3D Printing Info

Filament comparison

PC-ABS vs PC-CF

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

PC/ABS blend guideCarbon-fibre PC (PC-CF) guide

2 selected · all documented properties

Open these two in the interactive comparisonMore PC-ABS comparisonsMore PC-CF comparisons
PC-ABS vs PC-CF — documented properties and sources
PropertyPC/ABS blendPCCarbon-fibre PC (PC-CF)PC
Market snapshot
Listing priceUSD/kg; dated snapshots$45.99/kg median; $34.99–$84.00/kg across 5 dated product listings$62.58/kg median; $34.99–$117.33/kg across 6 dated product listings
Identity & Market
Base polymer / chemistryPolycarbonate/ABS alloy — PC stiffness and heat resistance with ABS processability[1][2]Polycarbonate reinforced with chopped carbon fibre[3][4]
Densityg/cm³1.10 (Polymaker) and 1.24 (3DXTech FR grade), ISO 1183; Stratasys specific gravity 1.10 (ASTM D792)[1][2][5]1.22 (Prusament) and 1.36 (3DXTech), ISO 1183[3][4]
Typical priceUSD/kg1 kg spools cluster near 50[6][7]1 kg-equivalent spools span 35–117; the middle of the market is about 63[8][9][7][10][11]
Price range across brandsUSD/kg35–84 across brands; Reli3D 35, SUNLU 46, Polymaker 50, 3DXMAX 84[6][7][12][13]35–117 across brands; Ambrosia 35, IEMAI 39, YXPOLYER 55, Spectrum PC CF 70, Prusament 94, 3DXTech 117[8][9][7][10][11]
Market availability1–5Available from several mainstream brands[6][7]Available from several mainstream brands[8][7][14]
Spool sizes & diameters1.75 and 2.85 mm; 0.5 and 1 kg spools[6][7]1.75 and 2.85 mm; 0.75, 0.8 and 1 kg spools[8][7]
Typical applicationsAutomotive interior and electronics housings that need PC heat resistance without PC's warping[1]Stiff high-temperature structural parts — jigs, drone frames and under-bonnet brackets[3][4]
Diameter tolerance± mmNot documented±0.04 (Prusament PC Blend Carbon Fiber)[3]
Printing Parameters
Nozzle temperature°C250–270 (Polymaker)[1]285 ± 10 (Prusament)[3]
Bed temperature°C90–105 (Polymaker)[1]110 ± 10 (Prusament)[3]
Enclosure / chamber requirement1–5Enclosure required (passive) — Polymaker specifies a 90–100 °C chamber[1]Enclosure required (passive)[3][15]
Recommended chamber temperature°C90–100 (Polymaker)[1]Not documented
Part cooling fanOff (Polymaker)[1]Off — Prusa allows 0–20 % and warns cooling significantly reduces interlayer adhesion[3]
Bed surface & adhesion aidPEI with a glue stick or a commercial adhesive[16]PEI with a glue stick or a commercial adhesive[16]
Maximum volumetric flow (mm³/s; see test conditions)mm³/s20 at Polymaker's 250 mm/s cap on a 0.4 mm nozzle at 0.2 mm layer[1][17]Not documented
Warping tendency1–5High — enclosure needed for reliable large parts[1][15]High — enclosure needed for reliable large parts; the fibre reduces warping against unfilled PC[3][15]
Bed-adhesion difficulty1–5Needs a specific surface plus adhesive[16][18]Needs a specific surface plus adhesive[16][18]
Stringing / oozing tendency1–5Moderate — retraction tuning needed; Polymaker flags stringing as a common PC problem[18]Moderate — retraction tuning needed; Polymaker flags stringing as a common PC problem[18]
Overall printing difficulty1–5Advanced — enclosure, hardware upgrades, tuning[1][15]Advanced — enclosure, hardware upgrades, tuning; hardened nozzle mandatory[15][3]
Hardware Wear & Reliability
Nozzle hardness required1–4Brass fine indefinitely[15]Hardened steel required[15]
Abrasiveness1–5Non-abrasive[1]Highly abrasive — standard CF composite[15]
Nozzle clog risk1–5Moderate — needs dry filament and a clean nozzle; 3DXTech lists no special nozzle concerns but a 120 °C pre-dry of 4 h or more[19]High — jams from moisture, heat creep or particles; PC already absorbs water from the air and 3DXTech adds a hardened 0.4 mm minimum nozzle, 0.25 mm layers and a 120 °C pre-dry[20][16][21]
Heat-creep / jam sensitivity1–5Slightly sensitive[16]Slightly sensitive[16]
Hotend requirementAll-metal hot end required (Simplify3D)[16]All-metal hot end required (Simplify3D)[16]
Moisture Behaviour
