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What is PC?

Polycarbonate, abbreviated PC, is an amorphous plastic type with excellent mechanical and optical properties. It is known as an extremely impact-resistant and shatterproof material that can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications.

 

While it is often recognized as a transparent material, it is also available in several colors.

 

There are various companies that manufacture polycarbonate, and it is known under several brand names, such as LEXANTM, Makrolon®, and TECANAT®.

Lamp with milled sheets in clear polycarbonate

Properties and Advantages

 

Polycarbonate is an ideal material for applications where strength, durability, and transparency are crucial. It is up to 250 times stronger than regular glass. Its nearly indestructible nature makes it suitable for applications where protection against impacts and shocks is important.

 

The plastic type has a light transmission rate of over 90 percent. Along with its low density and strength, PC is a widely used plastic material in the industry.

 

Polycarbonate retains its properties at temperatures up to 120 °C and as low as -30 °C. If the plastic type is subjected to temperatures below -30 °C, its mechanical properties will diminish, and the material will become brittle.

 

It is possible to obtain polycarbonate with a scratch-resistant surface, UV coating, or flame retardants added. However, you can always expect that PC products from Induflex are UV-coated.

A safety screen made of polycarbonate, which is sound-abating and shock-resistant

Is the material approved for food-contact?

As standard, polycarbonate is not approved for use as food contact material (FCM). But if there is a need for a FCM-approved polycarbonate, we can order it through our European suppliers. 

 

We can ensure full traceability of your components.

Is the material approved for food-contact?

As standard, polycarbonate is not approved for use as food contact material (FCM). But if there is a need for a FCM-approved polycarbonate, we can order it through our European suppliers. 

 

We can ensure full traceability of your components.

A custom machine guard of transparent plastics on a machine.

What is PC used for?

Due to polycarbonate's exceptional strength, impact resistance, and high light transmission, the material has many applications.

 

It is used for example in:

 

  • Safety screens
  • Viewports and door panels
  • Vibration dampers
  • Walls and panels
  • Spacers
  • Protective screens
  • Displays

 

And much more.

Distance block in polycarbonate.

Machining of polycarbonat

Polycarbonate can be processed using several techniques, which we offer at Induflex, such as sawing, drilling, and milling. PC does not splinter during processing.

 

The most commonly used methods for processing polycarbonate include laser or plotter cutting, CNC milling, and turning. Additionally, we offer heat bending to ensure the perfect finish for your product.

Cutting plotter milling grooving in a clear sheet of polycarbonate

Alternative
materials
for PC

While polycarbonate boasts outstanding properties, there are several alternative materials to consider:

 

Acrylic (PMMA): Offers even better light transmission and is lighter and cheaper than PC. However, it is not as impact-resistant and can crack or break under stress.

 

PETG: This is a tough and durable material, though not on par with PC. It is more resistant to chemicals, such as alcohol, and has a lower risk of cracking and breaking.

 

PVC: Known for its durability and chemical resistance, it is a more economical choice. However, it does not offer the same level of impact resistance or a wider service temperature range.

 

Alternative
materials
for PC

While polycarbonate boasts outstanding properties, there are several alternative materials to consider:

 

Acrylic (PMMA): Offers even better light transmission and is lighter and cheaper than PC. However, it is not as impact-resistant and can crack or break under stress.

 

PETG: This is a tough and durable material, though not on par with PC. It is more resistant to chemicals, such as alcohol, and has a lower risk of cracking and breaking.

 

PVC: Known for its durability and chemical resistance, it is a more economical choice. However, it does not offer the same level of impact resistance or a wider service temperature range.

 

Induflex's inventory of sheets in technical plastics in yellow, white, black and blue
Har du spørgsmål?
At Induflex, we specialize in plastics. We are ready to help you identify your needs, ensuring you get the right material for your project. Contact us today for personalized advice on your project.
Spørgsmål og svar

  • We have a large inventory of plastic materials, allowing us to meet requests for standard material items within 8-14 working days, depending on the complexity of your item.

     

    If your project requires more specialized plastics, such as PC with special colors, we operate within a month.

     

    We only collaborate with European suppliers, ensuring we can quickly order materials tailored to your needs.

  • By sending us a STEP file or PDF with your drawings, we can quickly assist you in determining whether polycarbonate is the right choice for your project.

     

    We can also identify the best machining method for your item.

  • At Induflex, we can achieve very tight tolerances in plastic.

     

    When you order a plastic part from us, it will comply with Danish Standard ISO 2768-1 (medium) by default. We measure the tolerances at room temperature, around 21 °C.

     

    Of course, we can agree on different tolerances if you wish.

Technical plastic
for various tasks

At Induflex, we exclusively work with plastic. But plastic is not just plastic. There are many different types of technical plastic materials, each with their unique properties.

 

Explore our materials and get closer to finding the right one for your project.

Learn more about our materials

Technical plastic
for various tasks

At Induflex, we exclusively work with plastic. But plastic is not just plastic. There are many different types of technical plastic materials, each with their unique properties.

 

Explore our materials and get closer to finding the right one for your project.

Learn more about our materials
Crane picking up plastic sheets in Induflex's automatic sheet storage

Have any questions? Fill out the form, and we will get in touch with you.

Induflex is always ready to guide you on the use of technical plastics.