Ultimaker PC (polycarbonate) is a very strong and tough material that can be used for various engineering applications. Here are guidelines for getting started with Ultimaker PC and tips to achieve the best 3D print results.

Note:  The information provided here applies to Ultimaker PC, similar quality cannot be guaranteed with third-party filaments.

Compatibility

You can use Ultimaker PC on the Ultimaker S5, Ultimaker 3, and Ultimaker 2+ (Connect), with the nozzle sizes shown in the below overview. If you print PC on the Ultimaker S5 or Ultimaker 3, ensure to use the AA print cores.

Tip: The combination of PC using an AA 0.25 or AA 0.8 print core is an experimental combination. It has a material profile that can be selected in Ultimaker Cura. However, more complicated prints, with tiny features or a large build plate surface, may show increased warpage or oozing. In these cases, the print core 0.4 is advised.

Note: Ultimaker PC is not supported on the Ultimaker 2 Go, Ultimaker 2 (Extended), Ultimaker Original+, and Ultimaker Original

Ultimaker PC is only officially supported for single material prints. Experimental use of PC in combination with Breakaway, TPU 95A or another color of PC is possible though.

¹ Dual combinations with TPU 95A may result in stringing and blobs on the surface of the print
² Only possible for small prints. Larger prints may show warping of the build material

Recommended settings and configuration

Note: Always use the latest version of Ultimaker Cura and make sure that your 3D printer is updated with the latest firmware version to include the correct material profile for Ultimaker PC.

Temperatures

Ultimaker PC prints at relatively high temperatures, between 260 and 280 °C. The build plate temperature is set to approximately 110 °C, but this slightly differs per printer model.

Note:  The correct temperatures are automatically used based on the printer, nozzle size, and profile you select in Ultimaker Cura.

Adhesion

Ultimaker PC is not an easy-to-print material because it tends to warp and delaminate if the printing environment and settings are not perfect.

We strongly recommend using glue on the Ultimaker S5, Ultimaker S3, Ultimaker 2+ Connect and Ultimaker 3, and the adhesion sheets on the Ultimaker 2+ to achieve the best build plate adhesion when printing with Ultimaker PC.

Caution:  The addition of glue is recommended to improve adhesion and thereby prevent the chance of print failure and printer damage. Additionally, the use of glue can prevent overadhesion that can lead to damage to the build plate.

We have optimized the Ultimaker Cura profiles of PC to either print with a brim or raft. You will notice that the Ultimaker S5, Ultimaker S3 and Ultimaker 2+ Connect profiles use a brim, the Ultimaker 3 profiles either a brim or raft depending on the selected print core, and the Ultimaker 2+ profiles always use a raft.

Prints are usually best removed after cooldown. However, if printing with a raft, we recommend to remove the raft while the build plate is still warm.

For more tips on how to improve the build plate adhesion, see our build plate adhesion guide.

Print environment

Ultimaker PC is printed at a high temperature, which can easily be influenced by the environment. To ensure a controlled environment inside the 3D printer it is therefore advised to use the front enclosure included in the Advanced 3D Printing Kit, if you print on the Ultimaker 3 or Ultimaker 2+ (Connect). This will keep the temperature inside the 3D printer at around 45 °C and provides a higher print success rate, better quality, and performance of the printed parts. On the Ultimaker S5, the glass doors will maintain a stable print environment.

Health and safety

Ultimaker PC is safe to print when using the recommended temperature settings listed above. To ensure a comfortable and healthy working environment, we recommend 3D printing in a well-ventilated area.