Resin · Polycarbonate (PC) · Transparent engineering

Polycarbonate — transparent, virtually unbreakable.

Optically clear (88% light transmission), virtually unbreakable (850 J/m Izod — 20× higher than acrylic), temperature-resistant to 135 °C. The go-to resin for safety glazing, impact-resistant lenses, electronic enclosures, and medical devices where clarity and toughness must coexist.

QUICK SPECS

Tensile strength65 MPa

Elongation at break110%

Flexural modulus2,300 MPa

Heat deflection temp130 °C at 0.45 MPa

Izod impact (notched)850 J/m

Light transmission88%

Refractive index1.586

Continuous service120 °C

STATUSIN OPERATION

§ 01 / WHERE

Where PC wins

PC is chosen when multiple extreme requirements must all be met simultaneously:

Safety glazingMachine guards, face shields, bullet-resistant panels. Won't shatter even at cold.

Optical partsLenses, light guides, headlamp covers. 88% light transmission with fabrication stability.

Electronic enclosuresIT equipment, server racks. HDT 130 °C handles component heat.

Medical devicesInfusion pumps, dialysis components. USP Class VI PC grades available.

Riot gearFace shields, body armor components. Impact-resistant at extreme temperatures.

Automotive headlampsReplacing glass for weight reduction and design freedom.

§ 02 / PC

PC tradeoffs

PC is not a universal answer. Its weaknesses:

Chemical sensitivity. Attacked by acetone, methylene chloride, many cleaning solvents. PP or PE handle chemicals better.
Stress cracks. Molded-in stresses from inadequate gating or cold molds cause slow crack propagation over weeks-months. Anneal or adjust molding.
UV degradation. Outdoors, PC yellows and embrittles within 1–3 years. Use UV-stabilized grades or a coating for outdoor service.
Scratch-prone. Relatively soft — 2H pencil hardness. For abrasion resistance, apply hard-coat or use PMMA.

§ 03 / GRADES

Grades

Grade	Best for	Notes
General purpose	Enclosures, covers	Standard PC
Optical (UV-stabilized)	Lenses, light covers	Reduced haze, UV-blocking
High flow	Thin-wall parts, long flow paths	Lower viscosity for fill
Flame retardant (V-0)	Electronic housings	UL94 V-0
Medical (USP Class VI)	Dialysis, syringe components	FDA/USP approved
PC/ABS blend	Cheaper alternative with lower HDT	Standard automotive interior material
Glass-filled (PC-GF)	Structural electronics parts	GF10 or GF30, loss of clarity

READY WHEN YOU ARE

Clear, tough, high-temp — PC does all three.

Upload STEP. Specify optical grade, UV stabilization, or V-0 flame rating as needed.

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