 °C hotter at the nozzle.
- PC typically prints about 20 °C hotter on the bed.
- PP is less dense, so a 1 kg spool holds about 116 m more 1.75 mm filament.
- There are 47 PC filaments in 131 colours, and 28 PP filaments in 50 colours.
At a glance
Our rating, out of 5| PC | PP | |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | Easier to print | |
| Toughness | Tougher | |
| Stiffness | Stiffer | |
| 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 | PP | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Polycarbonate | Polypropylene |
| Filaments listed | 47 | 28 |
| Brands | 27 | 19 |
| Colours | 131 | 50 |
| Nozzle temperature | 260–300 °C | 210–240 °C |
| Bed temperature | 100–120 °C | 80–100 °C |
| Density | 1.20 g/cm³ | 0.90 g/cm³ |
| Length of 1 kg (1.75 mm) | about 346 m | about 462 m |
| Max drying temperature | 75 °C | 60 °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
11 brands make both PC and PP.