How to dry PC filament
Dry PC at 95–100 °C for 6–12 h.That is the consensus range from dryer and filament manufacturers — the exact same values the filament drying chart & timer uses, where you can start a countdown for this cycle. PC is high — polycarbonate must be dried before every serious print, so expect moisture trouble after a day or two in a humid room.
95–100 °C
for 6–12 h — PC drying temperature and time
| Material | PC |
| Temperature | 95–100 °C |
| Time | 6–12 h |
| Note | Needs a true 100 °C dryer; most ovens overshoot, verify with a thermometer. |
Wet PC symptoms
The symptom PC shows most characteristically is steam bubbles in the extruded line and brittle, weak layer bonds. Beyond that, the general wet-filament signs apply: popping, crackling or hissing from the nozzle as steam bursts out of the melt, stringing and oozing that retraction tuning cannot fix, a fuzzy or unexpectedly matte surface, and weak parts that snap along layer lines. If a spool that printed fine before storage now shows any of these, dry it before touching a single slicer setting.
Drying notes for PC
This range deforms most plastic spools and scorches cardboard ones — always move PC filament to a metal or glass tray. Most filament dryers cannot reach it either; verify the real temperature with a separate thermometer.
If your dryer cannot hold the top of the range, dry at the lower end for the maximum time — longer and cooler beats shorter and hotter. When the cycle finishes, print immediately or move the spool into a sealed dry box with desiccant — and if you are unsure how much is left on the spool afterwards, the spool remaining calculator turns a scale reading into grams, meters and percent.
Step by step
- Confirm it is wet — steam bubbles in the extruded line and brittle, weak layer bonds, or popping and stringing after storage. When in doubt, dry anyway; it does no harm.
- Check the spool rating before applying heat.
- Set the dryer to 95–100 °C and run the full 6–12 h.
- Print immediately or store dry — sealed box or bag with fresh desiccant.
Frequently asked questions
What is the PC drying temperature?
Dry PC at 95–100 °C for 6–12 h. These are the consensus manufacturer ranges — the same values the MakerCalc drying chart & timer uses. Note: Needs a true 100 °C dryer; most ovens overshoot, verify with a thermometer.
How long does it take to dry PC?
Plan for 6–12 h at 95–100 °C. Moisture leaves the core of the wind slowly, so cutting the time short dries only the outer loops — when in doubt, dry longer rather than hotter.
Can I dry PC on its spool?
This range deforms most plastic spools and scorches cardboard ones — always move PC filament to a metal or glass tray. Most filament dryers cannot reach it either; verify the real temperature with a separate thermometer.
How do I know if my PC is wet?
The clearest sign for PC is steam bubbles in the extruded line and brittle, weak layer bonds. Also listen for popping or hissing from the nozzle and check for weak layer bonds. PC picks up moisture over a day or two in a humid room, so a spool that printed fine last month can print badly today.
Can I dry PC in a kitchen oven?
It works, but household ovens commonly swing ±10 °C around the set point. Verify the actual temperature with a separate oven thermometer, use the fan setting if available, and never leave it unattended — a filament dryer or food dehydrator with a real thermostat is the safer option.