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PC(Polycarbonate) Prototyping Service
Overview of PC(Polycarbonate)
PC(Polycarbonate) Material Properties
| Density | 1.20 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Elongation at Break | 90–120% |
| Tensile Strength (Yield) | 60–70 MPa |
| Impact Strength (Notched Izod, 73 °F) | 65–80 kJ/m² |
| Hardness | Rockwell R120–125 (R-scale) (approximately Shore D 80–85) |
| Flexural Strength | 90–100 MPa |
| Heat Deflection Temp. (HDT @ 1.8 MPa) | 257°F |
Note: Values may vary slightly depending on specific grades or formulations.
Benefits of PC(Polycarbonate)
Exceptional Impact Resistance: Polycarbonate can withstand significant impact without fracturing.
High Optical Clarity: Ideal for applications requiring transparency similar to glass but with added durability.
Good Heat Resistance: Maintains structural integrity and stiffness at moderately high temperatures.
Dimensional Stability: Resists warping or deformation under typical operating conditions.
Versatile Surface Finishing: Supports coatings or treatments for improved scratch resistance and aesthetics.
INAC US’s PC(Polycarbonate) Prototyping Capability
PC(Polycarbonate) Prototype Portfolio
PC(Polycarbonate) Prototyping Methods
CNC Machining
CNC Machining provides precise, repeatable results when working with polycarbonate (PC) materials.
Thanks to its strength and dimensional stability, PC is well-suited for milling, drilling, and other subtractive processes.
CNC Machining can achieve tight tolerances and fine surface finishes, making it ideal for complex parts that need reliable structural integrity and detailed features.
Lathe Processing
Lathe Processing is an excellent option for producing rotational or cylindrical PC parts.
By spinning the material and removing excess via cutting tools, it’s possible to craft smooth, consistent shapes with high precision.
Polycarbonate’s impact resistance and machinability allow lathe operations to shape components like shafts, housings, or cylindrical enclosures without compromising overall part durability.
FAQ about INAC US's PC(Polycarbonate) Prototyping Service
A. Lead times vary based on part complexity and finishing requirements, but most PC prototypes can be delivered within 5–10 business days. Expedited services may be available for urgent projects.
A. Yes, we offer various surface treatments, including vapor polishing, anti-scratch coatings, and painting. These treatments help enhance clarity, durability, and overall aesthetics.
A. Absolutely. Polycarbonate is known for its exceptional impact strength, so prototypes are typically suitable for mechanical stress testing and real-world operational evaluations.
A. We can provide sanding, polishing, vapor polishing, painting, and assembly services. We can also add inserts, seals, or other components to finalize the prototype.
A. Yes. Polycarbonate inherently possesses high transparency. Although it becomes cloudy after machining, it can be easily restored to its original clarity through a solvent-based polishing process. This makes it ideal for producing experimental models for visualizing internal flow paths or display pieces that showcase internal structures.
Start Prototyping Today with INAC US
Experience the reliability and clarity of polycarbonate prototypes by partnering with INAC US.
From design consultation to final assembly, our one-stop service ensures precision, efficiency, and exceptional quality.
Reach out today to discuss your PC prototyping needs and bring your ideas to life.
Guide to PC(Polycarbonate) Prototyping
What Is PC(Polycarbonate) Material?
Polycarbonate (PC) is a strong, transparent thermoplastic known for its exceptional impact resistance, high optical clarity, and good heat resistance.
It finds wide applications in industries such as electronics, automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods.
Grades of PC(Polycarbonate) Material
| Grade | Value |
|---|---|
| General-Purpose Polycarbonate (PC) | General-purpose polycarbonate provides outstanding impact strength, high clarity, and moderate heat resistance. It’s often used in safety guards, housings, and transparent panels, striking a balance between cost, toughness, and optical quality. |
| Reinforced Polycarbonate (Glass-Fiber or Carbon-Fiber Filled) | Reinforced (glass or carbon-filled) PC offers increased stiffness, strength, and dimensional stability. Used in structural or load-bearing components, it can replace metal in applications like automotive brackets and industrial machinery parts. |
| Optical-Grade Polycarbonate | Optical-grade PC boasts superior clarity with minimal distortion, making it ideal for lenses, protective visors, and transparent security enclosures. It retains PC’s impact resistance while ensuring excellent light transmission. |
Applications of PC(Polycarbonate) Prototypes
For experiments
Transmission Case
For education
Clear Engine
Functionality check
Mechanism Housing
Comparing PC to Other Engineering Plastics
| Plastic | Description |
|---|---|
| ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) | – Good Impact Strength: The butadiene content provides toughness and shock resistance. – Easy Processing: Commonly injection molded; also suitable for 3D printing (FDM). – Balanced Properties: Offers moderate strength, decent chemical resistance, and good dimensional stability. |
| Acrylic (pmma) | – Excellent Transparency (~92% light transmission) with a glass-like appearance. – Lightweight & Weather Resistant: Resists yellowing and cracking outdoors better than polycarbonate. – Easy Fabrication: Can be thermoformed, laser-cut, or polished for display-quality finishes. |
| POM(Polyoxymethylene) | – High Stiffness & Low Friction: Excellent for gear teeth, bearings, and wear strips. – Dimensional Stability: Minimal moisture absorption, retaining tight tolerances. – Good Chemical Resistance: Withstands many solvents, fuels, and lubricants. |
| PP (Polypropylene) | – Lightweight & Affordable: One of the lowest densities among engineering plastics, making it cost-effective. – Good Chemical & Moisture Resistance: Does not absorb water readily, resists many acids and bases. – Flexible in Thin Sections: Used in living hinges. |
| Nylon | – Excellent Toughness & Wear Resistance: Ideal for moving or sliding parts. – Varied Grades: Nylon 6, 6/6, 12, etc., each offering different stiffness, moisture absorption, and temperature performance. – Good Fatigue Strength: Retains mechanical integrity under repeated stress. |
| PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) | – High Temperature Tolerance: Can sustain mechanical properties up to ~480°F. – Chemical & Hydrolysis Resistance: Suitable for harsh chemical environments; steam-sterilizable. – Biocompatibility: Certain grades used in medical implants. – Low Outgassing: Ideal for aerospace applications. |
| PPS(Polyphenylene Sulfide) | – High Thermal Stability: Can withstand continuous use at ~390–430°F. – Flame Retardant & Chemical Resistant: Excellent performance in corrosive and high-temperature conditions. – Good Dimensional Precision: Low coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE). |
| PET(Polyethylene Terephthalate) | – Good Stiffness & Dimensional Stability: Suitable for precision mechanical parts. – Low Moisture Absorption: Minimizes swelling or warpage. – Chemical Resistance: Resists oils, solvents, and mild acids. |
| PBT(Polybutylene Terephthalate) | – Good Electrical Insulation: Ideal for connectors, switches, and other E/E parts. – Dimensional Stability: Low shrinkage, low moisture absorption, good for tight tolerances. – Chemical & Heat Resistance: Withstands automotive fluids and moderate temperatures (~302–320°F). |
If you have something you want to make, please contact us. Even a rough idea is OK. We will give shape to your idea and deliver it to you. Please feel free to contact us.