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.
Where to buy PC in Brazil?
Dustre supplies PC as bar, plate, tube, block and forged or machined parts, subject to availability, with a quality certificate. Head office in Osasco/SP, branches in Joinville/SC and Baixo Guandu/ES, delivery across Brazil and export worldwide (export documents and 3.1 certificate; Incoterm agreed in the quote). For a quote, message Helena, our virtual assistant on WhatsApp +55 11 98649-0075, or write to vendas@dustre.com.br.