PC FR
Flame-Retardant Polycarbonate
3 products from 3 makers. Bambu Lab sells its own filament of this material for the H2C.
- Tensile modulus (XY)
- 2.15GPa
- 2 products · 1.67–2.63
- Tensile strength (XY)
- 63.5MPa
- 2 products · 60–67
- Tensile strength (Z)
- 33.5MPa
- 2 products · 21–46
- Notched Charpy impact
- 10.1kJ/m²
- 2 products · 8.4–11.7
- HDT at 0.45 MPa
- 112°C
- 2 products · 110–113
- Price
- 70CAD/kg
- one product
PC FR is flame-retardant polycarbonate. Makers sell it for electrical and electronic parts and for automotive, railway and aerospace uses. Its HDT at 0.45 MPa is 112 °C. On the H2C its makers recommend an enclosure, and a maker's heated chamber window is above what the H2C's chamber reaches.
Thinly documented Three products, with values from three makers' documents: Bambu Lab's, Polymaker's and Extrudr's. Read each figure as a few sheets' word.
On the H2C
Printing in full- Nozzle
- 260–280 °C
- most products that give one
- Bed
- 90–105 °C
- most products that give one
- Heated chamber
- 70–100 °C
- 1 of 2 that give one; beyond the H2C's 65 °C
- Drying
- 75–80 °C, 6–8 h
- all 3 products call for it
- Nozzle type
- standard
- 1 says a standard nozzle is enough; the Bambu Lab Filament Guide says any for 2 more
Beyond the H2C's limits (nozzle 350 °C, bed 120 °C, heated chamber 65 °C): chamber for 1 product.
Among the materials
Against PC-CF, PC FR is 54 % less stiff and 9 % weaker flat, and its HDT at 0.45 MPa is 16 °C lower. Against PC-GF, PC FR is 67 % stronger flat and 63 % stronger across the layers. Among the materials, PC FR has a low elongation at break (XY): it is in the lowest quarter of the materials that publish it. The rest of its key properties sit in the middle half.
Against its alternatives, PC FR has the highest tensile strength (Z)
How does it compare with what an engineer would buy instead?
- PC FR: its products' median and middle half
- an alternative
- lowest to highest
- each material's median (top row)
- beyond the scale
Each row is a material, each column a property: the bar is the middle half of a material's products, the tick their median, the hairline their lowest to highest; the ticks above the rows are every material's median.
The figure as a table
| Material | Modulus (XY) (GPa) | Strength (XY) (MPa) | Strength (Z) (MPa) | Notched Charpy (kJ/m²) | HDT 0.45 MPa (°C) | Price (CAD/kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC FR (this material) | 2.15 · 2 | 63.5 · 2 | 33.5 · 2 | 10.1 · 2 | 112 · 2 | 70 · 1 |
| PC-CF | 4.65 (2.98–6.39) · 4 | 70 (64–72) · 5 | — | 12 · 1 | 128 (120–136) · 4 | 152 · 1 |
| PC-GF | 2.67 · 1 | 38 · 2 | 20.6 · 2 | 6.1 · 1 | 134 · 1 | 53 · 1 |
| ABS | 2.2 (2.02–2.25) · 13 | 34.5 (33–35.6) · 18 | 27.3 (24.6–28.3) · 12 | 20 (18–21.5) · 7 | 95 (89–99) · 18 | 40 (31–52) · 9 |
| ASA | 2.1 (2–2.32) · 13 | 38.6 (35.9–41.5) · 15 | 25.8 (21.5–28.9) · 7 | 12 (10.5–12.9) · 5 | 96 (92–100) · 12 | 39 (39–57) · 5 |
| PVDF | 2.45 · 1 | 51 · 1 | — | — | 158 · 1 | 356 · 1 |
Each cell is the median of the products ranked, its middle half in brackets, and how many.
