{"id":4050,"date":"2025-03-06T16:35:36","date_gmt":"2025-03-06T16:35:36","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2025-03-07T15:36:11","modified_gmt":"2025-03-07T15:36:11","slug":"pc-3d-printing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wp.unionfab.com\/ar\/pc-3d-printing\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to Polycarbonate 3D Printing [+Free Cost Calculator]"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Discover why PC plastics are modified for 3D printing and why FDM is the dominant technology.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"2a865081-eaa8-428c-969e-64e8696112ff\" data-toc-id=\"2a865081-eaa8-428c-969e-64e8696112ff\">Introduction<\/h2>\n<p>When designing high-strength, heat-resistant functional prototypes or end-use parts, traditional 3D printing materials like <strong>PLA or ABS often fall short<\/strong>. PLA lacks durability, while ABS, though tougher, struggles in high-temperature environments.<\/p>\n<p>This is where <strong>polycarbonate (PC) shines<\/strong>\u2014a material known for its <strong>exceptional strength, impact resistance, and thermal stability<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"8a78a664-4022-43da-aba4-c23307aeaabd\" data-toc-id=\"8a78a664-4022-43da-aba4-c23307aeaabd\">PC Plastic: Pros &amp; Cons<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ufc-dtc-cms.oss-accelerate.aliyuncs.com\/blog\/20250306\/154838_tcv6x3fem.png\" alt=\"pros and cons of pc plastics\" title=\"\" style=\"width: auto; display: block; margin: 0 auto;\" url=\"\" onclick=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"ba7bf1fb-1e58-4f22-a95c-de97848c9bf4\" data-toc-id=\"ba7bf1fb-1e58-4f22-a95c-de97848c9bf4\">Pros:<\/h3>\n<p>The most significant advantages of <strong>PC (Polycarbonate)<\/strong> include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>High Strength and Impact Resistance<\/strong>: PC is more durable than many plastics like <strong>ABS<\/strong>, making it ideal for safety equipment, automotive parts, and other high-strength applications.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Excellent Heat Resistance<\/strong>: With a <strong>glass transition temperature (Tg)<\/strong> of about <strong>145\u00b0C<\/strong>, PC maintains good mechanical properties in high-temperature environments.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>High Transparency<\/strong>: PC has light transmittance of up to <strong>88%-90%<\/strong>, making it ideal for optical applications such as <strong>glasses and lampshades<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Good Dimensional Stability<\/strong>: PC resists deformation under temperature changes or stress, making it suitable for <strong>high-precision components<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Good Electrical Insulation<\/strong>: PC\u2019s excellent <strong>electrical insulating properties<\/strong> make it suitable for <strong>electronic components<\/strong> and <strong>enclosures<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"e931d488-8c38-4e21-adcf-9e0423888822\" data-toc-id=\"e931d488-8c38-4e21-adcf-9e0423888822\">Cons:<\/h3>\n<p>Although <strong>PC (Polycarbonate)<\/strong> offers superior performance, it also has some drawbacks, primarily including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Moisture Absorption<\/strong>: PC absorbs moisture, which can affect <strong>dimensional accuracy<\/strong> and <strong>mechanical performance<\/strong>.<br \/><strong>Solution<\/strong>: Dry PC material (e.g., at <strong>80-100\u00b0C<\/strong> for several hours) before use.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Poor Chemical Resistance<\/strong>: PC is vulnerable to acids, alkalis, and solvents (like alcohol, acetone, and benzene), which can cause <strong>stress cracking or degradation<\/strong>.<br \/><strong>Solution<\/strong>: Avoid strong solvents or use coatings for better chemical resistance.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>UV Aging<\/strong>: Prolonged UV exposure can cause PC to <strong>yellow<\/strong> and become <strong>brittle<\/strong>, affecting its appearance and performance.<br \/><strong>Solution<\/strong>: Use <strong>PC-UV enhanced<\/strong> versions or apply <strong>UV protective coatings<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Processing Difficulty<\/strong>: PC has a high <strong>melting point<\/strong> (around <strong>270-300\u00b0C<\/strong>), which can cause <strong>warping<\/strong> during <strong>FDM 3D printing<\/strong> and make <strong>shrinkage<\/strong> harder to control in <strong>SLS<\/strong>.<br \/><strong>Solution<\/strong>: Use high-temperature printers or choose <strong>PC-ABS<\/strong> or <strong>PC-Blend<\/strong> for easier processing.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Higher Cost<\/strong>: PC costs more than <strong>ABS<\/strong> or <strong>PLA<\/strong>, increasing both material and processing expenses.