PC · Functional Parts
Polycarbonate for High-Heat Functional Parts in Singapore
Polycarbonate is what we recommend once a functional part needs to survive conditions that would soften PETG or even ASA — sitting against a warm motor, inside equipment that runs hot, or anywhere impact strength matters more than anything else. It has the highest heat tolerance of any material we print, comfortably ahead of PETG's roughly 80°C and ASA's roughly 100°C, and its impact strength and stiffness sit near the top of what FDM printing can produce, which is why it turns up in safety guards, electrical enclosures and structural brackets rather than everyday fittings.
That strength comes at a real printing cost. PC needs very high nozzle temperatures and a fully enclosed, heated chamber, and it warps more readily than PETG or Nylon if the print isn't controlled from the first layer, which is why it's also the most difficult material in our lineup to print reliably. We don't run PC as a default recommendation — we suggest it specifically when a part's heat or impact requirements genuinely call for it, and print it on hardware set up for exactly that.
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Get a Quote in PC →Why PC for functional parts
Polycarbonate is one of the strongest 3D printing materials available, with exceptional heat resistance and natural optical clarity. It is used in demanding engineering applications where high temperature performance and impact strength are critical.
Exceptional strength and optical clarity — for transparent enclosures and high-impact parts.
Where PC shines
- ▸High-stress structural parts
- ▸Transparent covers & lenses
- ▸Electrical enclosures
- ▸Safety and protective equipment
- ▸High-temperature housings
Pros
- ✓ Outstanding impact strength
- ✓ Highest heat resistance (~120 °C)
- ✓ Optical clarity possible
- ✓ Excellent stiffness
- ✓ Good electrical insulation
- ✓ Engineering-grade performance
Cons
- ✗ Requires very high print temps (260-310 °C)
- ✗ Enclosed and heated chamber essential
- ✗ Significant warping tendency
- ✗ Hygroscopic — needs drying
- ✗ Limited colour options
- ✗ Most difficult material to print
Key properties
From our workshop
Tips for PC functional parts
- ▸Reserve PC for parts that actually need its heat or impact resistance — for a bracket or housing that just needs to be tough at room temperature, PETG or ASA prints faster, cheaper and more reliably.
- ▸Design generous fillets on load-bearing corners rather than sharp 90° edges — PC is strong, but a sharp internal corner is still where a print is most likely to crack under sudden impact.
- ▸Budget a slightly longer lead time than PETG or ASA — the high temperatures and enclosure requirement mean PC prints run slower and get closer attention throughout.
- ▸For a transparent or semi-transparent cover, ask for it specifically — PC is one of the only filaments we print that can hold real clarity, but it needs its own dedicated settings distinct from an opaque structural part.
Example parts we print
- ▸Electrical enclosure covers for equipment that runs warm
- ▸Impact-resistant machine guards
- ▸Structural brackets near a heat source
- ▸Clear inspection windows or lens covers
Recommended settings
| Setting | What we use |
|---|---|
| Infill | 30%+ on structural parts — PC's own stiffness carries much of the load, but thin infill still undermines its impact resistance |
| Perimeters | 3–4 walls minimum, with fillets rather than sharp corners on any load path |
| Enclosure | Fully enclosed, heated chamber required — an open-frame print will warp and delaminate before it finishes |
| Drying | Filament dried before printing — PC is hygroscopic and prints noticeably weaker and more brittle from damp stock |
Starting points from our own machines — we tune per part before printing.
Frequently asked questions
When should I choose Polycarbonate over ASA for a high-heat part?
Choose PC when the part sits near real heat — close to a motor, inside equipment that runs warm, or anywhere above roughly 100°C — since ASA's heat resistance tops out around there. For UV exposure or general outdoor weathering without extreme heat, ASA is usually the better and easier-to-print choice.
Is Polycarbonate worth the extra cost and print time for a functional part?
It's worth it specifically when a part's environment demands it — high heat, high impact, or optical clarity that no other material we print can match. For a bracket or enclosure that just needs everyday toughness, PETG or ASA gets you most of the strength at a lower cost and faster turnaround.
Keep exploring
Functional Parts
Everything we print for functional parts, across every material.
PC
Full PC guide — properties, pricing and what it is good at.
Other materials for functional parts
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