PC (Polycarbonate) is a widely used material for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) in 3D printing. PC is a high-performance thermoplastic known for its excellent mechanical properties, including high strength, toughness, and heat resistance. It is commonly used in applications that require durability, impact resistance, and transparency. PC is a versatile material that can be used in various industries, such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and medical.
- High Strength and Toughness: PC has exceptional mechanical properties, including high tensile strength and impact resistance, making it suitable for producing functional parts that require strength and durability.
- Heat Resistance: PC has a high glass transition temperature (Tg), typically around 140-150°C, which allows it to withstand high temperatures without deforming or losing its mechanical properties. This makes it ideal for parts that are exposed to elevated temperatures during their end-use.
- Transparency: PC has excellent optical clarity, making it suitable for applications that require transparent or translucent parts, such as lenses, covers, and prototypes.
- Excellent Dimensional Stability: PC has low shrinkage during the cooling process, which results in parts with high dimensional accuracy and stability.
- Chemical Resistance: PC is resistant to many chemicals, including oils, greases, and alcohols, which makes it suitable for parts that come into contact with chemicals or other harsh environments.
- Good Layer Adhesion: PC has good interlayer adhesion during FDM printing, resulting in parts with good mechanical properties and stability.
- Electrical Insulation: PC is an excellent electrical insulator, making it suitable for parts that require electrical insulation properties, such as electrical enclosures and components.
- Machinability: PC can be easily machined, drilled, and tapped after printing, allowing for post-processing and modification of the printed parts.
- Wide Temperature Range: PC retains its mechanical properties over a wide temperature range, making it suitable for both low-temperature and high-temperature applications.
- Some post-processing requirements: PC may require post-processing steps such as sanding, polishing, or annealing to further enhance its mechanical properties and surface finish.
- Moderate moisture sensitivity: PC can absorb moisture from the environment, which may affect its performance and print quality. Proper storage and handling to prevent moisture absorption are recommended.
- May require higher print temperatures: PC generally requires higher print temperatures compared to other common FDM materials, and a heated build chamber or enclosed printer is often recommended to achieve optimal results.