Comparison
PC FDM Filament vs PA66
A side-by-side comparison of Polycarbonate Filament for FDM and Polyamide 6,6 (Nylon).
Physical
Density
1.20-1.22 g/cm³
1.14 g/cm³
Water Absorption (24h)
0.2-0.4 %
1.2 %
Transparency
Transparent to Translucent
Opaque
Shrinkage
Moderate (0.4-0.7%)
1.5 – 2.0 %
Mechanical
Young's Modulus
2.0-2.5 GPa
3.0 GPa (dry)
Tensile Strength
60-70 MPa
80 MPa
Elongation at Break
5-10 %
60 %
Impact Strength (Izod)
15-25 kJ/m²
50 J/m
Flexural Strength
—
110 MPa
Thermal
Glass Transition Temperature
130-145 °C
70 °C
Melting Point
230-300 °C (softens)
255 – 265 °C
Continuous Service Temperature
100-120 °C
100 – 120 °C
Heat Deflection Temperature
120-135 °C @ 1.82 MPa
75 °C (unfilled)
Electrical
Dielectric Constant
3.0-3.2
4.0
Volume Resistivity
10¹³-10¹⁵ Ω·cm
10¹² Ω·cm
Dielectric Strength
15-20 MV/m
—
Chemical resistance
Acids
Resistant to dilute acids
Poor
Bases
Attacked by strong bases
Good
Solvents
Attacked by ketones, esters, chlorinated hydrocarbons. Attacked by NaOH.
—
UV Resistance
Moderate (can yellow)
Fair
Alcohols
—
Good
Oils & Fuels
—
Excellent
Sustainability
Recyclability
Recyclable (within PC stream)
Recyclable
Recycling Code
7 (Other)
7
Carbon Footprint
High
~7.4 kg CO₂e / kg
Bio-based Content
—
0 – 100 % (bio grades)