Polycarbonate is the strongest unfilled plastic we print. It's the material of safety glasses and riot shields — nearly unbreakable, dimensionally stable, and tolerant of heat that softens every other standard filament.
Why print in polycarbonate
When a part absolutely cannot fail, PC is the answer. It resists deformation up to roughly 230°F (110°C), takes sustained mechanical load without creeping, and absorbs massive impact without shattering. Choose it for load-bearing brackets, high-heat enclosures, and parts near motors or engines.
Polycarbonate material properties
| Property | Rating |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | Excellent — the strongest unfilled material we offer |
| Stiffness | Excellent — rigid under sustained load |
| Heat resistance | Excellent — stable to roughly 230°F (110°C) |
| UV / outdoor use | Good — strong outdoors, may yellow over years |
| Flexibility | Low — rigid with extreme impact resistance |
| Detail & finish | Good — slightly glossy engineering finish |
Best uses for polycarbonate
- Load-bearing brackets, mounts, and structural parts
- High-heat enclosures and under-hood components
- Safety-critical covers and impact guards
- Long-life mechanical parts under continuous stress
Colors and pricing
Polycarbonate prints at $0.20 per gram in four stocked colors, including black, white, and transparent. $15 minimum order.
Design tips for polycarbonate
- PC rewards thick sections — 2 mm+ walls unlock its full strength.
- Large flat plates can warp; break them up with ribs or fillets.
- Need stiffness-to-weight instead of raw toughness? Compare carbon fiber.
Upload your file for an instant PC quote, or see every option in the materials guide.