TPU vs PC
How TPU and PC compare, from typical settings across every filament we list.
- TPU is easier to print and more flexible; PC is stiffer and more heat resistant.
- PC typically prints about 55 °C hotter at the nozzle.
- PC typically prints about 65 °C hotter on the bed.
- PC is less dense, so a 1 kg spool holds about 2 m more 1.75 mm filament.
- There are 158 TPU filaments in 945 colours, and 47 PC filaments in 131 colours.
At a glance
Our rating, out of 5| TPU | PC | |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | Easier to print | |
| Toughness | ||
| Stiffness | Stiffer | |
| Heat resistance | More heat resistant | |
| Outdoor and UV | ||
| Flexibility | More flexible | |
| Setup | Dry before printing | Needs an enclosure, Dry before printing, Needs ventilation |
| TPU | PC | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Thermoplastic polyurethane | Polycarbonate |
| Filaments listed | 158 | 47 |
| Brands | 70 | 27 |
| Colours | 945 | 131 |
| Nozzle temperature | 210–240 °C | 260–300 °C |
| Bed temperature | 30–60 °C | 100–120 °C |
| Density | 1.21 g/cm³ | 1.20 g/cm³ |
| Length of 1 kg (1.75 mm) | about 344 m | about 346 m |
| Max drying temperature | 70 °C | 75 °C |
Temperatures are medians across each material's filaments, rounded to 5 °C. Always check the maker's settings for a specific filament.
Brands that make both
25 brands make both TPU and PC; these have the most of each.