PC: PolyCarbonate
Polycarbonate (PC) in 3D Printing: A Tough and Versatile Choice
Polycarbonate (PC) stands as a high-performance synthetic filament for fused filament fabrication 3D printing. This recyclable material can be engineered to meet specific application or processing needs, making it an excellent choice for demanding 3D printing projects.
Key Features of Regular PC:
Positives:
- Inherent Transparency: PC is naturally transparent, allowing for clear prints with see-through properties.
- Low Viscosity: It exhibits low viscosity, aiding in smoother printing.
- Heat Resistance: PC is heat-resistant, withstanding temperatures up to 113°C or higher, depending on the grade.
- Flame Retardant: This filament is inherently flame retardant, enhancing safety.
- Strength and Toughness: PC is known for its impressive strength, toughness, and rigidity.
- Greater Flexibility: Compared to PLA, PC offers greater flexibility.
- Chemical Resistance: It demonstrates resistance to various chemicals.
Negatives:
- Hygroscopic: PC tends to absorb moisture from the environment, requiring careful storage and drying.
- High Printing Temperature: Printing PC effectively demands high temperatures and an enclosed printing chamber.
- Difficulty in Printing: It can be challenging to print, especially for beginners or those without experience.
Prusa Polymers PC Blend
PC Blend, as offered by Prusa Polymers, offers a modified take on regular PC. Here are its key characteristics:
Positives:
- Easier to Print: PC Blend is more manageable and easier to print compared to regular PC.
- Dimensional Stability: It maintains excellent dimensional stability, particularly when infused with Carbon Fibre.
- Resistance to UV Light and Chemicals: PC Blend exhibits good resistance to UV light and common chemicals.
- Tensile Strength and Toughness: It offers improved tensile strength and toughness.
- High-Temperature Resistance: PC Blend stands strong in high-temperature settings.
- Less Hygroscopic: It is less prone to moisture absorption compared to regular PC.
Negatives:
- Tendency to warp. That is, flat surfaces of the print acquire a bend during or soon after printing. While this can be negated in some degree it does make the regular PC Blend material a little more difficult to print.
- The Carbon Fibre infused version of PC Blend on the other hand is much more dimensionally stable, and tends not to warp.
Prusa Polymers also offers a carbon fiber-filled version of PC Blend, which boasts exceptional printing characteristics. This variant results in high-quality surface finishes, minimal layer lines, intricate details, and impressive strength, and significantly reduced warping.
In summary, PC filament, along with the enhanced PC Blend from Prusa Polymers, offers the strength, durability, and flexibility needed for a wide range of 3D printing projects. While regular PC may present some printing challenges, PC Blend addresses many of these issues, making it an appealing choice for both experienced and novice 3D printing enthusiasts.