Polycarbonate (PC) is an impact-resistant, heat-defying, crystal-clear workhorse. When your design needs to survive the real world—whether it’s a high-stress gear, a bulletproof window, or the case for a device that can’t afford to fail—PC is the answer. It’s the backbone of durable products.
KEY BENEFITS
| Benefit | What It Means For You |
|---|---|
| Brute Force Impact Resistance | Top-tier toughness. It absorbs hits that would shatter acrylic, crack ABS, or dent metal. Your product survives drops, impacts, and harsh handling. |
| As-Clear As Glass | Optical clarity that’s second to none. Perfect for lenses, sight glasses, or any application where you need to see through it without distortion. |
| Handles the Heat | High Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT). It won’t warp or soften when things heat up, making it ideal for applications near engines, electronics, or in sterilizers. |
| Rigid & Strong | Excellent structural integrity. It maintains its shape under load, so your parts stay precise and don’t flex when they shouldn’t. |
| Solid Electrical Insulator | A natural barrier to electricity. Keeps components safe and isolated, which is why it’s a go-to for electrical housings and enclosures. |
| Self-Extinguishing | Many grades are UL 94 V-0 rated. It doesn’t readily support a flame, a critical feature for consumer electronics and electrical safety. |
APPLICATIONS
| Industry | Real-World Uses |
|---|---|
| Automotive | Headlamp lenses, interior dash components, bumpers, sunroofs. Handles weather, UV, and engine heat. |
| Electronics & IT | Unbreakable phone cases, power tool housings, laptop shells, connectors, charging bricks. Toughness meets aesthetics. |
| Medical Devices | Housings for monitors, surgical instruments, fluid reservoirs. Can handle repeated sterilization (autoclaving) and impacts. |
| Security & Safety | Riot shields, safety glasses, security glazing, prison windows. Clarity you can trust to stop a threat. |
| Consumer Goods | Appliance housings, power tool bodies, reusable water bottles, helmets. Built to last, not to be replaced. |
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| Property | Test Method | Value / Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (at Yield) | ASTM D638 | 55 – 75 MPa |
| Flexural Modulus | ASTM D790 | 2,300 – 2,400 MPa |
| Impact Strength (Izod Notched) | ASTM D256 | 600 – 850 J/m |
| Heat Deflection Temp. (HDT @ 1.8 MPa) | ASTM D648 | 125 – 135 °C |
| Flame Resistance | UL 94 | V-0 to V-2 (Grade Dependent) |
| Light Transmittance | ASTM D1003 | Up to 89% (Clear Grades) |
| Melt Flow Index (MFI) | ASTM D1238 | 10 – 22 g/10 min (Grade Dependent) |
| Density | ASTM D792 | 1.20 – 1.22 g/cm³ |