<br \/><strong>Solution<\/strong>: Choose a cost-effective PC variant like <strong>PC-ABS<\/strong>, <strong>PC-Blend<\/strong>, or other modified materials.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Moderate Fatigue Resistance<\/strong>: PC may lose strength with <strong>cyclic loading<\/strong>, leading to <strong>stress cracking<\/strong> over time.<br \/><strong>Solution<\/strong>: Use <strong>reinforced PC<\/strong> (e.g., <strong>glass fiber reinforced PC<\/strong>) for improved durability.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ufc-dtc-cms.oss-accelerate.aliyuncs.com\/blog\/20250307\/145739_lunk2expd.png\" alt=\"Polocarbonate(PC) datasheet\" title=\"\" style=\"width: auto; display: block; margin: 0 auto;\" url=\"https:\/\/0.assets.sunionfab.com\/ufc-oversea\/material\/FDM\/PC.pdf\" onclick=\"window.open('https:\/\/0.assets.sunionfab.com\/ufc-oversea\/material\/FDM\/PC.pdf', '_blank')\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"5a180464-40e8-414d-af74-035288f52731\" data-toc-id=\"5a180464-40e8-414d-af74-035288f52731\">PC vs. ABS vs. PMMA vs. Nylon vs. PEEK vs. PP<\/h2>\n<p>PC (Polycarbonate) is often compared with other engineering plastics or high-strength thermoplastic materials, including the following:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<p><strong>PC vs. ABS<\/strong> (Impact Resistance vs. Machinability)<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>PC<\/strong>: Higher strength, impact resistance, and heat resistance (&gt;120\u00b0C), but harder to process and prone to warping during printing.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>ABS<\/strong>: Good mechanical properties, moderate heat resistance (80-100\u00b0C), easy to process, cost-effective, ideal for automotive and home appliance housings.<br \/><span data-name=\"check_mark_button\" data-type=\"emoji\">\u2705<\/span> <strong>Choose PC<\/strong>: For high-strength, high-temperature applications (e.g., industrial parts)<br \/><span data-name=\"check_mark_button\" data-type=\"emoji\">\u2705<\/span> <strong>Choose ABS<\/strong>: For cost-effective, easy processing (e.g., electronic enclosures)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>PC vs. PMMA (Acrylic)<\/strong> (Impact Resistance vs. Transparency)<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>PC<\/strong>: High impact strength, shatter-resistant, good heat resistance (&gt;120\u00b0C), but lower transparency.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>PMMA<\/strong>: Higher transparency (similar to glass), but more brittle and much less impact-resistant than PC.<br \/><span data-name=\"check_mark_button\" data-type=\"emoji\">\u2705<\/span> <strong>Choose PC<\/strong>: For impact-resistant, transparent parts (e.g., bulletproof glass, helmets)<br \/><span data-name=\"check_mark_button\" data-type=\"emoji\">\u2705<\/span> <strong>Choose PMMA<\/strong>: For optical applications (e.g., display boxes, light covers)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>PC vs. Nylon (PA)<\/strong> (Rigidity vs. Flexibility)<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>PC<\/strong>: Higher rigidity, impact-resistant, but less flexible.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Nylon<\/strong>: More flexible, excellent wear resistance, but absorbs moisture and has poor dimensional stability.<br \/><span data-name=\"check_mark_button\" data-type=\"emoji\">\u2705<\/span> <strong>Choose PC<\/strong>: For high-strength, impact-resistant structural parts (e.g., electronic housings)<br \/><span data-name=\"check_mark_button\" data-type=\"emoji\">\u2705<\/span> <strong>Choose Nylon<\/strong>: For high-wear parts (e.g., gears, pulleys)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>PC vs. PEEK<\/strong> (High-Temperature High-Performance Materials)<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>PC<\/strong>: Good heat resistance (Tg \u2248 145\u00b0C), lower cost.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>PEEK<\/strong>: Excellent heat resistance (Tg \u2248 250\u00b0C), superior mechanical properties, but very expensive.<br \/><span data-name=\"check_mark_button\" data-type=\"emoji\">\u2705<\/span> <strong>Choose PC<\/strong>: For general high-temperature applications (e.g., automotive parts)<br \/><span data-name=\"check_mark_button\" data-type=\"emoji\">\u2705<\/span> <strong>Choose PEEK<\/strong>: For extreme environments (e.g., aerospace, medical implants)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>PC vs. PP (Polypropylene)<\/strong> (Strength vs. Chemical Resistance)<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>PC<\/strong>: Higher strength, better rigidity, but poorer chemical resistance.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>PP<\/strong>: Strong chemical resistance, good toughness, but lower rigidity.