PC - Polycarbonate Plastic Sample

Polycarbonate is a durable, transparent thermoplastic known for its high impact resistance, optical clarity, and heat resistance. 

Why choose polycarbonate plastic?

• High service temperature – Can withstand temperatures up to 150°C, depending on the grade.
  
• High-quality surface finish – Suitable for optical components due to its excellent clarity and smoothness.
• Very high impact resistance – Commonly used in demanding environments where materials like acrylic or glass may fail.
• Good design flexibility – Easily molded, machined, or thermoformed into complex shapes, and compatible with coatings and printing.

Why not choose polycarbonate plastic?

• Limited UV resistance – Can degrade and discolor with prolonged exposure to sunlight, unless UV stabilizers or coatings are applied.
• Poor chemical resistance – Especially vulnerable to damage when exposed to certain chemicals, especially under stress or load.
• Poor scratch resistance – Easily scratched unless coated with a protective layer.
• Prone to stress cracking – Can develop cracks under continuous load or stress; careful design of snap joints is necessary to prevent this.

Typical applications for polycarbonate plastic:

• Safety goggles – Polycarbonate is commonly used for its impact resistance and optical clarity.
• Lamp covers and car headlights (with UV protective coating) – Used for their strength and clarity, while the UV coating helps prevent degradation.
• Protective screens and police riot shields – Chosen for its high impact resistance.
• Reinforcement of other plastics – It is often mixed with other plastics (for example ABS) to enhance the impact resistance and strength.