Moisture absorption (hygroscopicity)1–5Low (0.1–0.3 %) — the PC matrix takes up 0.15–0.25 % and 3DXTech specifies a 120 °C, 4 h or more pre-dry[22][23][19]Low (0.1–0.3 %) — the PC matrix takes up 0.15–0.25 % and 3DXTech specifies a 120 °C, 4 h pre-dry[22][23][20]
Equilibrium moisture content at ~50 % RH%Not documented0.11 after 7 days at 24 °C / 22 % RH (Prusa Polymers)[3]
Drying temperature & time75 °C for 6 h (Polymaker)[1]Not documented
Symptoms when wetBubbling and popping at the nozzle, stringing and a rough surface[24]Bubbling and popping at the nozzle, stringing and a rough surface[24]
Effect of moisture on strengthNo 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[18][24]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[18][24]
Storage requirementAirtight containers with desiccant to prevent reabsorption[18]Airtight containers with desiccant to prevent reabsorption[18]
Mechanical Properties
Tensile strength (XY)MPa39.9 ± 1.0 printed XY, ISO 527 (Polymaker); 3DXTech quotes 60 at break for its FR PC/ABS[1][2]64 ± 3 printed horizontal and 70 ± 3 printed vertical at yield, ISO 527-1 (Prusament); 3DXTech quotes 73 at break[3][4]
Young's modulusMPa1835 ± 65 printed XY, ISO 527 (Polymaker); 3DXTech quotes 2250[1][2]2600 printed horizontal and 3200 printed vertical, ISO 527-1 (Prusament); 3DXTech quotes 6980[3][4]
Elongation at break%4.2 ± 0.3 printed XY, ISO 527 (Polymaker); 3DXTech quotes 10 at break[1][2]4.6 at yield printed horizontal (Prusament); 3DXTech quotes 2.1 at break[3][4]
Flexural strengthMPa66.3 ± 0.9 printed XY, ISO 178 (Polymaker); 3DXTech quotes 85[1][2]94 ± 3 printed horizontal and 130 ± 2 printed vertical, ISO 178 (Prusament); 3DXTech quotes 85[3][4]
Flexural modulusMPa2081 ± 106 printed XY, ISO 178 (Polymaker); 3DXTech quotes 2300[1][2]3500 printed horizontal and 4200 printed vertical, ISO 178 (Prusament); 3DXTech quotes 6540[3][4]
Charpy impact, notchedkJ/m²25.8 ± 1.3 printed XY, ISO 179, notched (Polymaker) — above both unfilled PC and ABS[1]12 ± 1 printed horizontal and 17 ± 2 printed vertical, ISO 179-1 notched (Prusament)[3]
Other impact dataNotched Charpy still 13 ± 2 kJ/m² at −30 °C printed XY (Polymaker, ISO 179-1/1eA), against 1.5 in Z. Stratasys prints Izod notched at 241 J/m XZ against 34.0 J/m ZX, and unnotched 655 against 101 J/m (ASTM D256, F900 T16).[1][5]Charpy unnotched 32 ± 5 printed horizontal and 35 ± 4 printed vertical (Prusament, ISO 179-1)[3]
Layer adhesion / Z tensileMPa25.9-30.2 at break printed ZX (Stratasys, ASTM D638 on the F900 and Fortus 450mc); 22.9 +/- 1.2 printed Z, ISO 527 (Polymaker)[1][5]23 ± 2 (Prusa Polymers interlayer adhesion test) — above the 21 ± 2 of unfilled Prusament PC Blend[3][23]
Brittleness1–5Tough — absorbs impact, yields before breaking[1]Moderate[3][4]
Hardness (scale-specific)Shore A / Shore D / RockwellRockwell 70 (118) — the source does not name the scales and Shore D 79 on extruded unfilled PC stock (ASTM D785, D2240); no figure is published for a PC/ABS filament[25]83 Shore D (Prusa Polymers method), against 79 for unfilled Prusament PC Blend[3][23]
Creep resistance / sustained load1–5Good. Room-temperature tensile creep of moulded PC/ABS was still running unbroken at 30 MPa when the experiment was stopped for time; specimens failed within the test window at 39-47 MPa (ASTM D638)[26]Excellent — holds load for years. Room-temperature tensile creep of moulded unfilled PC ran unbroken at 41 MPa until the test was stopped; short carbon fibre raises the flexural modulus from about 2.1 to 3.5-6.5 GPa, which reduces creep strain further[26][3]
Fatigue / repeated-flex resistance1–5Not documentedGood. No fatigue test data was found for a carbon-fibre PC filament; the unfilled polymer is rated Good on the same scale[26]
Elasticity / flexibility1–5Rigid[1]Rigid[3]
Z strength as % of XY%75-86 (Stratasys ZX against XZ tensile at break, ASTM D638) against 57 (Polymaker, printed Z against XY tensile)[1][5]Not documented
Thermal Properties