Mechanical properties
Printed flat (XY), PC FR typically reaches a tensile strength of 63.5 MPa at a modulus of 2.15 GPa, and breaks at 2.94 % elongation. In bending, its flexural strength is typically 93.3 MPa at a flexural modulus of 2.2 GPa.
| As each sheet publishes it | Bambu Lab PC FR | Polymaker PolyMax PC FR | Extrudr DURAPRO PC FR V0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength (XY) | 60 MPaafter annealing | 67 MPa | not published |
| Tensile modulus (XY) | 1.67 GPaafter annealing | 2.63 GPa | not published |
| Tensile strength (Z) | 21 MPaafter annealing | 46 MPa | not published |
| Elongation at break (XY) | 2.4 %after annealing | 3.49 % | not published |
| Notched Charpy impact | 8.4 kJ/m²after annealing | 11.7 kJ/m² | not published |
Across the layers (Z), PC FR keeps 52 % of its flat strength and 95 % of its flat stiffness
What does a printed part lose across the layers (Z) against flat (XY), and is that usual?
- a product
- measured after annealing
- equal share: 100, 75, 50 and 25 %
- PC FR's median share
- an alternative
Tensile strength
Z keeps 52 % of XY, median of 2 products
flat (XY), MPa
Share kept: ABS 73 % · ASA 59 % · PC-GF 53 % · PC FR 52 %
Tensile modulus
Z keeps 95 % of XY, median of 2 products
flat (XY), GPa
Share kept: PC FR 95 % · ABS 89 % · ASA 88 % · PC-GF 46 %
Elongation at break
Z keeps 63 % of XY, median of 2 products
flat (XY), %
Share kept: PC FR 63 % · PC-GF 62 % · ASA 50 % · ABS 38 %
Each point is a product that publishes both from one sheet: below the 100 % ray it keeps less across the layers than flat. Under each plot, the median share its alternatives' products keep.
The figure as a table
| Product | Property | Flat (XY) | Across (Z) | Z as a share of XY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bambu Lab PC FR | Tensile strength | 60 MPa | 21 MPa | 35 % |
| Polymaker PolyMax PC FR | Tensile strength | 67 MPa | 46 MPa | 69 % |
| Bambu Lab PC FR | Tensile modulus | 1.67 GPa | 1.45 GPa | 87 % |
| Polymaker PolyMax PC FR | Tensile modulus | 2.63 GPa | 2.74 GPa | 104 % |
| Bambu Lab PC FR | Elongation at break | 2.4 % | 1.5 % | 63 % |
| Polymaker PolyMax PC FR | Elongation at break | 3.49 % | 2.2 % | 63 % |
| PC-GF (alternative) | Tensile strength | 53 % · 2 | ||
| ABS (alternative) | Tensile strength | 73 % · 9 | ||
| ASA (alternative) | Tensile strength | 59 % · 5 | ||
| PC-GF (alternative) | Tensile modulus | 46 % · 1 | ||
| ABS (alternative) | Tensile modulus | 89 % · 7 | ||
| ASA (alternative) | Tensile modulus | 88 % · 5 | ||
| PC-GF (alternative) | Elongation at break | 62 % · 2 | ||
| ABS (alternative) | Elongation at break | 38 % · 9 | ||
| ASA (alternative) | Elongation at break | 50 % · 5 |
Flat and across the layers, property by property
Flat and across the layers
| Property | Printed flat (XY) | Across the layers (Z) | Z as a share of XY | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median | Products | Median | Products | ||
| Tensile strength MPa | 63.5 | 2 | 33.5 | 2 | 52 %2 products |
| Tensile modulus GPa | 2.15 | 2 | 2.1 | 2 | 95 %2 products |
| Elongation at break % | 2.94 | 2 | 1.85 | 2 | 63 %2 products |
| Flexural strength MPa | 93.3 | 2 | 47 | 1 | 52 %1 product |
| Flexural modulus GPa | 2.2 | 2 | 1.66 | 1 | 88 %1 product |
The middle half of the products under each median. The share is each product's Z value as a part of its XY value, from one sheet and one state, and the median of those shares. How XY and Z differ.