<br \/><span data-name=\"check_mark_button\" data-type=\"emoji\">\u2705<\/span> <strong>Choose PC<\/strong>: For high-strength applications (e.g., electronic enclosures)<br \/><span data-name=\"check_mark_button\" data-type=\"emoji\">\u2705<\/span> <strong>Choose PP<\/strong>: For chemical corrosion resistance (e.g., chemical containers) \u2800<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Summary<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>PC vs. ABS<\/strong> \u2192 PC is stronger and more heat-resistant, while ABS is easier to process and cheaper.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>PC vs. PMMA<\/strong> \u2192 PC is more impact-resistant, while PMMA has higher transparency.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>PC vs. Nylon<\/strong> \u2192 PC is more rigid, while Nylon is more flexible and wear-resistant.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>PC vs. PEEK<\/strong> \u2192 PC is more affordable, while PEEK excels in extreme high-temperature scenarios.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>PC vs. PP<\/strong> \u2192 PC is structurally stronger, while PP offers better chemical resistance.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ufc-dtc-cms.oss-accelerate.aliyuncs.com\/blog\/20250307\/145904_3q33ok9h3.png\" alt=\"Talk to unionfab's 3d printing experts\" title=\"\" style=\"width: auto; display: block; margin: 0 auto;\" url=\"https:\/\/www.unionfab.com\/contact-us?origin=MKBlog\" onclick=\"window.open('https:\/\/www.unionfab.com\/contact-us?origin=MKBlog', '_blank')\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"3390163f-e495-43f8-a6b8-cc9cf9c17d23\" data-toc-id=\"3390163f-e495-43f8-a6b8-cc9cf9c17d23\">Common PC Types Used in 3D Printing<\/h2>\n<p>Notably, unmodified PC is expensive and challenging to 3D print due to its high moisture absorption, elevated melting point, significant shrinkage, and tendency to warp and delaminate. As a result, its application in 3D printing is limited. Currently, most PC materials used in 3D printing are modified variants, primarily including the following types:<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"cad32700-d0d1-499e-8a56-c07dc4caf6d3\" data-toc-id=\"cad32700-d0d1-499e-8a56-c07dc4caf6d3\">1. PC-ABS<\/h3>\n<p><strong>The most commonly used PC composite, combining PC\u2019s heat resistance with ABS\u2019s printability.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Lower printing temperature (~250\u00b0C)<\/strong>, making it easier to print than pure PC<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>High impact resistance<\/strong>, better than both ABS and pure PC<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Moderate heat resistance (110-125\u00b0C)<\/strong>, suitable for most industrial applications<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Good surface quality<\/strong>, requiring minimal post-processing \u2800<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Applications:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Automotive parts<\/strong>: dashboards, ventilation components, electronic housings<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Electronic enclosures<\/strong>: durable and heat-resistant<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Industrial prototypes<\/strong>: strong enough for functional testing<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"60fe7cb5-be28-43fd-a285-a8026295197d\" data-toc-id=\"60fe7cb5-be28-43fd-a285-a8026295197d\">2. PC-CF (Carbon Fiber-Reinforced PC)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>High strength and lightweight, ideal for load-bearing parts<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Increased stiffness<\/strong>, making it more rigid and resistant to deformation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Higher heat resistance (120-140\u00b0C)<\/strong>, suitable for high-temperature environments<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Lower warping<\/strong>, as carbon fibers reduce thermal expansion and improve dimensional stability<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Rougher surface, reduced toughness<\/strong>, suitable for structural parts but less for impact resistance<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Applications:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Drones &amp; aerospace components<\/strong>: lightweight and high-strength<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Automotive engine bay parts<\/strong>: heat-resistant and durable<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Mechanical jigs and fixtures<\/strong>: stiff and dimensionally stable<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"65927c32-380b-4621-9004-d19dc12891e1\" data-toc-id=\"65927c32-380b-4621-9004-d19dc12891e1\">3. PC-GF (Glass Fiber-Reinforced