3D Printing Info

Filament comparison

ABS vs PC

Compare printing settings, strength, heat resistance, dated prices and sources.

ABS guidePolycarbonate (PC) guide

2 selected · all documented properties

Open these two in the interactive comparisonMore ABS comparisonsMore PC comparisons
ABS vs PC — documented properties and sources
PropertyABSABSPolycarbonate (PC)PC
Market snapshot
Listing priceUSD/kg; dated snapshots$19.99/kg median; $11.99–$45.00/kg across 16 dated product listings$39.99/kg median; $29.99–$92.00/kg across 9 dated product listings
Identity & Market
Base polymer / chemistryAcrylonitrile butadiene styrene — a styrenic terpolymer with a butadiene rubber phase[1][2]Bisphenol-A polycarbonate — an amorphous engineering thermoplastic[3][4]
Densityg/cm³1.04 (Polymaker PolyLite ABS and ABS Pro) to 1.06 (ABS Max), ISO 1183; Bambu Lab 1.05[5][1][6][7]1.19 (Polymaker) to 1.22 (Prusament), ISO 1183; Bambu Lab 1.20; Stratasys specific gravity 1.20 (ASTM D792)[3][8][9][10]
Typical priceUSD/kg1 kg spools cluster near 20[11][12][13][14][15]1 kg spools cluster near 40[9][12][16]
Price range across brandsUSD/kg12–45 across brands; IEMAI 12, SUNLU 12 at a 3 kg minimum, ELEGOO 15 in a 5 kg pack, Polymaker 19, YXPOLYER 20, Bambu Lab 20, Push Plastic 25, 3DXTech 45[11][12][17][18][13][14][15][19]30–92 across brands; Polymaker PolyLite 30, Bambu Lab 40, Polymaker PolyMax 52, Prusament 59, 3DXTech ezPC 64 and 3DXMAX PC 92[12][9][16][17]
Market availability1–5Ubiquitous, every brand and retailer[11][12][17][18]Available from several mainstream brands[9][12][17][16]
Spool sizes & diameters1.75 and 2.85 mm; 1, 5 and 10 kg spools[17][18]1.75 and 2.85 mm; 0.5, 0.75, 0.9, 1 and 3 kg spools[12][17][16]
Typical applicationsEnclosures, automotive interior parts and tooling that must hold shape above PLA's 55 °C ceiling[1][20]Light guides, lenses, under-bonnet automotive parts and impact-loaded housings that must hold shape above 110 °C[4][3]
Diameter tolerance± mmNot documented±0.03 (Prusament PC Blend)[8]
Printing Parameters
Nozzle temperature°C240–270 (Bambu Lab); 245–265 (Polymaker PolyLite)[5][1]250–280 across brands; Prusament 275 ± 10, Bambu Lab 260–280, Polymaker 250–270. Polymaker's material guide gives a wider 260–310 for PC and its composites[8][9][3][4]
Bed temperature°C80–100 (Bambu Lab); 90–100 (Polymaker)[5][1]90–115; Prusament 110 ± 10, Bambu Lab 90–110, Polymaker 90–105[8][9][3]
Enclosure / chamber requirement1–5Enclosure recommended — Polymaker calls a chamber needed at ambient temperature, Bambu Lab requires an enclosed printer and rules out its P1P and A-series machines[1][21]Enclosure required (passive) — Polymaker specifies a 70–100 °C chamber, Bambu Lab 45–60 °C and rules out its P1P and A-series machines[3][9][21]
Recommended chamber temperature°C45–60 (Bambu Lab)[5]70–100 (Polymaker); 45–60 (Bambu Lab)[3][9]
Part cooling fan0–80 % (Bambu Lab); off (Polymaker PolyLite)[5][1]Off or very low — Polymaker specifies off, Prusament 20 % within a 0–30 % range, Bambu Lab 0–60 %[3][8][9]
Bed surface & adhesion aidClean the plate and apply glue — Bambu Lab lists glue as the way to improve adhesion and prevent warping[21]Textured PEI with glue when needed (Polymaker); smooth or textured PEI (Bambu Lab)[3][22]