Thermal properties
Its products put HDT at 110–113 °C under 0.45 MPa and 107–108 °C under 1.8 MPa, against a glass transition of 115–145 °C. As published, Vicat softening is typically 115 °C.
| As each sheet publishes it | Bambu Lab PC FR | Polymaker PolyMax PC FR | Extrudr DURAPRO PC FR V0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDT at 0.45 MPa | 113 °Cafter annealing | 110 °C | not published |
| HDT at 1.8 MPa | 108 °Cafter annealing | 107 °C | not published |
| Glass transition (Tg) | 145 °Cafter annealing | 115 °C | not published |
Printing on the H2C
PC FR softens near 112 °C, above the H2C's 65 °C chamber; 1 product asks for more than the H2C gives
What does printing it on the H2C take, and how hot can a part get?
- share of the products that accept each temperature
- what most products accept
- the H2C's limit, and beyond it
- a product
- PC FR: its products' median and middle half
- as published, under each sheet's own test
Printing it on the H2C
In service
°C
One temperature axis for the settings a print needs and the temperatures a part meets. A setting's shade is how many of the products whose sheets give a window accept each degree; the H2C's limit closes its row.
The figure as a table
| Setting or property | Most products, or the median | Products | H2C limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nozzle | 260–280 °C | 3 | 350 °C |
| Bed | 90–105 °C | 3 | 120 °C |
| Heated chamber | 45–60 °C; 70–100 °C | 2 | 65 °C |
| Drying | 75–80 °C, 6–8 h | 2 | — |
| HDT at 1.8 MPa | 108 °C | 2 | — |
| HDT at 0.45 MPa | 112 °C | 2 | — |
| Vicat softening temperature | 114–116 °C | 3 | — |
| Glass transition (Tg) | 130 °C | 2 | — |
Windows read from the Bambu Lab Filament Guide are not shaded: the guide speaks for every product that reads it.
| Setting | Bambu Lab PC FR | Polymaker PolyMax PC FR | Extrudr DURAPRO PC FR V0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nozzle | 260–280 °C | 250–270 °C | 260–290 °C |
| Bed | 90–110 °C | 90–105 °C | 110 °C |
| Heated chamber | 45–60 °C | 70–100 °C | enclosure needed, no temperature |
| Drying | 80 °C for 8 h | 75 °C for 6 h | 80 °C for 8 h |
| Nozzle type | any | any | standard |
In grey, a setting a product reads from a data sheet it shares or from the Bambu Lab Filament Guide, where its own sheet is silent.
After printing
One product publishes values measured after annealing, at 80 °C for 12 h.
It is recommended to anneal the printed part right after the printing process to release the residual internal stress.
Polymaker PolyMax PC FR, data sheet, p. 1the suggested annealing temperature of models printed with Bambu PC FR is 85 to 100 °C, and the time is 6 to 12 hours.
Bambu Lab PC FR, data sheet, p. 3Annealing setting 90°C/2H
Polymaker PolyMax PC FR, data sheet, p. 1
What makers say about printing it
Printing advice
For large part, it is recommended to use a heated chamber.
Polymaker PolyMax PC FR, data sheet, p. 1When printing with PolyMax™ PC-FR, it is recommended to use an enclosure.
Polymaker PolyMax PC FR, data sheet, p. 1
Moisture sensitivity
It is highly recommended to use the PolyBox™ or PolyDryer™ Box when printing or storing.
Polymaker PolyMax PC FR, data sheet, p. 1
Nozzle wear
Hardened nozzle No
Extrudr DURAPRO PC FR V0, data sheet, p. 2
More from makers: supports and removal and odour and emissions
Supports and removal
Recommended support material PolyDissolve™ S2
Polymaker PolyMax PC FR, data sheet, p. 4
Odour and emissions
Odor Odorless
Bambu Lab PC FR, data sheet, p. 3
Products
Three products from three makers: Bambu Lab, Extrudr and Polymaker.
Uses, limitations and chemicals
What it is sold for
This filament opens new applications in the automotive, railway and aerospace industries.
Polymaker PolyMax PC FR, data sheet, p. 1Suitable for electrical and electronic applications
Extrudr DURAPRO PC FR V0, data sheet, p. 1With outstanding durability, Bambu PC FR excels across a wide range of professional applications, including industrial components, protective casings, and high-temperature environments in sectors like automotive, electronics, and manufacturing.
