PC – polycarbonate
Transparent thermoplastic with high impact strength up to about 120 °C
Polycarbonate is transparent, highly impact resistant and keeps its properties up to about 120 °C. It is used for sight windows, machine guards and transparent engineering parts. It is sensitive to solvents, bases and stress cracking, and has high friction and wear.
Designations and equivalents
| System | Designation |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation (ISO 1043) | PC |
| Trade names | TECANAT natural (Ensinger); Altron PC (MCAM); Makrolon / Lexan (resins) |
Standards by product form
| Form | Standard |
|---|---|
| Sheets and rods | Manufacturer's specification |
| Food contact | FDA 21 CFR 177.1580 (depending on grade) |
| Machined part to drawing | ISO 2768 tolerance or as per drawing |
Composition and filler
Pure polymer
| Component | Content |
|---|---|
| Polycarbonate | 100% |
Mechanical properties
Typical values from the stock-shape manufacturer's catalog, 23 °C; ISO/ASTM methods as per the source
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 69 MPa |
| Modulus of elasticity (tensile) | 2,200 MPa |
| Elongation at break | 90% |
| Compressive strength | 64 MPa |
| Hardness | Shore D 82 |
| Notched impact | 14 kJ/m² |
Typical physical and thermal properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.19 g/cm³ |
| Maximum continuous service temperature | 120 °C |
| Maximum short-term temperature | 140 °C |
| Minimum service temperature | -50 °C |
| HDT (1.8 MPa) | 130 °C |
| Melting point or glass transition | 149 °C |
| Linear thermal expansion | 80 µm/m·K |
| Thermal conductivity | 0.25 W/m·K |
| Water absorption (24 h) | 0.03-0.06% |
| Water absorption (saturation) | 0.35% |
| Dielectric strength | 28 kV/mm |
| Flammability (UL 94) | HB |
Calculate the weight of PC – polycarbonate bar, plate or pipe →
Friction, wear and PV limit
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Dynamic coefficient of friction against steel | 0.38 (dynamic, ASTM D3702, 40 psi (0.28 MPa), 50 ft/min (0.25 m/s)) |
PV and friction depend on the test method, the mating surface (steel, stainless, roughness), lubrication and each manufacturer's safety factor: compare values from the same source and confirm by testing in critical applications.
Chemical resistance
| Medium | Resistance |
|---|---|
| Acids | Good in dilute acids |
| Bases (alkalis) | Poor (Ensinger: "-" for hot water/bases) |
| Solvents | Poor: amorphous, prone to stress cracking (ketones, aromatics, chlorinated solvents) |
| Hydrocarbons and oils | Limited (aromatics attack it) |
| Steam and hot water | Poor (hydrolysis) |
Compare PC – polycarbonate with the other plastics by application, temperature and medium →
Stock forms and sizes
- Rod (round bar)
- Sheet (plate)
- Tube and bushing
- Transparent sheet
- Raw material: rod (round bar), sheet (plate) and tube, cut to size
- Machined part to drawing or sample, in the same order as the metal parts
- Lot certificate of conformity; FDA/EU 10/2011 declaration when the grade allows
Service temperature, machining and assembly
| Item | Usual practice |
|---|---|
| Service temperature | Continuous service up to 120 °C, short peaks up to 140 °C; minimum -50 °C (unloaded; under load, limited by HDT and creep). |
| Annealing (stress relief) | Stress-relief annealing before machining to avoid cracking. |
| Bonding and welding | Bonding with specific adhesives; ultrasonic welding. |
| Machining | Machines well; avoid coolants containing solvents. |
Typical applications
- Machine guards and sight windows
- Transparent engineering parts
- Insulators
- Jigs and fixtures
Alternatives: Acrylic (PMMA) for optical clarity with lower impact strength; PEI for higher temperature.
Frequently asked questions
Which standards cover PC?
Sheets and rods: Manufacturer's specification. Food contact: FDA 21 CFR 177.1580 (depending on grade). Machined part to drawing: ISO 2768 tolerance or as per drawing.
Up to what temperature can PC be used?
Continuous service up to 120 °C, short peaks up to 140 °C; minimum -50 °C (unloaded; under load, limited by HDT and creep).
Which materials can replace PC?
Acrylic (PMMA) for optical clarity with lower impact strength; PEI for higher temperature.
Polycarbonate or acrylic?
Polycarbonate is far more impact resistant; acrylic is clearer and resists scratches and UV better.
