Polycarbonate (PC)

Are you looking for a durable and transparent material? Then polycarbonate may be the right choice. We have over 35 years of experience in producing custom products in polycarbonate, and we can also manufacture your specific machine parts.

A transparent safety screen on a machine.

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?

Polycarbonate is one of the few materials that is not FDA-approved and therefore cannot come into direct contact with food.

However, the material can be used for guards, screens or windows in the food and pharmaceutical industries, as long as it is not in direct contact with food products or similar substances.

Polycarbonate can, however, be damaged by stronger solvents and bases, as well as prolonged exposure to hot water above 60 °C. It can tolerate diluted acids, weak aqueous solutions, alcohol and common oil products.

Is the material approved for food-contact?

Polycarbonate is one of the few materials that is not FDA-approved and therefore cannot come into direct contact with food.

However, the material can be used for guards, screens or windows in the food and pharmaceutical industries, as long as it is not in direct contact with food products or similar substances.

Polycarbonate can, however, be damaged by stronger solvents and bases, as well as prolonged exposure to hot water above 60 °C. It can tolerate diluted acids, weak aqueous solutions, alcohol and common oil products.

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.

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): Acrylic offers even better light transmission than PC and is lighter and more cost-effective. It is also more scratch-resistant and UV-protected. However, it is not as impact-resistant and may crack or break under shock loads.

PETG: PETG is an impact-resistant sheet material with high durability, though not quite on the level of PC. If your project requires strong chemical resistance, PETG is a better choice, as components made from this material can withstand alcohol and solvents. In addition, this plastic type is FDA-approved and suitable for outdoor use, as it offers a degree of UV protection.

Alternative
materials
for PC

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

Acrylic (PMMA): Acrylic offers even better light transmission than PC and is lighter and more cost-effective. It is also more scratch-resistant and UV-protected. However, it is not as impact-resistant and may crack or break under shock loads.

PETG: PETG is an impact-resistant sheet material with high durability, though not quite on the level of PC. If your project requires strong chemical resistance, PETG is a better choice, as components made from this material can withstand alcohol and solvents. In addition, this plastic type is FDA-approved and suitable for outdoor use, as it offers a degree of UV protection.

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.

Tina Heslop Christensen

Sales and Project Coordinator

Tel. +45 3066 5351

thc@induflex.dk

Spørgsmål og svar

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.
PC is not FDA-approved as standard, but we can order fully documented FDA-approved polycarbonate for you if your project requires it.
As polycarbonate is a moderately rigid material, it is notch-sensitive. Although PC is known for its impact resistance, cracks or fractures can increase the risk of weaknesses in both the material and the final component.

To achieve maximum durability, sharp corners should be avoided in the design.

Some materials can be ordered with additives that strengthen the construction. Contact us for more information.

Industrial technician with one of our cobots.

Our competencies

With over 35 years of experience in plastic processing, Induflex is the flexible and specialized partner for custom plastic solutions in the industry.

CNC turning is one of Induflex' favourite processing methods.

Our standards

To ensure quality, safety, and compatibility, we at Induflex work according to professional protocols and use materials that comply with recognized standards.

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