Bambu Lab PC FR, data sheet, p. 1
What makers warn about
Tested to meet the UL 94-2023 V-0 standard, the top level of flame resistance for 3D printing filament, Bambu PC FR is engineered to prevent or slow flame propagation with exceptional self-extinguishing properties. Ideal for critical applications in electronics, automotive, and mechanical engineering. * UL 94 is a plastics flammability standard established by Underwriters Laboratories (USA). V-0—the highest UL 94 V rating—indicates that burning stops within 10 seconds on a vertically positioned specimen, with dripping particles allowed as long as they are not ignited.
Bambu Lab PC FR, maker's product page or guide, p. 1
Chemicals and environment
| Exposure | What makers say |
|---|---|
| Water solubility | Insoluble, in its one statement |
| Acid resistance | Mixed, 5 statements disagree |
| Alkali resistance | Not resistant, in its one statement |
| Organic solvent resistance | Limited, in its one statement |
| Oil and grease resistance | Limited, in its one statement |
| Flammability | Described in words, with no rating, in both statements |
Makers rarely give the concentration, temperature or duration: treat them as indications, not design data. Each product's statements are on its card.
Resin reference data (for plain PC, where no maker of these products speaks): it has limited resistance to water at high temperature. Fillers, pigments and printing change this, so it does not stand for these products.
Density and price
Its two products give a density of 1,180–1,200 kg/m³. One product has a sampled price: Bambu Lab PC FR at 70 CAD/kg.
| As each sheet publishes it | Bambu Lab PC FR | Polymaker PolyMax PC FR | Extrudr DURAPRO PC FR V0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 1,180 kg/m³after annealing | 1,200 kg/m³ | not published |
| Price | 70 CAD/kg | not published | not published |
Regular prices, never sale prices, from 9 Canadian shops and 10 foreign shops, sampled 10 Sep–20 Oct 2026, not live; shipping and tax are not included.
Other properties, as published
8 more properties are published, each under its own sheet's test conditions, so they are listed, not ranked.
The 8 properties, lowest to highest
| Property | Products | Lowest–highest |
|---|---|---|
| Water absorption | 3 | 0.12–0.5 % |
| Melt mass-flow rate | 2 | 12–26.4 g/10 min |
| Dielectric strength | 1 | 35 kV/mm |
| Elongation at yield | 1 | 5 % |
| Melt volume-flow rate | 1 | 11 cm³/10 min |
| Melting temperature | 1 | 225 °C |
| Mould shrinkage | 1 | 0.5–0.7 % |
| Thermal conductivity | 1 | 0.2 W/(m·K) |
Sources
9 documents from 4 publishers (5 data sheets, 2 makers' product pages and guides, 1 printer document and 1 reference), read 10 Sep–3 Oct 2026. Each value on PC FR's Products page names its document and page, and links to the original.
Bambu Lab, H2C Filamant Printing Guide (the H2C's printer guide): print settings for 3 products.
The Bambu Lab Filament Guide (print settings per material type): read for 3 products whose own sheets are silent.
Every document (9), by publisher
| Publisher | Documents | Values | Products |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polymaker | 2 | 32 | 1 |
| Extrudr | 2 | 23 | 1 |
| Bambu Lab | 2 | 21 | 1 |
| Centre Testing International Group Co., Ltd. | 1 | 0 | 1 |
- Bambu Lab, Bambu Filament Technical Data Sheet - PC FR
- Bambu Lab, Bambu Lab Filament Guide
- Bambu Lab, H2C Filamant Printing Guide | Bambu Lab Wiki
- Bambu Lab, PC FR official maker product page
- Centre Testing International Group Co., Ltd., CTI A2240623890101 Bambu PC FR vertical burning report
- Extrudr, TECHNICAL DATA SHEET DURAPRO PC FR V0
- Extrudr, TECHNISCHES DATENBLATT DURAPRO PC FR V0
- Polymaker, PolyMax PC-FR Technical Data Sheet
- Polymaker, PolyMax™ PC-FR Technical Data Sheet