PC (Polycarbonate)

What is PC (Polycarbonate)?

The material is often used as a lightweight alternative to glass and metal in applications where high strength and optical clarity are required.

Important properties of PC (Polycarbonate)

• Extremely impact resistant – Up to 250 times stronger than glass, making it almost unbreakable.
• High heat resistance – Withstands temperatures up to approximately 120–140°C without losing its properties.
• Transparent and optically clear – One of the few plastic materials that can replace glass without losing light transmission.
• Lightweight – Much lighter than glass and metal, which reduces transportation and assembly costs.
• Good chemical and UV resistance – Can be treated with surface coatings for increased durability in harsh environments.
• Good electrical insulation properties – Suitable for electronic and electrical components.
• Formable and easy to process – Easy to injection mold, thermoform and process mechanically.
• Can be dyed and surface treated – Available in both clear and colored variants depending on design requirements.

Different types of PC (Polycarbonate) and their uses

• Standard polycarbonate – Transparent, impact-resistant and heat-resistant. Used in protective glass, car headlights and electronics.
• Fiberglass reinforced PC – Has higher stiffness and temperature resistance. Used in technical components and structural parts.
• UV-stabilized PC – Extra resistant to sunlight and weathering. Used in outdoor applications such as weather protection and traffic signs.
• Flame retardant PC – Specifically designed to meet fire requirements in electronics and building materials. Used in electrical housings, circuit boards and protective covers.
• PC blends (e.g. PC/ABS, PC/PBT) – Combines the strength of PC with other plastics for better formability or chemical resistance. Used in automotive parts, electronics and industrial components.

How do we use PCs in our production?

We use polycarbonate in several advanced applications where its strength, transparency and heat resistance are crucial.

Some of the most common uses are:

• Protective glasses and visor – Due to its high impact resistance, PC is used in helmet visors, machine guards and safety glass.
• Automotive industry – The material is used in car headlights, rear-view mirrors, interior details and bumpers.
• Electronics and household products – PC is used in housings for mobile phones, computers and other electronics where impact resistance is important.
• Building and construction materials – Used in skylights, noise barriers and transparent ceilings.
• Medical devices – Thanks to its strength and chemical resistance, PC is used in sterile containers, instruments and laboratory equipment.
• Industrial components – PC is used in protective housings, tools and machine parts where high mechanical requirements are imposed.

Why do we choose PC?

Polycarbonate is one of the most impact-resistant and temperature-resistant plastic materials we work with. Its unique combination of strength, transparency and processability makes it a perfect material for safety-critical and high-performance applications.

To optimize the PC for different needs, it can be modified with:

• UV protection – For longer life in outdoor applications.
• Antistatic treatment – For electronics where dust and static electricity must be avoided.
• Flame retardant – For fire-rated products in construction and electronics.

In summary, PC is a premium thermoplastic with high durability and wide use in both industrial and consumer products.