Pc vs Abs Filament: Which One Should You Buy?
PC vs ABS filament explained through three featured PC listings, covering impact strength, heat resistance, print settings and fit for functional parts.
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If the part must stand up to knocks and heat, the PC listings featured here give a clear case for PC. This pc vs abs filament guide explains PC from three featured listings, covering impact strength, heat resistance, print settings and fit for functional parts. No ABS listing is featured here, so this guide states PC figures from the listings and marks ABS figures as not stated rather than filling them in.
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No ABS filament listing is featured in this guide, so no ABS print settings or strength figures appear here. Every PC figure below comes from the three featured listings.
PC vs ABS filament: the short answer
PC, as the featured listings describe it, is an engineering filament for functional parts that need impact resistance, dimensional stability and heat resistance. Both SUNLU listings state impact resistance up to 35 kJ/m² and low shrinkage. The ELEGOO listing states high impact resistance for functional parts, prototypes and standard engineering components, with low warping for large models and high-precision parts. For ABS, this guide states no figures, because no ABS listing is featured here: compare an ABS listing on its own stated figures before choosing between the materials.
What the PC listings state about strength and stability
Both SUNLU listings state impact resistance up to 35 kJ/m². Both SUNLU listings state dimensional accuracy of ±0.02 mm. The ELEGOO listing states dimensional accuracy of ±0.05 mm. The ELEGOO listing states a low creep rate for dimensional stability.
Both SUNLU listings state a reusable spool that withstands temperatures up to 101 °C (214 °F). That spool figure is about the spool, not the printed part. The ELEGOO listing states excellent heat resistance and recommends drying at 80 ± 5 °C for 8 hours in a blast oven before use.
Print settings from the listings
Both SUNLU listings recommend a nozzle temperature of 260-280 °C, a bed temperature of 100-110 °C with glue, and a print speed at or below 150 mm/s. The ELEGOO listing states that an enclosed printer is required and that the filament is compatible with most enclosed printers. All three listings state a 1.75 mm diameter and a 1KG spool. The ELEGOO listing states a vacuum-sealed aluminum foil bag to keep the filament dry.
How to choose between the featured PC listings
Start from the accuracy and settings each listing states, not from the brand name. The SUNLU listings give tighter accuracy and a fuller set of nozzle, bed and speed settings. The ELEGOO listing gives looser accuracy and adds an enclosed-printer requirement plus a drying step. The table below lines up the stated figures side by side.
| Listing | Accuracy | Spool limit | Settings stated |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUNLU PC Natural White (AWUS-PC-BS-1KG) | ±0.02 mm | Up to 101 °C (214 °F) | Nozzle 260-280 °C, bed 100-110 °C with glue, speed at or below 150 mm/s |
| SUNLU PC Natural White (DCUS-PC-BS-1KG) | ±0.02 mm | Up to 101 °C (214 °F) | Nozzle 260-280 °C, bed 100-110 °C with glue, speed at or below 150 mm/s |
| ELEGOO PC Black | ±0.05 mm | Not stated | Enclosed printer required, drying at 80 ± 5 °C for 8 hours |
Three featured PC listings
The listings below are ordered by the strength of their stated figures, with the SUNLU listings ahead for their tighter accuracy and fuller nozzle, bed and speed settings.
SUNLU PC Natural White (AWUS-PC-BS-1KG). This SUNLU listing states impact resistance up to 35 kJ/m², a high-temperature reusable spool that withstands up to 101 °C (214 °F), and dimensional accuracy of ±0.02 mm. It recommends a nozzle temperature of 260-280 °C, a bed temperature of 100-110 °C with glue, and a print speed at or below 150 mm/s. It states compatibility with most 3D printers and describes uses in automotive components, electronic enclosures and industrial parts.
SUNLU PC Natural White (DCUS-PC-BS-1KG). This SUNLU listing states impact resistance up to 35 kJ/m², a reusable spool that withstands up to 101 °C (214 °F), and dimensional accuracy of ±0.02 mm. It recommends a nozzle temperature of 260-280 °C, a bed temperature of 100-110 °C with glue, and a print speed at or below 150 mm/s. It states compatibility with most FDM 3D printers and describes uses in automotive components, electronic enclosures, manufacturing fixtures and mechanical parts.
ELEGOO PC Black. This ELEGOO listing states high impact resistance, excellent heat resistance and low warping, with dimensional accuracy of ±0.05 mm. It states an enclosed printer is required, compatibility with most enclosed printers, and drying at 80 ± 5 °C for 8 hours in a blast oven before use. It describes uses in functional parts, prototypes, standard engineering components, automotive parts and electrical components.
A note on lasers and filament
PC and ABS filament belong in a 3D printer, not on a laser bed. Never laser polycarbonate or ABS. These filaments are judged here on printing figures only, and nothing in this guide suggests a laser use for either material.
FAQ: lasers and CNC
Should I pick PC or ABS for a functional part?
Pick PC when the part needs the impact resistance and heat resistance the featured PC listings state. This guide states no ABS figures, because no ABS listing is featured here, so compare an ABS listing on its own figures before deciding.
What print settings do the PC listings state?
Both SUNLU listings recommend a nozzle temperature of 260-280 °C, a bed temperature of 100-110 °C with glue, and a print speed at or below 150 mm/s. The ELEGOO listing states an enclosed printer is required and drying at 80 ± 5 °C for 8 hours in a blast oven.
Do I need an enclosed printer for PC?
The ELEGOO listing states an enclosed printer is required. The SUNLU listings do not state that requirement, and one states compatibility with most 3D printers.
Can I laser PC or ABS filament?
No. Never laser polycarbonate or ABS. These filaments are for 3D printing, and this guide judges them on printing figures only.
What accuracy do the PC listings state?
Both SUNLU listings state dimensional accuracy of ±0.02 mm. The ELEGOO listing states dimensional accuracy of ±0.05 mm.
Related: the polycarbonate vs nylon filament guide, the nylon vs ABS filament guide, the best filament dry box list and the filament dryer vs dry box comparison.
