Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is a high-performance, transparent thermoplastic material with a plethora of benefits. Its exceptional strength, stiffness, and high impact resistance make it a popular choice for various applications, including car headlight covers, machine guards, and signs.Its strength, versatility, and sustainability make it an excellent choice for manufacturers and designers alike. If you're looking for a high-performance material that can withstand impact, high temperatures, and still remain optically clear, consider polycarbonate and Contact us today!

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POLYCARBONATE IS WIDELY USED FOR

  • Indoor and outdoor signs
  • Architectural glazing—medical facilities, retail
  • POP displays and graphic holders
  • Skylights
  • Automotive lighting lens
  • Transparent manifolds
  • Face shields
  • Machine guards, sight glasses
  • Semiconductor machinery components

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Standard Sizes

Polycarbonate Sheet>>

Dimensions12 in x 12 in – 72 in x 120 in
Thickness0.030 in – 4 in

Polycarbonate Rod>>

Outside Diameter0.125 in – 8 in

Polycarbonate Tube>>

Outside Diameter0.375 in – 6 in

Polycarbonate Flim>>

Thickness0.05mm to 0.2mm

Options Available

TEXTURE, SURFACE,
PATTERN		Sheet, Abrasion Resistant, Mirror
GRADESMachine, Glass-Filled, Print Grade, General Purpose, Food Grade, FDA Compliant (Non UV Stabilized), Low Flammability, Flame Inhibiting, Class A Fire Rating, Sign Grade, Abrasion Resistant (AR 2), Light Diffusing, UV Resistant, IR Blocking, Containment Grade, Bullet Resistant, Optical, FMVSS Compliant, Antimicrobial

Types & Colors

Clear
OpaqueBlack 2025, White 3015
TranslucentWhite 7328, White 2447, Myst® White 2449, Red 2157, Red 2283, Red 2793, Fluorescent Mars Red, Yellow 2037, Green 2108, Acid Green, Blue 2051, Blue 2050, Blue 2114, Vario Cascade Blue, Metropolitan Manhattan Black 2026
TransparentBronze 2412, Iridescent ECO001

Length, width, thickness, and diameter tolerances vary by size, by manufacturer, brand, and grade. Custom sizes and colors available upon request. Also available in roll stock.

Typical Properties of Polycarbonate

UNITSASTM TESTPOLYCARBONATE
Specific gravity (73°F)D7921.2
Light transmittance (transparency/clarity)%D100386
Heat deflection temperature @ 264 psi°FD648270
Tensile strengthpsiD6389,500
Flexural moduluspsiD790345,000
Izod impact (notched)ft-lbs/in of notchD25612.0 - 16.0
Maximum continuous service temperature in air°F240
Water absorption (immersion 24 hours)%D5700.15
Coefficient of linear thermal expansionin/in/°Fx10-5D6963.8

Polycarbonate Properties & Service Options

FAQs About Polycarbonate

General

Polycarbonate plastic is a synthetic material that has many advantages over other types of plastics. It is made from a chemical reaction between bisphenol A (BPA) and phosgene, resulting in a polymer chain with carbonate groups. Polycarbonate plastic has several properties that make it ideal for various uses, such as:

  • High impact resistance: Polycarbonate plastic can withstand high levels of force and pressure without breaking or cracking. It is approximately 250 times stronger than glass,and can resist impacts from bullets, rocks, hail, and other projectiles. This makes it suitable for eye protection, bulletproof windows, riot shields, and other security applications.
  • Lightweight: Polycarbonate plastic is much lighter than glass or metal, which reduces the weight and cost of transportation and installation. It also allows for more design flexibility and creativity, as it can be easily molded into different shapes and sizes. Polycarbonate plastic is commonly used for roofing, skylights, domes, and other architectural features.
  • Transparency: Polycarbonate plastic has a high refractive index and low dispersion, which means it can transmit light without distortion or scattering. It also has excellent UV resistance, which prevents it from yellowing or degrading over time. Polycarbonate plastic can be tinted to increase shading and can include UV blocking for more protection from the sun. Polycarbonate plastic is often used for lenses, glasses, visors, displays, and other optical devices.
  • Thermal stability: Polycarbonate plastic can withstand high temperatures without melting or deforming. It also has good thermal insulation properties, which help to reduce heat loss and energy consumption. Polycarbonate plastic is ideal for greenhouses, solar panels, and other applications that require exposure to heat and sunlight.

As you can see, polycarbonate plastic is a versatile and durable material that can meet your needs in various situations. Whether you need a clear and strong window, a lightweight and flexible roof, or a protective and comfortable lens, polycarbonate plastic can provide you with the best solution. If you are interested in buying polycarbonate plastic sheets or products, please visit our website or contact us today.

