PCT vs PLA
Polymer · grade comparison
PCT and PLA are both polymer grades. PCT is the stronger of the two: yield strength 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) against 48 MPa (6.96 ksi) for PLA, about 8% more; tensile strength follows at 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) vs 50 MPa (7.25 ksi). PCT is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 5% for PLA. PLA is stiffer (3.4 GPa vs 2.1 GPa) and PCT runs hotter in service (130°C vs 50°C continuous). On the shop floor, PLA welds better (very good vs good) and PLA sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than PCT (high, $$$$).
PCTChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
PLAChoose it when it will be welded, or when cost is the deciding factor.
PCT vs PLA: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Rockwell R
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Compressive Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Shore D
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m3.94×10²¹ µΩ·in · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
UV / Weathering Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 0.1 mm²/s · Thermal Shock Resistance Index 0
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every polymer grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | PCT | PLA |
|---|---|---|
| 3D printing | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | Standard |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $ Budget |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
| Conductive Coating | — | Yes |
| Dyeing (Nylon) | — | Yes |
| EMI Shielding Coating | — | Yes |
| Painting | — | Yes |
| Primer Coating | — | Yes |
| Soft Touch Coating | — | Yes |
| Tinted Coating | — | Yes |
| UV Coating | — | Yes |
| Vacuum Metallization | — | Yes |
| Waterproof Coating | — | Yes |
PCT vs PLA — frequently asked
Is PCT stronger than PLA?
Yes. PCT has a typical yield strength of 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) against 48 MPa (6.96 ksi) for PLA — about 8% more. Tensile strength is 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) vs 50 MPa (7.25 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PCT or PLA?
PLA is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while PCT is high ($$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, PCT or PLA?
PLA, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 60/100 against 55/100 for PCT; for welding the order is PLA first (very good, 70/100) then PCT (good, 60/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PCT and PLA side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.