PC)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Higher heat resistance than PC-CF, extremely rigid but slightly heavier<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Highest heat resistance (130-150\u00b0C)<\/strong>, ideal for high-temperature environments<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Excellent dimensional stability<\/strong>, suitable for precision components<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>More impact-resistant than PC-CF but slightly more brittle than PC-ABS<\/strong> \u2800<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Applications:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Electrical enclosures<\/strong>: heat-resistant and insulating<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>High-temperature mechanical parts<\/strong>: engine covers, industrial machine components<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Chemical-resistant parts<\/strong>: laboratory equipment<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"7fe38c8b-7830-4b6d-992c-3ebc064635de\" data-toc-id=\"7fe38c8b-7830-4b6d-992c-3ebc064635de\">4. PC-PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Resistant to chemicals, ideal for harsh environments<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Better chemical resistance than pure PC<\/strong>, making it suitable for exposure to oils, solvents, and chemicals<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Higher heat resistance than PC-ABS (120-140\u00b0C)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Good toughness and impact resistance, but slightly harder to print<\/strong> \u2800<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Applications:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Chemical equipment casings<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Automotive fuel system components<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Weather-resistant industrial parts<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"9192de79-b7e7-4654-867d-f44b764aa8e8\" data-toc-id=\"9192de79-b7e7-4654-867d-f44b764aa8e8\">5. PC-FR (Flame-Retardant PC)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Designed for electrical and aerospace industries with high safety standards<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Contains flame retardants and meets UL94 V-0 standards<\/strong> (self-extinguishing)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Maintains mechanical strength and heat resistance close to pure PC<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Commonly used in electrical and aerospace applications<\/strong> \u2800<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Applications:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Battery enclosures, circuit board mounts<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Aerospace components<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Fire-resistant safety equipment<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"a64a7c7f-31e9-4457-91da-2810a0c686e9\" data-toc-id=\"a64a7c7f-31e9-4457-91da-2810a0c686e9\">FDM \u2014 Preferred Technology for PC 3D Printing<\/h2>\n<p>PC materials are compatible with both FDM and SLS 3D printing technologies. However, due to PC powder\u2019s high melting point, poor flowability, and strong moisture absorption, SLS printing is technically demanding and costly, restricting its widespread use.<\/p>\n<p>In contrast, PC excels in FDM printing, making FDM the preferred method for polycarbonate (PC) 3D printing.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"b835f037-171d-46cf-8fd0-c756e8911222\" data-toc-id=\"b835f037-171d-46cf-8fd0-c756e8911222\">Why is FDM the Mainstream PC 3D Printing Technology?<\/h3>\n<p>FDM has become the dominant choice for PC 3D printing due to several key advantages:<\/p>\n<p><strong>1. High-Temperature Compatibility<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>PC requires a <strong>high extrusion temperature (260\u2013310\u00b0C)<\/strong>, which FDM printers can handle with heated nozzles and <strong>heated beds (100\u2013120\u00b0C)<\/strong>. This minimizes warping and ensures strong layer adhesion. \u2800<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>2. Preservation of Mechanical Properties<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Slow printing speeds (20\u201350 mm\/s)<\/strong> and <strong>optimized layer thickness (0.1\u20130.3 mm)<\/strong> help retain PC\u2019s <strong>high impact resistance, strength, and heat resistance (110\u2013130\u00b0C)<\/strong>, making it ideal for engineering applications. \u2800<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>3. Versatility with Modified PC Materials<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>FDM supports <strong>reinforced PC materials<\/strong> (e.g., glass fiber or carbon fiber-enhanced PC), enabling lightweight, high-rigidity applications that are challenging for SLS to process. \u2800<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>4. Greater Process Control &amp; Reliability<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>FDM reduces <strong>moisture absorption and warping risks<\/strong> through <strong>enclosed print chambers, pre-print drying (80\u2013100\u00b0C), and improved bed adhesion (PEI\/glass fiber sheets)<\/strong>, ensuring higher success rates compared to SLS.