PC (polycarbonate) for Fortus 3D Production Systems
A true industrial thermoplastic, PC (polycarbonate) is widely used in automotive, aerospace, medical and many other applications. PC offers accuracy, durability and stability, creating strong parts that withstand functional testing. A PC part manufactured on a Fortus® 3D Production System is 5-60 percent stronger than a part made on previous FDM® systems. It also has superior mechanical properties to ABS and a number of other thermoplastics. When combined with a Fortus system, PC gives you Real PartsTM for conceptual modeling, functional prototyping, manufacturing tools, and end-use-parts.
Mechanical Properties1 |
Test Method |
English |
Metric |
| Tensile Strength (Type 1, 0.125", 0.2"/min) | ASTM D638 | 9,800 psi | 68 MPa |
| Tensile Modulus (Type 1, 0.125", 0.2"/min) | ASTM D638 | 330,000 psi | 2,300 MPa |
| Tensile Elongation (Type 1,0.125",0.2"/min) | ASTM D638 | 5% | 5% |
| Flexural Strength (Method 1, 0.05"/min) | ASTM D790 | 15,100 psi | 104 MPa |
| Flexural Modulus (Method 1,0.05"/min) | ASTM D790 | 324,000 psi | 2,200 MPa |
| IZOD Impact, notched (Method A,23°C) | ASTM D256 | 1 ft-lb/in | 53 J/m |
| IZOD Impact, un-notched (Method A, 23°C) | ASTM D256 | 6 ft-lb/in | 320 J/m |
Thermal Properties2 |
Test Method |
English |
Metric |
| Heat Deflection (HDT) @ 66 psi | ASTM D648 | 280°F | 138°C |
| Heat Deflection (HDT) @ 264 psi | ASTM D648 | 261°F | 127°C |
| Vicat Softening | ASTM D1525 | 282°F | 139°C |
| Glass Transition (Tg) | DMA (SSYS) | 322°F | 161°C |
| Melt Point | – – – – – – – – – | Not Applicable3 | Not Applicable’ |
Electrical Properties4 |
Test Method |
Value Range |
| Volume Resistivity | ASTM D257 | 2.0x10e14 – 6.0x10e13 ohms |
| Dielectric Constant | ASTM D150-98 | 3.0 – 2.8 |
| Dissipation Factor | ASTM D150-98 | .0006 – .0005 |
| Dielectric Strength | ASTM D149-09, Method A | 360-80 V/mm |
Other2 |
Test Method |
Value |
| Specific Gravity | ASTM D792 | 1.08 |
| Flame Classification | UL 94 | V2 (0.043", 1.1 mm) |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | ASTM E831 | 3.8E-05 in/in/°F |
| Rockwell Hardness | ASTM D785 | R115 |
System Availability |
Layer Thickness Capability |
Support Structure |
Available Colors |
| Fortus 360mc Fortus 400mc Fortus 900mc |
0.013 inch (0.330 mm) 0.010 inch (0.254 mm) 0.007 inch (0.178 mm) |
BASS | White |
The information presented are typical values intended for reference and comparison purposes only. They should not be used for design specifications or quality control purposes. End-use material performance can be impacted (+/-) by, but not limited to, part design, end-use conditions, test conditions, color etc. Actual values will vary with build conditions. Product specifications are subject to change without notice.
1 Build orientation is on side long edge.
2 Literature value unless otherwise noted.
3 Due to amorphous nature, material does not display a melting point.
4 All Electrical Property values were generated from the average of test plaques built with default part density (sparse). Test plaques were 4.0 x 4.0 x 0.1 inches (102 x 102 x 2.5 mm) and were built both in the flat and vertical orientation.