PLA vs PC
How PLA and PC compare, from typical settings across every filament we list.
- PLA is easier to print; PC is tougher, more heat resistant, better outdoors and more flexible.
- PC typically prints about 70 °C hotter at the nozzle.
- PC typically prints about 50 °C hotter on the bed.
- PC is less dense, so a 1 kg spool holds about 11 m more 1.75 mm filament.
- There are 880 PLA filaments in 8,714 colours, and 47 PC filaments in 131 colours.
At a glance
Our rating, out of 5| PLA | PC | |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | Easier to print | |
| Toughness | Tougher | |
| Stiffness | ||
| Heat resistance | More heat resistant | |
| Outdoor and UV | Better outdoors | |
| Flexibility | More flexible | |
| Setup | No enclosure or special setup needed | Needs an enclosure, Dry before printing, Needs ventilation |
| PLA | PC | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Polylactic acid | Polycarbonate |
| Filaments listed | 880 | 47 |
| Brands | 145 | 27 |
| Colours | 8,714 | 131 |
| Nozzle temperature | 190–230 °C | 260–300 °C |
| Bed temperature | 50–70 °C | 100–120 °C |
| Density | 1.24 g/cm³ | 1.20 g/cm³ |
| Length of 1 kg (1.75 mm) | about 335 m | about 346 m |
| Max drying temperature | 55 °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
27 brands make both PLA and PC; these have the most of each.