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"e526dd05-d2a6-4264-913c-a429c9a6368f\" data-toc-id=\"e526dd05-d2a6-4264-913c-a429c9a6368f\">How FDM 3D Printing Works?<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ufc-dtc-cms.oss-accelerate.aliyuncs.com\/blog\/20250306\/155830_vfqeg0wkv.gif\" alt=\"Unionfab-China's leading 3d printing &amp; cnc service provider\" title=\"\" style=\"width: auto; display: block; margin: 0 auto;\" caption=\"Source: 3D LOGICS\" url=\"\" onclick=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Source: 3D LOGICS<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>FDM builds objects layer by layer using melted thermoplastic filament. The key steps include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Melting &amp; Extrusion<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The filament is heated and extruded as a viscous fluid.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Layer-by-Layer Deposition<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The nozzle follows a G-code path, precisely depositing material onto the print bed.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Cooling &amp; Solidification<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The material cools and hardens immediately, forming a solid structure. \u2800<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Post-processing can be applied as needed to enhance the final product.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"10ea1c66-bdba-4952-a2c8-16dc65b1e877\" data-toc-id=\"10ea1c66-bdba-4952-a2c8-16dc65b1e877\">Desktop VS. Industrial-grade FDM 3D Printing for PC<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Print Accuracy<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Desktop<\/strong>: Lower accuracy (0.1-0.3mm), noticeable layer lines and defects, especially for large or complex parts.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Industrial<\/strong>: Higher accuracy (0.05mm or smaller), smooth surface, fine details, stable printing with fewer defects. \u2800<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Material Properties<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Desktop<\/strong>: Printing PC can cause warping, shrinking, and rough surfaces, with poor mechanical properties, especially without a closed chamber.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Industrial<\/strong>: Precise temperature control and a closed environment ensure better performance of PC materials, offering improved strength and heat resistance. \u2800<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Print Size<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Desktop<\/strong>: Smaller print size (200x200x200mm), large parts need to be printed in sections.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Industrial<\/strong>: Larger print sizes, ideal for large parts and prototypes.(Unionfab\u2019s largest build volume: 1000* 610 * 610mm) \u2800<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Print Stability<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Desktop<\/strong>: Less stable printing process, prone to clogging or failure, requiring frequent adjustments and maintenance.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Industrial<\/strong>: Stable, automated printing with professional temperature control and a closed environment, ensuring consistent high-quality results. \u2800<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Printing Costs<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Desktop<\/strong>: Low equipment and material costs but higher maintenance and waste.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Industrial<\/strong>: Higher equipment cost, suitable for mass production and high-precision needs, with lower waste and higher efficiency. \u2800<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>End-Product Usability<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Desktop<\/strong>: PC parts printed are generally not suitable as end products due to rough surfaces and unstable properties, best for prototypes or non-structural applications.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Industrial<\/strong>: PC parts printed are suitable as end products, offering better surface quality, mechanical properties, and heat resistance, ideal for industrial applications<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>In summary,<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Desktop FDM printers <\/strong>are suitable for individuals, hobbyists, or small studios. They can print PC materials, but their <strong>print accuracy, material properties, and stability<\/strong> are inferior to industrial-grade equipment.