PC Settings for Monoprice MP Select Mini

Recommended slicer settings for printing PC on the Monoprice MP Select Mini (120 x 120 x 120 mm build volume, 55 mm/s max speed, Bowden extruder).

Compatibility Notice: The max bed temperature of 60°C is below the recommended 100°C for PC. Adhesion may be poor without additional bed adhesion aids.
These settings are recommended starting points based on manufacturer specifications and community guidelines. Always do a test print and adjust as needed. Settings may vary based on your specific printer's condition, environment, and filament batch.

Quick Reference

Nozzle Temperature260°C
Bed Temperature60°C
Print Speed20-40 mm/s
Layer Height0.2mm (recommended)
Infill15-20%
Cooling Fan0-10%
Retraction4-6 mm at 40 mm/s
Difficultyadvanced
Enclosure recommended for PC printing.
Dry filament before use: 80°C for 10 hours.

Temperature Settings

Start with the nozzle at 260°C and the bed at 60°C. If you see poor layer adhesion, increase the nozzle temperature by 5°C increments. If you experience stringing, decrease the nozzle temperature by 5°C. For the first layer, you can increase the bed temperature by 5°C for better adhesion, then let it drop back to 60°C for subsequent layers.

The PC filament has a recommended nozzle temperature range of 260-310°C and a bed temperature range of 100-120°C. The Monoprice MP Select Mini supports nozzle temperatures up to 260°C and bed temperatures up to 60°C. See the compatibility notice above for details.

Speed & Quality

For the Monoprice MP Select Mini, a print speed of 20-40 mm/s works well with PC. The first layer should be printed at 15-25 mm/s for solid bed adhesion. Outer walls at 70-80% of the main speed produce cleaner surface finishes.

For quality-critical prints like miniatures or display pieces, reduce the speed to 20 mm/s and use a 0.12-0.16mm layer height. For draft or rapid prototyping, you can push the speed to 40 mm/s with a 0.24-0.28mm layer height. The standard 0.2mm layer height at 30 mm/s provides the best balance of speed and quality for most prints.

Bed Adhesion

Polycarbonate needs very high bed temperatures and excellent adhesion. Use a PEI sheet at maximum bed temperature. Apply glue stick as a release agent (PC can bond too strongly). A brim is essential. Consider Magigoo PC specialty adhesive for best results.

Common Issues with PC on Monoprice MP Select Mini

Here are the most common problems you may encounter when printing PC on the Monoprice MP Select Mini, along with proven solutions:

  • Severe warping/cracking: Ensure enclosure is sealed, increase bed temp to max, reduce fan to 0%, and slow print speed
  • Nozzle clogging: Verify you have an all-metal hotend, increase temperature, and check for moisture in filament
  • Layer splitting: Increase nozzle temperature, slow down, and improve enclosure insulation
  • Yellowing: Normal at very high temperatures; reduce temperature slightly if discoloration is excessive

Tips for Best Results

Follow these expert tips to get the best possible prints with PC on your Monoprice MP Select Mini:

  • PC is the most demanding common filament to print -- make sure your setup is fully prepared
  • An all-metal hotend is mandatory; PTFE-lined hotends will degrade at PC temperatures
  • Seal your enclosure as thoroughly as possible for the best results
  • Use glue stick as a release agent -- PC can bond so strongly to PEI that it damages the sheet
  • If you are new to high-temp printing, try ABS or ASA first before attempting polycarbonate

Support Settings

For prints requiring supports with PC, use tree supports for easier removal and less scarring. Set a 0.15-0.2mm Z-distance between support and model. If you have a dual-extruder setup, consider PVA (for PLA/PETG) or HIPS (for ABS) as dedicated water/solvent-soluble support material.

PC at a Glance

Strengths

  • Arguably the toughest non-flexible filament
  • Excellent heat resistance (softens ~150C)
  • Can withstand repeated impacts without shattering
  • Can print in translucent/clear
  • Ideal for protective equipment and high-temp parts

Weaknesses

  • Requires all-metal hotend
  • Severe warping without heated enclosure
  • Very high printing temperatures
  • High moisture sensitivity
  • Most demanding common filament to print

Monoprice MP Select Mini Specifications

The Monoprice MP Select Mini features a 120 x 120 x 120 mm build volume with a maximum print speed of 55 mm/s. It uses a Bowden extruder system, which is lighter on the print head but may require additional tuning for flexible filaments like TPU. The hotend can reach 260°C and the heated bed supports temperatures up to 60°C.

Want personalized AI settings?

Describe your exact setup and what you are printing. 3DSearch's AI expert generates custom slicer settings for your Monoprice MP Select Mini with PC in seconds.

Try 3DSearch →

Sources: Based on manufacturer specifications and community recommendations, community testing data, manufacturer recommended ranges.