New Pro PCTG Filament Profile For Bambu 3D Printers Available

The updated 3D-Fuel Pro PCTG profile 2.0 for Bambu printers is here and is a solid improvement over the previous 3D-Fuel PCTG profile and the Generic PCTG profile for Bambu.

For the best printing results on your Bambu Lab 3D printer, we recommend updating to this new Pro PCTG material profile. 

Note: the filament itself has not changed formulation. The “2.0” refers to the version of the Bambu Studio filament profile.

Updated Pro PCTG Profiles

What’s Changed?

PCTG As A Material Type

One of the biggest, most obvious changes, is that PCTG is now a baked-in material type in Bambu Studio and OrcaSlicer, as well as in the Bambu printer interface.

No more warnings about having the wrong material type selected when you’ve selected PCTG as your material type on your printer and the slicing filament profile had the material as PETG. The original profiles were created at a time prior to PCTG being a selectable option on your printer.

Density

The original profile had a density of 1.25 g/cm3, and the Generic PCTG profile from Bambu has a density of 1.29 g/cm3. The actual density of 3D-Fuel Pro PCTG is 1.23 g/cm3 and has been corrected in the 2.0 profile. 

The density of your filament in the profile affects the material utilization calculation when you slice your model. You should now see more accurate material usage estimates with the Pro PCTG 2.0 profile.

Flow Rate

Due to our diameter quality control measures, a default flow ratio of 1.0 provides the best printing results. The Bambu Generic PCTG profile has a default flow ratio of 0.95, which can result in visible holes, quality issues, and a weaker printed part.

Max Volumetric Speed

This is perhaps the most consequential profile change that will result in higher print quality and a more consistent print finish across your 3D print.

The original 3D-Fuel Pro PCTG profile had a max volumetric speed setting of 20 mm3/s. While this could be done, especially with higher default print temperatures, it did not provide a reliable, consistent printing result for users.

Printed parts would have some sections with a rich, glossy finish and other sections would take on a subdued, matte finish. These matte sections would usually be on lengthier print layers where the printer speed was not as restricted by minimum layer time constraints.

You can see noticeable print finish differences here between the original volumetric max speed of 20 mm3/s (matte finish), an interim test of 8 mm3/s (banding on print finish), and the ultimate final setting of 6 mm3/s (even, consistent finish).

20 mm^3/s volumetric Pro PCTG - matte finish

These are good, reliable starting points for this material. You can increase the hot end temperature if you want to push faster volumetric throughput.

The increase in hotend temperature may lead to an increase in oozing and buildup on the nozzle, which is why 255C for most print layers is a good balance of print quality, throughput, and minimization of hot-end boogers.

Conversely, if you want to achieve a matte finish intentionally, you can experiment with lowering your hotend temperature. We strongly advise against temperatures below 245C as you at an increased risk of sub-par layer-to-layer bonding.

Cooling

While minor, these changes help provide high detail more reliably when printing with 3D-Fuel Pro PCTG.

• Part cooling fan speed: 50% -> 40%
• Fan speed for overhangs: 100% -> 90%
• Layer time: 10s -> 12s       

Build Plate Surface

Initially, we recommended the now-discontinued Bambu Lab Engineering build plate surface. Pro PCTG, like Pro PETG, sticks too well to Smooth PEI and can damage the surface if an interface layer of glue stick is not used as a release agent.

After further testing, the best Bambu Lab print surface for Pro PCTG is the Textured PEI build surface. 

With the plate cleaned with Dawn dish soap and wiped down with 90%+ Isopropyl Alcohol, your parts should stick securely while printing and release easily once the plate has cooled.

To assist with adhesion, the first layer hotend temp is 270C, and the heated bed temp is 70C. 

Other Thoughts

We’re excited to improve our customer’s experience in printing 3D-Fuel Pro PCTG. We expect this phenomenal material to become increasingly popular for functional 3D printing projects.

Compared to PETG, 3D-Fuel Pro PCTG has

1. Better layer-to-layer strength, resulting in a more isometrically tough part
2. Higher impact toughness. Parts printed in Pro PCTG do not shatter like many PETGs do. This makes them an ideal material for robotics, R/C, and other demanding applications.
3. Broader chemical resistance.
4. Better UV resistance
5. Moisture absorption at ⅓ the rate of PETG. Less frequent drying is needed to maintain excellent 3D printing quality.

3D-Fuel Pro PCTG is manufactured in the United States, and all raw materials are sourced in the US. Even our box is manufactured right here in Fargo, ND.

At 25 colors (and counting), we have the color you need for your project and likely one your friend needs for theirs, too!