Polycarbonate (PC)
Optically clear and extremely impact-resistant — for transparent guards, lenses and tough enclosures.
Polycarbonate is a transparent engineering thermoplastic with outstanding impact strength — far tougher than acrylic — while remaining optically clear. It is the material of choice for machine guards, lenses, light pipes and durable transparent parts.
Material properties
| Density | 1.20 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | ~65 MPa |
| Max service temp | ~120 °C |
| Impact resistance | Excellent |
| Transparency | High (optical) |
| Machinability | Good |
| Relative cost | Medium |
Typical values for reference; exact properties depend on grade, temper and heat treatment. Full material certification is provided on every order.
Machinability
Polycarbonate machines well but can craze or crack if internally stressed or if tooling generates heat — sharp tools, proper feeds and stress-relieved stock give the best results. Vapor polishing or flame polishing restores optical clarity to cut edges.
Typical applications
Related engineering guides
Frequently asked questions
Polycarbonate vs acrylic — which is tougher?
Polycarbonate is far more impact-resistant and harder to crack than acrylic, though acrylic is stiffer, more scratch-resistant and optically clearer. Choose PC for toughness, acrylic for clarity and rigidity.
Can machined polycarbonate be made clear again?
Yes — vapor polishing or flame polishing restores transparency to machined edges and surfaces.