The guarantee for polycarbonate products depends on the manufacturer, the type of product, and the application. Different manufacturers may offer different warranties or guarantees for their polycarbonate products. For example:

  • Covestro polycarbonate has a 5-year warranty against breakage, making it cost effective for thermoformed parts and fabricated components.
  • SABIC LEXAN™ Thermoclear™ polycarbonate has a 10-year limited written warranty against excessive yellowing, loss of light transmission, loss of strength due to weathering, breakage, coating failure, and defects in material or workmanship.
  • KETELONG polycarbonate has a 5-year limited warranty against defects in material or workmanship that cause stains or odors due to the growth of microorganisms on the sheet surface.

The type of product also affects the guarantee for polycarbonate products. For example:

  • Polycarbonate sheets have different warranties depending on their thickness, color, coating, and application. Thicker sheets may have longer warranties than thinner sheets. Colored sheets may have shorter warranties than clear sheets. Coated sheets may have additional warranties against coating failure. Sheets used for roofing may have different warranties than sheets used for glazing.
  • Polycarbonate lenses have different warranties depending on their prescription, coating, and usage. Prescription lenses may have warranties against defects in material or workmanship that affect vision quality. Coated lenses may have warranties against scratches or peeling of the coating. Lenses used for sports or outdoor activities may have different warranties than lenses used for everyday wear.

The application also affects the guarantee for polycarbonate products. For example:

  • Polycarbonate products used in commercial or industrial applications may have different warranties than polycarbonate products used in residential or personal applications. Commercial or industrial applications may require higher standards of performance and durability than residential or personal applications.
  • Polycarbonate products used in harsh or extreme environments may have different warranties than polycarbonate products used in normal or moderate environments. Harsh or extreme environments may include exposure to chemicals, abrasion, impact, fire, moisture, UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, or vandalism.

Availability

There are many brands of polycarbonate that offer different types, grades, and features of polycarbonate products. Some of the most popular and reputable brands of polycarbonate are:

  • Lexan™: Lexan™ is a brand name of polycarbonate products manufactured by SABIC. Lexan™ offers a wide range of polycarbonate sheets, films, tubes, rods, and profiles with various properties and applications. Lexan™ products are known for their high impact resistance, optical clarity, UV protection, flame retardance, and thermoformability. Lexan™ is also the first brand to introduce hard-coated polycarbonate sheets with abrasion and scratch resistance.
  • Makrolon®: Makrolon® is a brand name of polycarbonate products manufactured by Covestro. Makrolon® offers a wide range of polycarbonate sheets, films, tubes, rods, and profiles with various properties and applications. Makrolon® products are known for their high impact resistance, optical clarity, UV protection, flame retardance, and thermoformability. Makrolon® also offers specialty grades of polycarbonate such as bullet-resistant, machine grade, carbon filled, glass filled, and IR blocking.
  • Tuffak®: Tuffak® is a brand name of polycarbonate products manufactured by Plaskolite. Tuffak® offers a wide range of polycarbonate sheets with various properties and applications. Tuffak® products are known for their high impact resistance, optical clarity, UV protection, flame retardance, and thermoformability. Tuffak® also offers specialty grades of polycarbonate such as welding curtain, laser shielding, antimicrobial, and XL.
  • Palsun®: Palsun® is a brand name of polycarbonate products manufactured by Palram. Palsun® offers a wide range of polycarbonate sheets with various properties and applications. Palsun® products are known for their high impact resistance, optical clarity, UV protection, flame retardance, and thermoformability. Palsun® also offers specialty grades of polycarbonate such as multiwall, corrugated, embossed, mirrored, and colored.
  • Polygal®: Polygal® is a brand name of polycarbonate products manufactured by Polygal Plastics Industries. Polygal® offers a wide range of polycarbonate sheets with various properties and applications. Polygal® products are known for their high impact resistance.

Polycarbonate is a strong, transparent plastic material with outstanding impact resistance and optical clarity. It can be produced in a variety of forms and grades to suit different applications and needs. Some of the common grades of polycarbonate are:

  • Clear Polycarbonate: This grade has a polished surface and is UV stabilized. It is often used for skylights, signs, machine guards, and other instances where transparency and durability are desired.
  • Abrasion-Resistant Polycarbonate: This grade has a hard coating on one or both sides that provides resistance to scratches, abrasion, chemicals, and graffiti. It is suitable for applications where high wear and tear are expected, such as lenses, windows, displays, and security glazing.
  • Mirrored Polycarbonate: This grade has a reflective surface that creates a mirror-like appearance. It is ideal for decorative and architectural purposes, such as mirrors, signage, furniture, and wall panels.
  • Anti Static Polycarbonate: This grade has a special coating that prevents the buildup of static electricity on the surface. It is useful for applications where static discharge can cause damage or interference, such as electronic equipment, clean rooms, and medical devices.
  • Bulletproof Polycarbonate: This grade has a high level of impact resistance and can withstand ballistic attacks. It is used for security and protection purposes, such as bulletproof windows, doors, shields, and barriers.
  • Colored/Tinted Polycarbonate: This grade has various colors or tints added to the material to create different aesthetic effects. It can be used for creative and artistic applications, such as displays, lighting, sculptures, and jewelry.

These are just some of the common grades of polycarbonate available in the market. There are also other grades that have specific properties or additives to enhance their performance or functionality.