PC: What's the Difference?
PC (polycarbonate) is a plastic with impressive properties. But did you know there are different types with similar compositions?
Properties that characterise PC
PC is known for its exceptional impact resistance. It is up to 250 times higher than that of glass. The material also has a relatively high resistance to chemicals. An important property is that PC can withstand external impacts without cracking. Furthermore, it can withstand high temperatures. For short periods, PC can withstand temperatures of up to 147 °C, and around 120 °C continuously, without deforming. This means that PC has many applications.
We often see PC used to construct protective barriers. It is also used in kitchenware and CD/DVD discs. Despite its strength, the material is relatively easy to work with. It can be drilled without the risk of cracking. It can also be bent and shaped without preheating. The addition of flame retardants results in good fire-retardant properties.
Advantages of PC
- Extreme impact resistance (250 times better than glass).
- Easy to shape and available in flexible forms.
- Withstands high temperatures (up to 147 °C).
- High chemical resistance, for example to petrol.
- Can be drilled without cracking.
- Can be moulded without preheating.
- Good fire resistance (particularly with additives).
Disadvantages of PC
There are also disadvantages. PC is easily scratched. However, scratch-resistant coatings are available to minimise this problem. The material is relatively expensive compared with glass or other thermoplastics. PC has limited clarity and cannot be polished to restore its clarity. It yellows and weakens when exposed to UV radiation if it is not treated. External impacts can easily cause dents or marks.
Applications for PC
PC is often used where impact resistance and service life are more important than appearance. Its high impact resistance makes it suitable for protective equipment and safety barriers. Untreated PC is not UV-resistant and will yellow. However, there are variants with UV protection, which allow for outdoor use.
Bear in mind that PC scratches easily and cannot be polished back to its original finish. Nor can the material achieve complete clarity, although it is highly transparent when new. PC can be manufactured in most colours and customised as required. It is therefore often used in sports equipment, such as helmet visors, and in protective cases for electronic products.
We often see PC used in mirrors for public spaces. PC can also be supplied with a mirror coating. The result is a virtually unbreakable mirror. It is durable and safe in high-traffic environments.
Processing PC
PC is relatively easy to process. You rarely need to worry about the material breaking. However, the material’s high strength requires robust tools. If you are unsure how best to process PC, please feel free to contact our plastics experts for advice.
Common applications
- Window panes and vehicle windscreens.
- Greenhouses and conservatories.
- Drinking bottles.
- Protective cases for phones and computers.
- Helmet visors.
- Molds for casting.
- Protective screens.
- Ballistic protective equipment.
- Mirrors in public spaces.
Important considerations when machining
When machining PC, you need to take the material’s extreme impact resistance into account. Therefore, do not use traditional tools designed for wood. The material requires specialised equipment, such as water jet cutting.
Laser cutting is possible for thin sections (under approximately 2 mm). With thicker material, the heat may cause the plastic to discolour. A fine-toothed mitre saw can also be used, but cut slowly at a high rotational speed.
PC is sensitive to UV radiation and yellows over time unless it contains a protective additive. It is therefore important to choose the right material for outdoor use. The same applies if the material is to be used as a protective covering. PC is available with added glass fibre, which makes it even more impact-resistant.
Have you considered whether PC is suitable for your application?
PC: Tre varianter av polykarbonat