Maximum volumetric flow (mm³/s; see test conditions)mm³/s10–16 (PrusaSlicer guidance for ABS/ASA)[23]24 at Bambu Lab's 300 mm/s cap on a 0.4 mm nozzle at 0.2 mm layer; Polymaker allows 50–200 mm/s and its material guide advises 30–60 for layer adhesion[9][3][4][23]
Warping tendency1–5High — enclosure needed for reliable large parts; Bambu Lab attributes surface cracking to cooling stress exceeding interlayer adhesion[21]Severe — heated chamber needed[3][4][21]
Bed-adhesion difficulty1–5Needs a specific surface plus adhesive[21]Needs a specific surface plus adhesive[3][21]
Stringing / oozing tendency1–5Slight[1]Moderate — retraction tuning needed[4]
Overall printing difficulty1–5Intermediate — dry filament and a tuned profile[21][1]Advanced — enclosure, hardware upgrades, tuning[4][21]
Extruder requirementNot documentedAll-metal hotend rated to 300 °C; Polymaker advises larger nozzles and high chamber temperatures to improve bonding[4]
Hardware Wear & Reliability
Nozzle hardness required1–4Brass fine indefinitely[21]Brass fine indefinitely[21]
Abrasiveness1–5Non-abrasive[21]Non-abrasive[3]
Nozzle clog risk1–5Low — no special hot-end required and clogging is not among the listed drawbacks; Prusa lists no drybox and no hardened nozzle[24][25]Moderate — needs dry filament and a clean nozzle[4]
Heat-creep / jam sensitivity1–5Slightly sensitive[24]Slightly sensitive[26]
Hotend requirementNo special hot-end required[24]All-metal hot end required (Simplify3D); Polymaker advises a hot end rated above 300 °C[26][4]
Moisture Behaviour
Moisture absorption (hygroscopicity)1–5Moderate — 0.65 % saturated at 25 °C / 55 % RH (Bambu Lab); Polymaker measures 0.51 % maximum uptake for ABS Pro[5][6]Low — 0.25 % saturated at 25 °C / 55 % RH (Bambu Lab); Prusa measures 0.15 % after 7 days at 22 % RH. Polymaker nonetheless calls PC highly hygroscopic in service[9][8][4]
Equilibrium moisture content at ~50 % RH%0.65 saturated at 25 °C / 55 % RH (Bambu Lab); 0.51 maximum (Polymaker ABS Pro)[5][6]0.25 saturated at 25 °C / 55 % RH (Bambu Lab); 0.15 after 7 days at 24 °C / 22 % RH (Prusa)[9][8]
Drying temperature & time80 °C for 8 h (Bambu Lab); 70 °C for 6 h (Polymaker)[5][1]80 °C for 8 h (Bambu Lab); 75 °C for 6 h (Polymaker); 70–80 °C for 6–8 h (Polymaker material guide)[9][3][4]
Symptoms when wetBubbling and popping at the nozzle, stringing, rough surface and weak layers[27]Bubbling and popping at the nozzle, stringing, rough surface and weak layers[27]
Effect of moisture on strengthPolymaker rates ABS moderate-sensitivity and publishes no dry-versus-conditioned figures; the loss appears as poor layer adhesion and surface defects rather than a stated strength delta[27]No dry-versus-conditioned figures are published. Polymaker calls PC highly hygroscopic and requires a 70–80 °C dry for 6–8 h; run wet, the loss shows as surface defects and poor layer adhesion[4][27]
Storage requirementSealed with desiccant; Polymaker rates ABS moderate-sensitivity and advises periodic drying in humid climates[27]Airtight containers with desiccant to prevent reabsorption[4]
