ABS vs PC: Tough and Easy or Maximum Heat and Strength
Pick ABS for tough, heat resistant parts on a typical enclosed printer. Pick polycarbonate (PC) when you need the most heat resistance and strength you can get from a common filament, around 110 to 120°C, and your printer can reach about 250 to 290°C with a heated enclosure.
ABS vs PC Prices Right Now
ABS
ABS and PC Side by Side
| Property | ABS | PC |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle temperature | 230-260°C | 250-290°C |
| Bed temperature | 100-110°C | 90-120°C |
| Enclosure | Required | Required |
| Drying | 65-80°C, 4-8h | 70-80°C, 6-8h (dry before every print) |
| Heat resistance | ~90-100°C | ~110-120°C |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Best for | durable, heat-resistant parts like enclosures and automotive components printed in a controlled chamber | high-strength, heat-resistant engineering parts; PC-ABS/PC-GF/PC-CF blends print easier than pure PC at some cost to peak performance |
Settings are starting points. The full settings cheat sheet covers every material.
When to Choose ABS
ABS handles heat to around 90 to 100°C, is tough and impact resistant, and prints on most enclosed printers at normal temperatures. It is the practical choice for enclosures, jigs and automotive parts.
When to Choose PC
Polycarbonate is stronger and handles much more heat, around 110 to 120°C. It suits high load brackets, parts near engines or lamps, and anything ABS would soften under.
PC blends such as PC ABS are easier to print and keep much of the performance.
Printing Differences
PC needs a nozzle of about 250 to 290°C, which usually means an all metal hotend, a bed of about 90 to 120°C and a hot enclosure. It warps strongly and is very hygroscopic, so dry it well. ABS runs cooler and is more forgiving, though it still needs an enclosure.
Cost Differences
PC costs more per kilogram than ABS, and printing it may need hardware upgrades. The live prices on this page show where the two stand right now.
Cheapest ABS and PC Spools
ABS vs PC FAQ
Is polycarbonate stronger than ABS?
Yes. PC is stronger and handles considerably more heat. ABS is easier to print and tough enough for most parts.
Can my printer print PC?
Only if it reaches about 250°C or more at the nozzle, heats the bed to about 90 to 120°C and has an enclosure. Many stock printers with PTFE lined hotends cannot.
What is PC ABS?
A blend of the two. It prints more easily than pure PC while keeping better heat resistance and strength than ABS.