PC-ISO ZX (Printed upright)
Print state
ISO 10993 PC, PC · also Medical PC
Use these de-rated values whenever the service load acts perpendicular to the deposited layers.
Values for the ZX condition
Other PC-ISO grades and fills
PC-ISO is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at PC-ISO.
Compare all 3 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ZXThis page Printed upright | Use these de-rated values whenever the service load acts perpendicular to the deposited layers. | 41 | 40 | 2.5 | 80 Shore D |
White pigmented PC-ISO filament | Choose white when parts must look like finished medical hardware or need better contrast for inspection; mechanicals essentially identical to natural. | 52 | 57 | 4.3 | 80 Shore D |
Printed flat/on-edge | Orient parts so principal stress lies in the build plane to obtain the published maximum strength and toughness. | 57 | 57 | 4.3 | 80 Shore D |
What is PC-ISO ZX?
PC-ISO ZX is PC-ISO in the ZX condition — use these de-rated values whenever the service load acts perpendicular to the deposited layers. PC-ISO ZX has a yield strength of 41 MPa (5.95 ksi) and a tensile strength of 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) — weaker than 62% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 2.5% and the elastic modulus is 1.9 GPa (0.281 Msi). PC-ISO ZX has a density of 1.2 g/cm³ (0.0434 lb/in³), heavier than 57% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 161°C (322 °F).
Limitations
- Limited ductility — 2.5%, worse than 89% of polymer grades
- Low fracture toughness — 1.1 MPa·√m (1 ksi·√in), worse than 82% of polymer grades
- Limited formability — 15/100, worse than 79% of polymer grades
- Poor heat conductor — 0.17 W/m·K (0.0982 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 75% of polymer grades
- High embodied carbon — 6.8 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 75% of polymer grades
PC-ISO ZX properties
Typical room-temperature values for PC-ISO ZX; 25 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are PC-ISO reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among polymer grades.
Physical5
PC-ISO ZX has a density of 1.2 g/cm³ (0.0434 lb/in³), heavier than 57% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 161°C (322 °F).
Mechanical17
PC-ISO ZX has a yield strength of 41 MPa (5.95 ksi) and a tensile strength of 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) — weaker than 62% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 2.5% and the elastic modulus is 1.9 GPa (0.281 Msi).
Thermal11
PC-ISO ZX is rated for continuous service to 118°C (244 °F). It conducts heat at 0.17 W/m·K (0.0982 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 75% of polymer grades. Thermal expansion is 68 µm/m·K (37.8 µin/in·°F).
Electrical7
PC-ISO ZX is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 17 kV/mm (431.8 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹³ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (74/100), worse than 68% of polymer grades. UV resistance is poor.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of PC-ISO ZX takes about 105 MJ of energy and emits 6.8 kg of CO₂ — more than 54% of polymer grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability6
PC-ISO ZX's machinability is good (58/100, worse than 55% of polymer grades); weldability fair (40/100); formability poor (15/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with PC-ISO ZX
Is PC-ISO easy to machine?
Machines and drills cleanly with sharp, high-rake tools and air cooling; avoid coolants and stress-raising sharp corners to prevent solvent crazing and cracking.
Can PC-ISO be welded?
Joins well by ultrasonic welding, hot-plate welding or solvent/adhesive bonding (methylene-chloride-free medical adhesives, cyanoacrylate, UV-cure acrylics); layer-line porosity limits hermetic seals.
Can PC-ISO be formed, bent or molded?
Print with 330–365 °C extrusion in a ~145 °C heated chamber on a heated build sheet; dry filament thoroughly (≥4 h at 90–100 °C) or bubbles and strength loss occur.
What surface finishes work on PC-ISO?
Sand and vapor/flame polish with care (PC is stress-crack sensitive); paintable with PC-compatible primers, and parts intended for sterilization should be cleaned of support residue first.
PC-ISO chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| pigment/additivecolourant and processing stabilizer only in white grade | 0 – 1 | 0.3 |
| bisphenol-A polycarbonatemedical-grade virgin PC resin; ISO 10993-1 evaluated, USP Class VI | balance | — |
PC-ISO ZX — frequently asked
What is PC-ISO ZX used for?
PC-ISO ZX is typically used for medical devices, surgical guides and sterilizable fixtures. In short: biocompatible medical PC.
What is the yield strength of PC-ISO ZX?
PC-ISO ZX has a typical yield strength of 41 MPa (5.95 ksi) and a tensile strength of 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) — weaker than 62% of polymer grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is PC-ISO ZX easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (58/100, worse than 55% of polymer grades). Machines and drills cleanly with sharp, high-rake tools and air cooling; avoid coolants and stress-raising sharp corners to prevent solvent crazing and cracking.
Can PC-ISO ZX be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (40/100). Joins well by ultrasonic welding, hot-plate welding or solvent/adhesive bonding (methylene-chloride-free medical adhesives, cyanoacrylate, UV-cure acrylics); layer-line porosity limits hermetic seals.
What surface finishes work on PC-ISO ZX?
Sand and vapor/flame polish with care (PC is stress-crack sensitive); paintable with PC-compatible primers, and parts intended for sterilization should be cleaned of support residue first.
Can PC-ISO ZX be formed, bent or molded?
Print with 330–365 °C extrusion in a ~145 °C heated chamber on a heated build sheet; dry filament thoroughly (≥4 h at 90–100 °C) or bubbles and strength loss occur.
What is the maximum service temperature of PC-ISO ZX?
PC-ISO ZX is rated for continuous use to about 118°C (244 °F), and briefly to 140°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Can FabDigit make parts in PC-ISO ZX?
Yes — PC-ISO ZX is available for 3D printing with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- PC-ISO FDM Thermoplastic Material Data Sheet — Stratasys (2023)
- ISO 10993-1 Biological evaluation of medical devices — ISO (2018)
- USP <88> Biological Reactivity Tests, In Vivo (Class VI) — USP (2022)
- ASTM D638 / D790 / D256 / D648 — ASTM International (2022)
- CAMPUS polycarbonate resin property sets — CAMPUS/CWFG (2024)
- Engineered Materials Handbook Vol. 2: Engineering Plastics — ASM International (1988)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.