Mechanical Properties
Tensile strength (XY)MPa33 ± 3 (Bambu Lab) to 35 (Polymaker ABS Pro and Max) printed XY, ISO 527; 3DXTech quotes 42 at break[5][6][7][28]53.4 (PolyMax) to 69.1 (PolyLite) printed XY, ISO 527; Bambu Lab 62 +/- 2 and Prusament 63 +/- 1 at yield; Stratasys 62.3-64.6 at yield printed XZ, ASTM D638 (its PC White table duplicates the Antero 840CN03 figures and was not used)[3][29][9][8][30][10]
Young's modulusMPa2200 ± 190 (Bambu Lab) to 2330 (Polymaker ABS Pro) printed XY, ISO 527; 3DXTech quotes 1950[5][6][28]2110 (Bambu Lab) to 2497 (PolyLite) printed XY, ISO 527; Prusament 1900, 3DXTech 2180[9][3][8][30]
Elongation at break%6.7 (ABS Max) to 10.5 (Bambu Lab) at break, printed XY, ISO 527[5][6][7]3.8 (Bambu Lab) to 4.8 (PolyLite) at break, printed XY, ISO 527; 3DXTech quotes 14 at break, Prusament 5.8 at yield[9][3][30][8]
Flexural strengthMPa60 (ABS Pro) to 63 (ABS Max) printed XY, ISO 178; Bambu Lab 62 ± 4; 3DXTech quotes 76[5][6][7][28]81.3 (PolyMax) to 108 (Bambu Lab) printed XY, ISO 178; Prusament 88 ± 1, PolyLite 106.1[29][9][8][3]
Flexural modulusMPa1880 ± 110 (Bambu Lab) to 2500 (ABS Max) printed XY, ISO 178[5][7]2050 (PolyMax) to 2640 (PolyLite) printed XY, ISO 178; Prusament 2100[29][3][8]
Charpy impact, notchedkJ/m²10.5 (ABS Max) and 14.5 (ABS Pro) printed XY, ISO 179, notched; PolyLite ABS 18.0 ± 0.9 and Bambu Lab 21.5 ± 2.2[1][6][7][5]4.1 (PolyLite) to 21.3 (PolyMax) printed XY, ISO 179, notched; Prusament 12 ± 1[3][29][8]
Other impact dataCharpy unnotched 39.3 ± 3.6 printed XY (Bambu Lab, ISO 179); notched 21.5 ± 2.2[5]Charpy unnotched does not break on Prusa's pendulum in either orientation (ISO 179-1); PolyMax PC retains 9.2 kJ/m2 notched at -30 °C. Stratasys PC Black gives 85.3 MPa flexural strength at break in ZX against no break in XZ (ASTM D790, printed)[8][29][10]
Layer adhesion / Z tensileMPa21.9 (ABS Pro) to 29.7 (PolyLite) printed Z, ISO 527; Bambu Lab 28 ± 2[5][1][6]37.1-45.3 at yield printed ZX (Stratasys PC Black and Red, ASTM D638); 41.4 (PolyMax) to 56 (Bambu Lab) printed Z; Prusa's interlayer adhesion test gives 21 +/- 2[8][29][9][10]
Brittleness1–5Tough — absorbs impact, yields before breaking[5][1]Tough — absorbs impact, yields before breaking[4][8]
Hardness (scale-specific)Shore A / Shore D / RockwellNot documentedShore D 79 (Prusa Polymers method) and Shore D 79 on extruded PC stock (ASTM D2240); Rockwell 70 (118) — the source does not name the scales[8][31]
Creep resistance / sustained load1–5Moderate — no printed-ABS creep test found; Tg of 101–126 °C keeps room-temperature service far below softening, unlike PLA[1][6][7]Excellent — holds load for years. Room-temperature tensile creep of moulded PC was still running unbroken at 41 MPa when the experiment was stopped for time; specimens failed within the test window only at 47-52 MPa (ASTM D638)[32]
Fatigue / repeated-flex resistance1–5Moderate — no printed-ABS S-N curve found; 10.5 % elongation and 21.5 kJ/m² notched Charpy give far more cyclic tolerance than PLA[5][33]Good[8][4]
Elasticity / flexibility1–5Rigid[5]Rigid[3]