HDT at 0.45 MPa°C112 (ISO 75 at 0.45 MPa, Polymaker); Stratasys prints 117.9 in XY and 126.1 in XZ (ASTM D648 Method B at 66 psi), against 125.0 moulded[1][5]114 (ISO 75, 0.45 MPa, Prusament)[3]
HDT at 1.8 MPa°C106 (ISO 75 at 1.8 MPa, Polymaker); Stratasys prints 107.5 in XY and 112.0 in XZ (ASTM D648 Method B at 264 psi), against 102.9 moulded[1][5]106 (ISO 75, 1.8 MPa, Prusament), against 93 for unfilled Prusament PC Blend[3][23]
Glass transition (Tg)°C109 (Polymaker) and 137 (3DXTech FR grade), DSC; Stratasys measures 105.3 (ASTM D7426 inflection point)[1][2][5]127 (3DXTech, DSC)[4]
Melting point / Vicat°CAmorphous — no melting point; Vicat 135 (Polymaker, ISO 306)[1]Not documented
Continuous service temperature°C113 — Prusa publishes this as the temperature resistance of Prusament PC Blend[23]113 — Prusa publishes this as the temperature resistance of Prusament PC Blend[23]
Annealing response90 °C for 2 h (Polymaker)[1]Not documented
Thermal expansion (CTE)µm/m·K59.9 over -50 to 35 °C and 73.0 over -50 to 95 °C (printed XY, ASTM E831)[5]Not documented
Environment & Chemical
UV resistance1–5Degrades within weeks outdoors[18]Degrades within weeks outdoors unless stabilised[18]
Chemical resistanceWithstands oils, solvents and fuels; Polymaker rates it good against weak acids[18]Withstands oils, solvents and fuels; Polymaker rates it good against weak acids[18]
Food contactBisphenol-A polycarbonate is not offered as food-contact filament[18]Bisphenol-A polycarbonate is not offered as food-contact filament[18]
Biodegradability / compostabilityNot biodegradable[18]Not biodegradable[18]
RecyclabilityMechanically recyclable but not accepted in household plastic collection[18]Mechanically recyclable but not accepted in household plastic collection[18]
Electrical & ESD propertiesNot documentedSurface resistance above 10⁹ ohm/sq — not static-dissipative (3DXTech, ASTM D257)[4]
Health & Safety
Fume toxicity1–5Moderate — measurable VOCs and UFPs, ventilation advised[27]Moderate — measurable VOCs and UFPs, ventilation advised[27]
Ultrafine-particle emission rateparticles/min≈4 × 10¹⁰ median — the highest ultrafine-particle rate of the nine filaments in the chamber study, above every ABS tested[27]≈4 × 10¹⁰ median — the highest ultrafine-particle rate of the nine filaments in the chamber study, above every ABS tested[27]
Ventilation / filtration requirement1–5Ventilated room or enclosure recommended[27][15]Ventilated room or enclosure recommended[27][15]
Dust & fibre handling hazardNot documentedCarbon fibre is bound in the matrix; sanding dust should not be inhaled[4]
Post-Processing
Sanding & machiningSands and machines well; the toughness means it cuts rather than chips[16]Sands and machines well; the toughness means it cuts rather than chips[16]
Gluing & solvent weldingCyanoacrylate; dichloromethane solvent-welds PC but is a laboratory reagent[16]Cyanoacrylate; dichloromethane solvent-welds PC but is a laboratory reagent[16]
Vapour / chemical smoothingAcetone attacks the ABS phase, so surface smoothing is partial rather than full[1]No practical vapour smoothing[16]
Support material pairingPrints its own supports; 3DXTech sells a dedicated PC break-away support[16]Prints its own supports; 3DXTech sells a dedicated PC break-away support[16]
Solvents & Solubility
Soluble inDichloromethane and chloroform dissolve the PC phase; acetone, MEK and THF dissolve the ABS phase.[28][29]Dichloromethane and chloroform dissolve the matrix and leave the fibre; DMF and dioxane do the same (Covestro).[28]
Softened or crazed byPetrol, esters, ether and 1 % alkali stress-crack the PC phase; aromatics and esters soften the ABS phase.[28][29]Methanol, butyl acetate, ether, 1 % NaOH and phthalate plasticisers stress-crack it; acetone, MEK and xylene swell it.[28]
Solvent welding & smoothing agentAcetone attacks only the ABS phase, so smoothing is partial; a dichloromethane cement welds the whole section.[1][30]Dichloromethane cement welds the resin, but the fibre keeps the joint from flowing closed. Controlled carcinogen.[30]

