Polycarbonate (PC)

Are you looking for a shock-resistant material? It could be that polycarbonate is your answer. We have more than 30 years' of experience in producing customer specific products in polycarbonate, and we can also produce your product.
Lamp with milled sheets in clear polycarbonate
Safety screen in polycarbonate with logo print and warning sign

What is polycarbonate?

 

Polycarbonate (abbreviated to PC) can be plastic in transparent or coloured versions, with UV-resistant and fire-retardant variants. Polycarbonate can also be supplied in bespoke colours.

 

Polycarbonate is an amorphous type of plastic with good mechanical and optical characteristics. It is very tough and can be used both indoors and out.

 

Several companies produce polycarbonate, and the material is known under several brand names such as LEXAN™, Makrolon® and TECANAT®.

 

In what shapes and dimensions can polycarbonate be supplied?

 

Polycarbonate can be supplied in sheets or rods of various dimensions – see more in our product range.

 

See range of polycarbonate

Two employees are checking and measuring a product of transparent acrylic with a vernier caliper.
An employee adjusts a display of acrylic that lies on a heat-bending table.

Processing polycarbonate

 

Polycarbonate sheets and rods can be pre-processed using various cutting techniques such as sawing, drilling and milling. Polycarbonate does not splinter during processing.

 

The most common methods of processing polycarbonate are cutting by laser or cutting plotter, CNC milling and turning, cold and heat bending and thermoforming.

 

If you place an order for sheet cutting with Induflex, we can have your product ready for delivery within five working days.

 

Contact us to get an offer on your polycarbonate products

 

In the video below you can see, how our cutting plotter is milling polycarbonate.

The characteristics and advantages of polycarbonate

 

Polycarbonate shares many properties with acrylic, but is stronger and can be used in a wider range of temperatures. Polycarbonate retains its properties at temperatures of up to 120 °C.

 

Polycarbonate tolerates temperatures right down to - 30 °C. However it depends on, where the material is being used and in what environment. Below this temperature the mechanical properties will decrease, and the material becomes brittle. 

 

The light transmission of polycarbonate is almost on a par with acrylic.

 

Material Maximum light transmission
Acrylic 92 %
PC 87 - 91 %
PETG 88 %
PET 89 %

 

It is possible to have polycarbonate with an anti-scratch surface, with UV coating or with added fire retardant.

 

UV-coated polycarbonate

 

If you purchase polycarbonate sheets or products from Induflex, you can be certain that they are always UV-coated. The UV coating ensures that the product performs well, both outdoors and indoors. You need not worry about durability, whatever the situation.

 

Read more about the characteristics of polycarbonate in this data sheet

Safety screen in heat bent polycarbonate on a white and black background.
A custom machine guard of transparent plastics on a machine.

What can one use polycarbonate for?

 

Since polycarbonate is extremely strong and shock-resistant, whilst also providing high light transmission, it can be used in a wide range of applications.

 

It can be used for instance in:

 

  • Displays
  • Display cabinets and display furniture
  • Cast forms
  • Walls
  • Panels
  • Roof constructions
  • Sneeze screens
  • Protective screens
  • Inspection windows
  • Security screens, such as in front of machinery.

 

Do you want to know if polycarbonate is the right material for your product? Contact us for guidance.

 

Alternatives to polycarbonate

 

  • Acrylic: Although polycarbonate can be supplied in various colours, there are more colour options with acrylic. We therefore recommend acrylic as an alternative to polycarbonate for in-store and POS materials or other visual products where design and appearance are of utmost importance.
    Read more about acrylic and see a selection of colours here.

 

  • PETG: PETG is more easily vacuum-formed than polycarbonate and has moreover good chemical resistance, particularly against spirits.

 

  • PVC: PVC has a higher chemical resistance than polycarbonate but is not as impact-resistant, either in cold or warm temperatures, as polycarbonate. PVC can be used at - 10 to 60 °C, whereas polycarbonate withstands - 40 to 120 ° C.

 

In this table you will find density, light transmission and scratch resistance of the clear materials:

 

Properties Density Light transmission Scratch resistance
PMMA Extruded 1.19 g/cm3 92 % Good
PMMA Cast 1.19 g/cm3 92 % Very good
PC UV 1.2 g/cm3 87 - 91 % Good
PETG 1.27 g/cm3 88 % OK
PET 1.34 g/cm3 89 % OK

 

Polycarbonate from Induflex

 

We stock polycarbonate in our warehouse for prompt delivery. We have several sizes and thicknesses and can process parts cut from sheets of any size within five working days.

 

See the current stock and dimensions in our product range.

 

See range of polycarbonate

 

Would you like to know more?

 

Are you interested in hearing more about polycarbonate and its many uses? Or do you have specific requirements for a particular solution?

 

You are most welcome to contact us. We will be happy to advise you on the choice of materials.

Facts about polycarbonate

Can polycarbonate be laser cut?

We do not recommend laser cutting of polycarbonate, since it can burn. Instead, we can cut your components in polycarbonate on our cutting plotter according to your specifications and measurements.

 

Please notice that a laser cut edge is clear and an edge cut on the cutting plotter is matt. Except from that cutting with laser or on a cutting plotter is very similar and both cutting methods are very exact.  

What materials can you engrave on?

The melting point of polycarbonate is app. 160 °C.

 

Polycarbonate can be used at temperatures from up to 120 °C and down to – 30 °C.

Is polycarbonate food-approved?

Polycarbonate is not FCM-approved.

 

If you need a transparent plastic that is FCM-approved, acrylic might be the right choice. Acrylic is available in a transparent version with the same high light transmission as polycarbonate. However, acrylic is not shock-resistant.

 

Another food-approved alternative to polycarbonate is PETG.

 

A case with polycarbonate

Get your order fast

When you order items for cutting from us, they are generally ready to dispatch within five days.

Get your order fast

When you order items for cutting from us, they are generally ready to dispatch within five days.
Laser cutter cuts a sheet of transparent acrylic at Induflex

Your vision – realised

Induflex is your one-stop shop. We can accompany you on a journey from design, construction and production to assembly, packaging and distribution.

Your vision – realised

Induflex is your one-stop shop. We can accompany you on a journey from design, construction and production to assembly, packaging and distribution.
Assembly worker is ready to help you with the last touch

Design and construction

Benefit from our vast experience with construction in a wide range of materials. We will help you adjust your design in accordance with materials and production methods.

Design and construction

Benefit from our vast experience with construction in a wide range of materials. We will help you adjust your design in accordance with materials and production methods.
Designer draws with drawing ink sketches of podiums in plastic

Environment and sustainability

Plastics make a huge difference in our daily lives. It has improved our daily lives immeasurably, helping to make modern society more efficient.

Environment and sustainability

Plastics make a huge difference in our daily lives. It has improved our daily lives immeasurably, helping to make modern society more efficient.
Hands holding chips in blue and white from a cutting processing

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