Z strength as % of XY%85 (Bambu Lab, printed Z against XY tensile); 63 for Polymaker ABS Pro[5][6]59-73 (Stratasys PC Black and Red, ZX against XZ tensile yield, ASTM D638); 76 for PolyLite PC and 90 for Bambu Lab (printed Z against XY tensile)[9][3][10]
Thermal Properties
HDT at 0.45 MPa°C87 (Bambu Lab) to 118 (Polymaker ABS Max), ISO 75 at 0.45 MPa; PolyLite ABS 100[5][1][7]110 (PolyMax PC-FR) to 114 (PolyMax PC), ISO 75 at 0.45 MPa; Bambu Lab 112, PolyLite 111, Prusament 113. Stratasys FDM PC reaches 144 printed (ASTM D648 Method B at 66 psi)[29][3][9][8][10]
HDT at 1.8 MPa°C84 (Bambu Lab) to 113 (Polymaker ABS Max), ISO 75 at 1.8 MPa; PolyLite ABS 98[5][1][7]93 (Prusament) to 117 (Bambu Lab), ISO 75 at 1.8 MPa; PolyLite 107, PolyMax 99. Stratasys FDM PC reaches 141 printed (ASTM D648 Method B at 264 psi)[8][9][3][29][10]
Glass transition (Tg)°C101 (PolyLite) to 126 (ABS Max), DSC; 105 quoted by 3DXTech[1][7][28]113 (Polymaker, DSC), 142.5 (Stratasys, ASTM D7426 inflection point) and 145 (Bambu Lab, DSC); Polymaker's material guide quotes 150[3][9][4][10]
Melting point / Vicat°CAmorphous — no melting point; Vicat 104 (PolyLite) to 127 (ABS Max), ISO 306[1][7]Amorphous — no melting point; Vicat 117–120 (Polymaker, ISO 306); decomposition above 360 °C[3][29]
Continuous service temperature°C101 measured on a loaded glass-filled ABS bar (My Tech Fun); unfilled ABS is bounded by its 84–98 °C heat deflection[34][5][1]113 — Prusa publishes this as the temperature resistance of Prusament PC Blend; extruded PC stock is rated 121 long term (converted from 250 °F)[8][31]
Annealing responseDecomposition above 380 °C (PolyLite ABS, TGA)[1]90 °C for 2 h (Polymaker)[3]
Thermal expansion (CTE)µm/m·K86 ± 3 at 0° and 89 ± 3 at 90° raster (printed, fibre Bragg grating, 25–50 °C); 82 for a neat large-format bead at 30 °C[35][36]51.6 in XY over -50 to 30 °C, falling to 35.8 over 30-75 °C and 11.5 over 75-130 °C; 49.2 in XZ over -50 to 120 °C (printed, ASTM E831). Extruded PC stock gives 68.4 (ASTM D696)[10][31]
Flammability / UL 94Flammable; no UL 94 rating published for standard ABS, though V-0 grades exist[37][5]Flammable; no UL 94 rating on standard PC, though V-0 grades exist[38][3]
Environment & Chemical
UV resistance1–5Months outdoors before embrittlement[20]Degrades within weeks outdoors — unstabilised PC yellows and embrittles under UV[4]
Chemical resistanceGood against weak acids, weak alkalis, oils and grease; poor against strong acids; dissolved by acetone[1]Withstands oils, solvents and fuels; Polymaker rates it good against weak acids[4]
Water / humidity resistance in service1–5Good — minor absorption[5]Good — minor absorption[9]
Food contactNot food safe — Polymaker cites potential chemical leaching[20]Bisphenol-A polycarbonate is not offered as food-contact filament[4]
Biodegradability / compostabilityNot biodegradable[20]Not biodegradable[4]
RecyclabilityMechanically recyclable as resin code 9, but not accepted in household plastic collection[20]Mechanically recyclable but not accepted in household plastic collection[4]
Electrical & ESD propertiesSurface resistance above 10¹³ ohm/sq — insulating (3DXTech, ASTM D257)[28]Surface resistance above 10¹³ ohm/sq — an electrical insulator, which Polymaker lists as a headline advantage[30][4]