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. Polymaker PC-ABS Technical Data Sheet V5.4 Polymaker · 2024-11 · tds
  2. Firewire Flame Retardant PC/ABS Technical Data Sheet Rev 3.0 3DXTech · 2026-08 · tds
  3. Prusament PC Blend Carbon Fiber Technical Datasheet v2.0 Prusa Polymers · 2023-04 · tds
  4. CarbonX Carbon Fiber ezPC Polycarbonate Technical Data Sheet 3DXTech · 2026-08 · tds
  5. PC-ABS — FDM Material Data Sheet Stratasys · 2023-08 · tds
  6. Polymaker product catalogue Polymaker · 2026-08 · vendor
  7. 3DXTech product catalogue 3DXTech · 2026-08 · vendor
  8. Printed Solid product catalogue Printed Solid · 2026-08 · vendor
  9. Spectrum PC CF Carbon Black, 1.75 mm / 250 g 3DJAKE · 2026-08 · vendor
  10. IEMAI CF-PC 3D Printing Filament product page IEMAI 3D · 2026-08 · vendor
  11. YXPOLYER PC CF product page YXPOLYER · 2026-08 · vendor
  12. Reli3D PC-ABS Filament, Black, 1000 g spool Reli3D (Amazon US) · 2026-08 · vendor
  13. SUNLU PC-ABS 3D Printer Filament 1 kg SUNLU · 2026-08 · vendor
  14. Filastruder product catalogue Filastruder · 2026-08 · vendor
  15. ABS / ASA / PC Usage Guide Bambu Lab Wiki · 2026-08 · doc
  16. Polycarbonate — Ultimate 3D Printing Materials Guide Simplify3D · 2026-08 · doc
  17. Max volumetric speed Prusa Knowledge Base · 2026-08 · doc
  18. PC — material basics Polymaker Wiki · 2026-08 · doc
  19. 3DXTech 3DXMAX ABS product page 3DXTech · 2026-08 · vendor
  20. CARBONX ezPC+CF — product page (print recommendations) 3DXTech · 2026-08 · doc
  21. Composite materials filled with carbon, kevlar or glass Prusa Knowledge Base · 2026-08 · doc
  22. Bambu Filament Technical Data Sheet V2.0 — PC Bambu Lab · 2026-08 · tds
  23. Prusament PC Blend Technical Datasheet v1.1 Prusa Polymers · 2022-02 · tds
  24. Wet Filament — signs, causes and drying Polymaker Wiki · 2026-08 · doc
  25. TECANAT natural (PC) — stock shape properties Ensinger · 2026-08 · tds
  26. Experimental data for creep and dynamic mechanical properties of polycarbonate and polycarbonate/ABS Data in Brief 42:108264 · 2022-06 · paper
  27. 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
  28. Makrolon — The chemical resistance (Makrolon 2800, 6 days at 23 °C and 50 °C) Covestro · 2016-12 · tds
  29. Chemical resistance — resistance of Ensinger plastics to chemicals (DIN 50 014, 23/50) Ensinger · 2026-08 · tds
  30. Weld-On 3 Acrylic Plastic Cement — technical data sheet (shipped as dichloromethane) IPS Corporation · 2002-07 · tds