PC Settings for UltiMaker S8

Temperature Settings

Start with the nozzle at 285°C and the bed at 110°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 110°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 UltiMaker S8 supports nozzle temperatures up to 300°C and bed temperatures up to 140°C, which fully covers the recommended range for this filament.

Speed & Quality

The UltiMaker S8 supports high-speed printing at up to 600 mm/s. For PC, we recommend 20-40 mm/s for general printing. Start with the lower end for quality-critical prints and increase for draft prints. Always print the first layer at 25-50% of your normal speed for better adhesion.

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 UltiMaker S8

Here are the most common problems you may encounter when printing PC on the UltiMaker S8, 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 UltiMaker S8:

• 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

UltiMaker S8 Specifications

The UltiMaker S8 features a 330 x 240 x 300 mm build volume with a maximum print speed of 600 mm/s. It uses a direct drive extruder system, which provides better control over flexible and specialty filaments. The hotend can reach 300°C and the heated bed supports temperatures up to 140°C.