Health & Safety
Fume toxicity1–5High — hazardous VOC such as styrene; enclosure and filtration needed[39][21]Moderate — measurable VOCs and UFPs, ventilation advised[39]
VOC emission rateµg/min12–113 styrene, the dominant VOC from every ABS and HIPS combination tested[39]Not documented
Ultrafine-particle emission rateparticles/min2 × 10¹⁰ to 9 × 10¹⁰ median across all ABS printers, two orders of magnitude above PLA's ≈1 × 10⁸[39]≈4 × 10¹⁰ median — the highest ultrafine-particle rate of the nine filaments in the chamber study, above every ABS tested[39]
Hazardous species emittedStyrene dominates. Bambu Lab states ABS and ASA release harmful gases such as styrene at printing temperature, which can be toxic and cause dizziness or nausea[39][21]Not documented
Ventilation / filtration requirement1–5Enclosure with carbon and HEPA filtration — an enclosure alone cut measured UFP by only about 35 %[39][21]Ventilated room or enclosure recommended[39][21]
Post-Processing
Sanding & machiningSands well and takes filler; the usual preparation before painting[20]Sands and machines well; the toughness means it cuts rather than chips[26]
Painting & finishingNot documentedOptical clarity survives printing, so transparent parts are usually left unpainted[4]
Gluing & solvent weldingSolvent-welds with acetone[1]Cyanoacrylate; dichloromethane solvent-welds PC but is a laboratory reagent[26]
Vapour / chemical smoothingAcetone vapour smoothing works — ABS dissolves in acetone[1]No practical vapour smoothing[26]
Support material pairingHIPS breaks away or dissolves in d-limonene; Bambu Lab sells a dedicated Support for ABS[40][21]Prints its own supports; 3DXTech sells a dedicated PC break-away support[26]
Dimensional accuracy & detailWarping and cooling-stress cracking are the accuracy limits, not shrinkage of the melt[21]Warping is the dominant accuracy limit; light transmission 89 % on PolyLite PC (GB/T 2410)[3][4]
Solvents & Solubility
Soluble inAcetone dissolves it — the basis of ABS slurry; so do MEK, THF, ethyl acetate, chloroform, dichloromethane and toluene.[41][1]Dichloromethane, chloroform, DMF and dioxane dissolve it outright (Covestro, 6 days at 23 °C). Laboratory reagents.[42]
Softened or crazed byPetrol and perchloroethylene soften it and benzene attacks it; d-limonene disrupts layer adhesion in some ABS and ASA grades.[41][43]Methanol, butyl acetate, ether, 1 % NaOH and phthalate plasticisers stress-crack it; acetone, MEK and xylene swell it.[42]
Solvent welding & smoothing agentAcetone: about 20 min of vapour at 80 °C over 5 mm of liquid. Prusa measured layer adhesion more than doubled.[44]Dichloromethane cement welds PC — 16.5 MPa lap shear at one week (IPS Weld-On 3). A controlled carcinogen.[45]

Material entries describe families or representative grades, not an interchangeable specification for every spool. Test methods, orientations and conditions may differ. Unknown values are marked “Not documented”. Prices and source dates remain historical snapshots; check the linked guide for product details. Differences highlight text, not a universal winner.

