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Certifications ISO 13485:2016 | AS9100D | ITAR | FDA Registered | CAGE Code 5TTR7 

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  1. Materials
  2. Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate
Durability, Machinability, Strength, Stiffness

Polycarbonate for CNC Machining

Polycarbonate is a tough, transparent plastic material with outstanding strength, stiffness, and impact resistance.

Please note

The information contained herein are typical values intended for reference and comparison purposes only. They should NOT be used as a basis for design specifications or quality control.

Design Tip

To minimize costs, reduce the number of part setups, inspection dimensions, or strict tolerances, and avoid deep pockets with small radii.

Hardness

Material hardness is based on the Rockwell Hardness Scale.

View spec sheet

Transparent thermoplastic known for its strength, stiffness, and outstanding impact resistance

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate, also known as PC, is a tough, transparent plastic material with outstanding strength, stiffness, and impact resistance.

It boasts almost twice the tensile strength of ABS, in addition to its superb mechanical and structural properties. 

Performance Characteristics

  • Good electrical insulation
  • Easy to fabricate and machine 
  • Bonds easily with solvent cements
  • Good optical clarity and toughness

Common Brands

  • TUFFAK
  • Sustanat
  • TECANAT

Polycarbonate Properties

  • Mechanical Properties
  • Thermal Properties
  • Electrical Properties
  • Optical Properties
  • Mechanical Properties

    Tensile Strength 9,500 psi
    Tensile Modulus of Elasticity 345,000 psi
    Tensile Elongation 135%
    Flexural Strength 13,500 psi
    Flexural Modulus of Elasticity 345,000 psi
    Compressive Strength 12,500 psi
    Hardness R118
    Izod Impact 12.0 - 16.0 ft-lbs/in

  • Thermal Properties

    Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion 3.8 in/in/°F x 10-5
    Heat Deflection Temperature (66 psi/264 psi) 280 / 270 °F
    Max Continuous Service Temperature in Air 240 °F

  • Electrical Properties

    Dielectric Strength 380 V/mil

  • Optical Properties

    Light Transmittance 86%
    Haze <1%