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Industrial FDM printers <\/strong>offer higher <strong>stability, accuracy, and material properties<\/strong>, making them ideal for mass production and high-performance industrial applications.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>However, industrial FDM printers are often expensive, so <strong>outsourcing printing services can be a more cost-effective option.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you are interested in outsourcing services and want to know how much your model will cost, <strong>feel free to use Unionfab\u2019s online free cost calculator below.<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ufc-dtc-cms.oss-accelerate.aliyuncs.com\/blog\/20250307\/153430_fq54snmgx.png\" alt=\"Unionfab's free online 3d printing cost calculator\" title=\"\" style=\"width: auto; display: block; margin: 0 auto;\" url=\"https:\/\/www.unionfab.com\/order#\/anonymous_new_shop_quote\/?origin=MKblog\" onclick=\"window.open('https:\/\/www.unionfab.com\/order#\/anonymous_new_shop_quote\/?origin=MKblog', '_blank')\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"ee1a1c82-66e1-4a7e-b54a-5ae9b8cff58a\" data-toc-id=\"ee1a1c82-66e1-4a7e-b54a-5ae9b8cff58a\">Unionfab\u2019s PC 3D Printing Service<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Technology: <\/strong>FDM<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Materials: <\/strong>Modified PC; PC-FR (UL-94-V0)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Max Part Size:<\/strong> 1000 x 610 x 610mm<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Layer Thickness: <\/strong>0.178mm~0.508mm<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Tolerance: <\/strong>0.05mm<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Min. Wall Thickness: <\/strong>&gt;=1mm<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Part Pass Rate: <\/strong>99.5%<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>On-time Delivery Rate (DHL, FedEx etc.): <\/strong>99%<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Post Processing:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<table style=\"width: 535px\">\n<colgroup>\n<col style=\"width: 268px\">\n<col style=\"width: 267px\"><\/colgroup>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" colwidth=\"268\">\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ufc-dtc-cms.oss-accelerate.aliyuncs.com\/blog\/20250306\/171556_83e96ev9x.png\" alt=\"painting\" title=\"\" style=\"width: 180px; display: block; margin: 0 auto;\" caption=\"Painting\" url=\"\" onclick=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Painting<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/th>\n<th colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" colwidth=\"267\">\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ufc-dtc-cms.oss-accelerate.aliyuncs.com\/blog\/20250306\/162348_098a49mox.webp\" alt=\"\" title=\"\" style=\"width: auto; display: block; margin: 0 auto;\" caption=\"Vapour Polishing\" url=\"\" onclick=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Vapour Polishing<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" colwidth=\"268\">\n<figure>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ufc-dtc-cms.oss-accelerate.aliyuncs.com\/blog\/20250306\/162914_qwdtti1d4.png\" alt=\"\" title=\"\" style=\"width: 180px; display: block; margin: 0 auto;\" caption=\"Silk Screening\" url=\"\" onclick=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Silk Screening<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" colwidth=\"267\">\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ufc-dtc-cms.oss-accelerate.aliyuncs.com\/blog\/20250306\/171649_hk4adb31p.png\" alt=\"\" title=\"\" style=\"width: 220px; display: block; margin: 0 auto;\" caption=\"Flocking\" url=\"\" onclick=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Flocking<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>If you haven\u2019t used our 3d printing service before,<strong> sign up to get 10% discount for your first order<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ufc-dtc-cms.oss-accelerate.aliyuncs.com\/blog\/20250307\/150300_3y9z56pxl.png\" alt=\"Get 10% discount for your first oder in Unionfab\" title=\"\" style=\"width: auto; display: block; margin: 0 auto;\" url=\"https:\/\/www.unionfab.com\/login?origin=MKBlog\" onclick=\"window.open('https:\/\/www.unionfab.com\/login?origin=MKBlog', '_blank')\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"a77f024b-c4dd-4639-a4d8-46bbf1eb9234\" data-toc-id=\"a77f024b-c4dd-4639-a4d8-46bbf1eb9234\">Unionfab\u2019s