Plastic | CutWise

PC (Polycarbonate)

Plastic

Polycarbonate (PC) is an extremely impact-resistant, transparent plastic that is up to 250 times stronger than glass. The material combines optical clarity with high thermal stability and is excellent for processing. PC is flame-retardant, self-extinguishing, and resistant to impact even at low temperatures. It is widely used as a safe alternative to glass in both technical and architectural applications.
Well-known trade names for polycarbonate include Lexan®, Makrolon®, and Palram®. These grades are used worldwide in sectors where safety, impact resistance, and transparency come together.

Laser cutting
Milling

Calculate price directly

Properties of polycarbonate

Very high impact resistance, up to 250x stronger than glass
High light transmission (~88%), clear and transparent
Self-extinguishing and flame-retardant (UL94 V-2 to V-0)
Resistant to continuous temperatures up to 120 °C
Dimensionally stable and easy to machine
Cold bendable without breaking
Impact resistant even at -40 °C
Good electrical insulator
Available in clear, opal, and UV-stabilized variants

Thanks to this unique combination of strength, transparency, and heat resistance, PC is a preferred material in mechanical engineering, safety applications, and the construction sector.

Datasheet Title

Technical properties of PC (Polycarbonate)

Download datasheet

Download thickness

Product information and operations

Thickness	Dimensions	Color
0.75 mm	1250x2050 mm	Clear
1 mm	2050x1250 mm	Clear
1.5 mm	2050x1250 mm	Clear
2 mm	3050x2050 mm	Clear Opal
3 mm	3050x2050 mm	Clear Opal Opal Smoke Grey
4 mm	3050x2050 mm	Clear Opal Opal Smoke Grey
5 mm	3050x2050 mm	Clear Opal Smoke Grey
6 mm	3050x2050 mm	Clear Opal Smoke Grey Anti-Static
8 mm	3050x2050 mm	Clear Opal Anti-Static
10 mm	3050x2050 mm	Clear
12 mm	3050x2050 mm	Clear
15 mm	3050x2050 mm	Clear

Technical properties

General

Specific Gravity 1,2 g/cm³

Moisture Absorption under Standard Climate 0,2 %

Flammability B1

Specific Heat Capacity 1,17 kj/Kg°C

Temperature Range

Minimum Service Temperature -30°C

Maximum Service Temperature +120°C

Mechanical

Tensile Strength 70 N/mm

Elongation at Break 100 %

E-Modulus 2500 N/mm²

Flexural Strength 70 N/mm²

Impact Strength 40 Charpy

Shore or Ball Indentation Hardness 80 Shore °D

Coefficient of Friction 0,39

Electrical

Relative Permittivity (Dielectric Constant) 3,0 / 100 Hz

Dielectric Loss Factor 0,0007 tan(..x10⁻³)

Volume Resistivity 10 Ω cm

Surface Resistivity 10 Ω

Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 260/300 KC

Dielectric Strength 38 kV/mm

Thermal

Crystalline Melting Point 230 °C

Thermal Conductivity 0,21 W/m°C

Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion 0,07 mm/m°C

Continuous Service Temperature (unloaded) -30 / 120 °C

Maximum Short-Term Service Temperature 150 °C

Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) 138 °C

Applications of PC (Polycarbonate)

Machine guards and safety covers

Impact-resistant glazing and windows (e.g., bus shelters, showcases)

Transparent protective panels and splash guards

Lampshades and lighting fixtures

Housings and covers for electronic devices

Shock-resistant parts in automotive and aerospace

Façade panels and roof glazings (UV-stabilized)

Medical applications and laboratory enclosures

Made with CutWise

Frequently Asked Questions about PC (Polycarbonate)

Is polycarbonate impact-resistant?

Yes, PC is one of the toughest plastics and won’t shatter on impact, making it ideal for safety applications.

Can polycarbonate be laser-cut?

Fine laser cutting is possible with specialized equipment, but milling is more common for thicker sheets and tight tolerances.

Is polycarbonate suitable for outdoor use?

Yes, provided you choose UV-stabilized grades. Standard PC will yellow under prolonged UV exposure.

Is polycarbonate better than plexiglass (PMMA)?

PC is much more impact-resistant and better at heat resistance, whereas PMMA is clearer and more scratch-resistant.

Can polycarbonate be cold-bent?

Yes, PC can be bent without preheating, making it ideal for applications requiring flexibility in shape.

Is polycarbonate flame-retardant?

Yes, polycarbonate has inherent flame-retardant properties and is available in various fire-ratings (e.g., UL94 V-0).

How machinable is polycarbonate?

PC machines well—milling, sawing, drilling, and bending are straightforward. Bonding and polishing require experience to avoid stress cracking.

Is polycarbonate food-safe?

Some grades are food-safe. Always request the appropriate certification for direct food contact applications.

HOW IT WORKS

Upload your files

Upload your DXF, STEP, AI, or EPS file and start your order immediately.

Choose your material

Select from plastic, rubber, steel, stainless steel, or aluminum for your part.

Receive a quote within 10 seconds

After the quote, choose the desired delivery time that fits your schedule.

Production

Ordered? We start production at the right moment for your delivery.

Delivery

Follow each step in real time, from production to delivery, for complete transparency.

Discover how CutWise works

Join thousands of companies using CutWise

24/7 online laser cutting and milling

Quote in under 10 seconds

Order starting from 1 piece

ISO 9001:2015 certified

2000 m² machine park

150,000 parts per week

POM (Polyoxymethylene)

Plastic

POM, better known as polyacetal or Delrin®, is a high-performance engineering plastic prized for its exceptional mechanical strength, dimensional stability, and low friction coefficient. Thanks to these qualities, POM is ideal for applications where precision and wear resistance are critical.
Well-known trade names for POM include Delrin®, Hostaform®, and Ultraform®. These materials are renowned for their reliability and are widely used across various industrial sectors.

Laser cutting
Milling

Calculate price directly

Properties of POM

Very high mechanical strength and stiffness
Low friction coefficient and excellent wear resistance
High dimensional stability, even at varying temperatures
Good chemical resistance to solvents, fuels, and oils
Low moisture absorption, suitable for humid environments
Excellent fatigue resistance
Good electrical insulating properties
Food-contact safe (FDA-compliant in certain grades)

Thanks to this combination of properties, POM is especially popular in machinery, automotive, and precision engineering. In some applications, POM can serve as an alternative to metal components like aluminum or brass.