Polycarbonate is what you specify when a part has to be transparent and survive being hit. It carries roughly 200 times the impact energy of glass at a fraction of the weight, holds clarity up to 120 °C, and takes a flame-retardant grade without turning opaque. The trade-off is that it is fussy about moisture and needs a hot mould — both of which are process disciplines, not material limits.
Typical values for standard moulding grades. Exact figures depend on the specific compound or grade — confirm against your drawing before quoting.
Key properties
| Eigentum | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Dichte | 1.20 g/cm³ |
| Tensile strength | 60 – 70 MPa |
| Flexural modulus | 2.3 – 2.4 GPa |
| HDT at 1.8 MPa | 125 – 135 °C |
| Mould shrinkage | 0.5 – 0.7 % |
| Light transmission | 88 – 90 % at 3 mm |
Values are typical for unfilled moulding grades at 23 °C unless stated. Glass-filled and specialty grades differ.
Typical applications
- Machine guards and transparent covers
- LED light diffusers and lenses
- Medical device housings and fluid paths
- Safety helmets and protective visors
- Electrical enclosures requiring flame retardancy
Processing notes
- Dry 4 h at 120 °C. This is not optional — 0.02 % residual moisture is enough to hydrolyse the melt and drop impact strength by half.
- Melt 280 – 310 °C, mould 80 – 110 °C. A cold mould locks in stress and produces parts that craze weeks later.
- Annealing at 110 – 120 °C for 1 – 2 h relieves moulded-in stress where the part will meet solvents or sustained load.
- Gate away from high-stress zones and avoid sharp internal corners; PC notches rather than yields.
Frequently asked questions
Will the part stay clear after years outdoors?
Standard PC yellows under UV. For outdoor clarity we specify a UV-coated grade or add a hard-coat after moulding. If the part is purely structural, an opaque PC/ABS blend is cheaper and tougher at the edges.
Can PC be overmoulded with a soft-touch material?
Yes, with a TPE or TPU grade formulated for PC adhesion. The PC insert needs to be dry and the bond improves markedly if the insert is preheated to around 80 °C.
Related materials
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