Success Story of PC-FR 3D Printing<\/h2>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ufc-dtc-cms.oss-accelerate.aliyuncs.com\/blog\/20250307\/133314_86r31ttao.png\" alt=\"Unionfab's Success Story of PC 3D Printing\" title=\"\" style=\"width: auto; display: block; margin: 0 auto;\" url=\"\" onclick=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Client Background<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The client is an innovative developer and producer of supercapacitors and double-layer capacitors, providing energy storage solutions for applications like vehicle start-up systems, electric buses, and subways. They chose to cooperate with Unionfab to produce some components for their new series of supercapacitors used in drones, electronic products, and more.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Challenge<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>High-performance materials were required to produce the components for their new supercapacitor system, specifically the <strong>pole insulator<\/strong> and the <strong>support frame<\/strong>. These components needed to meet stringent requirements for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Electrical insulation<\/strong> to prevent leakage currents.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Mechanical strength<\/strong> to withstand high-pressure environments.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Flame-retardant properties<\/strong> to enhance safety under demanding conditions. The client sought a manufacturing solution that could achieve both precision and performance, while reducing production time and costs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Solution<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Unionfab leveraged <strong>Industrial FDM 3D printing technology<\/strong> to produce the key components. The solution involved:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Material Selection<\/strong>: PC-FR (UL-94-V0) was chosen for its ideal combination of electrical insulation, mechanical strength, and flame retardance, ensuring safety and durability.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>FDM Technology<\/strong>: FDM technology was chosen for its high compatibility with PC-FR, ensuring its properties were fully maintained and maximizing its performance.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Result<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The collaboration resulted in significant improvements for the client\u2019s supercapacitor systems:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Enhanced Component Performance<\/strong>: The 3D-printed pole insulators and support frames met all required specifications for insulation, strength, and flame retardancy.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Efficiency and Cost Savings<\/strong>: The FDM 3D printing process significantly reduced manufacturing time by eliminating the need for costly molds and tooling required in traditional manufacturing\uff0c allowing the client to meet tight development schedules.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Sustainability<\/strong>: The 3D printing process minimized material waste, aligning with their sustainability goals.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Customer Feedback<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The client\u2019s technical team expressed great satisfaction with the collaboration. They praised Unionfab for delivering high-quality, precise parts on time and under budget. The use of PC-FR material and FDM technology exceeded their expectations, providing a robust and efficient solution for their new supercapacitor system.<\/p><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover why PC plastics are modified for 3D printing and why FDM is the dominant technology.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4050","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.unionfab.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4050","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.unionfab.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.unionfab.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.unionfab.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.unionfab.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4050"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wp.unionfab.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4050\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.unionfab.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4050"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.unionfab.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4050"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.unionfab.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4050"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}