Sources for this comparison

  1. PolyLite ABS Technical Data Sheet (V5.5 served at this URL) Polymaker · 2024-11 · tds
  2. Safety Data Sheet SDS20250724B00 — Bambu ABS Bambu Lab · 2025-07 · msds
  3. PolyLite PC Technical Data Sheet V5.4 Polymaker · 2024-11 · tds
  4. PC — material basics Polymaker Wiki · 2026-08 · doc
  5. Bambu Filament Technical Data Sheet V3.0 — ABS Bambu Lab · 2026-08 · tds
  6. Polymaker ABS Pro Technical Data Sheet V1 (2026-05-29) Polymaker · 2026-05 · tds
  7. Polymaker ABS Max Technical Data Sheet V1.1 (2026-06-01) Polymaker · 2026-06 · tds
  8. Prusament PC Blend Technical Datasheet v1.1 Prusa Polymers · 2022-02 · tds
  9. Bambu Filament Technical Data Sheet V2.0 — PC Bambu Lab · 2026-08 · tds
  10. PC (Polycarbonate) — FDM Material Data Sheet Stratasys · 2026-04 · tds
  11. ABS — product page Bambu Lab US Store · 2026-08 · vendor
  12. Polymaker product catalogue Polymaker · 2026-08 · vendor
  13. Push Plastic product catalogue Push Plastic · 2026-08 · vendor
  14. SUNLU ABS 3D Printer Filament 1 kg SUNLU · 2026-08 · vendor
  15. IEMAI ABS 3D Printing Filament product page IEMAI 3D · 2026-08 · vendor
  16. Printed Solid product catalogue Printed Solid · 2026-08 · vendor
  17. 3DXTech product catalogue 3DXTech · 2026-08 · vendor
  18. ELEGOO product catalogue ELEGOO · 2026-08 · vendor
  19. YXPOLYER ABS Squirrel Grey product page YXPOLYER · 2026-08 · vendor
  20. ABS — material basics Polymaker Wiki · 2026-08 · doc
  21. ABS / ASA / PC Usage Guide Bambu Lab Wiki · 2026-08 · doc
  22. Bambu Filament Technical Data Sheet V1.0 — PC FR Bambu Lab · 2026-08 · tds
  23. Max volumetric speed Prusa Knowledge Base · 2026-08 · doc
  24. ABS — Ultimate 3D Printing Materials Guide Simplify3D · 2026-08 · doc
  25. Filament Material Guide Prusa Knowledge Base · 2026-08 · doc
  26. Polycarbonate — Ultimate 3D Printing Materials Guide Simplify3D · 2026-08 · doc
  27. Wet Filament — signs, causes and drying Polymaker Wiki · 2026-08 · doc
  28. 3DXMAX ABS Technical Data Sheet 3DXTech · 2026-08 · tds
  29. PolyMax PC Technical Data Sheet V5.4 Polymaker · 2024-11 · tds
  30. ezPC Polycarbonate Technical Data Sheet 3DXTech · 2026-08 · tds
  31. TECANAT natural (PC) — stock shape properties Ensinger · 2026-08 · tds
  32. Experimental data for creep and dynamic mechanical properties of polycarbonate and polycarbonate/ABS Data in Brief 42:108264 · 2022-06 · paper
  33. Mechanical Properties of Additively Manufactured Polymeric Materials — PLA and PETG — For Biomechanical Applications Polymers 16(13):1868 · 2024-06 · paper
  34. ABS-GF vs PET-CF — results spreadsheet My Tech Fun (Igor Gaspar) · 2026-08 · test
  35. Characterization of Thermal Expansion Coefficient of 3D Printing Polymeric Materials Using Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors Materials 17(18):4668 · 2024-09 · paper
  36. Effects of Fiber Orientation on the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion of Fiber-Filled Polymer Systems in Large Format Polymer Extrusion-Based Additive Manufacturing Materials 15(8):2764 · 2022-04 · paper
  37. Firewire Flame Retardant ABS Technical Data Sheet 3DXTech · 2026-08 · tds
  38. PolyMax PC-FR Technical Data Sheet V5.5 Polymaker · 2024-11 · tds
  39. Emissions of Ultrafine Particles and Volatile Organic Compounds from Commercially Available Desktop Three-Dimensional Printers with Multiple Filaments (Azimi et al.) Environmental Science & Technology 50(3) 1260-1268 · 2016-01 · paper
  40. HIPS — Ultimate 3D Printing Materials Guide Simplify3D · 2026-08 · doc
  41. Chemical resistance — resistance of Ensinger plastics to chemicals (DIN 50 014, 23/50) Ensinger · 2026-08 · tds
  42. Makrolon — The chemical resistance (Makrolon 2800, 6 days at 23 °C and 50 °C) Covestro · 2016-12 · tds
  43. HIPS — Knowledge Base Prusa Research · 2026-08 · doc
  44. Improve your 3D prints with chemical smoothing Prusa Research · 2026-08 · doc
  45. Weld-On 3 Acrylic Plastic Cement — technical data sheet (shipped as dichloromethane) IPS Corporation · 2002-07 · tds