PC Polycarbonate Unfilled: Transparent High-Impact Engineering Plastic
Published: 2026-06-08
Polycarbonate offers the highest impact resistance of any clear thermoplastic — 250x tougher than glass — with excellent optical clarity and good heat resistance.
Technical Properties
| Density | 1.20 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 65 MPa |
| Melting Point | N/A (Amorphous, Tg 147°C) |
| Shrinkage Rate | 0.5-0.7% |
| Flexural Modulus | 2.4 GPa |
| Hdt | 135 °C at 1.82 MPa |
| Continuous Service Temp | 120 °C |
Engineering Tool: Shrinkage & Cost Estimator
Calculate part weight, mold cavity dimensions accounting for shrinkage, and material cost — all locally in your browser.
Equivalents & Cross-References
| Equivalent / Alternate | Action |
|---|---|
| Covestro Makrolon | |
| SABIC Lexan | |
| Teijin Panlite |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does PC need special drying?
Yes — PC is extremely moisture-sensitive. Dry at 120°C for 4 hours to <0.02% moisture. Inadequate drying causes hydrolysis at melt temperature (280-320°C), producing bubbles, splay, and significant molecular weight reduction (loss of impact strength). A desiccant dryer with -40°C dew point is mandatory.
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References & Industry Standards
- ASTM International. Standard Specifications for Engineering Plastics & Thermoplastics. astm.org
- UL Prospector. Plastics & Elastomers Material Database. ulprospector.com
- MatWeb. Material Property Data for Engineering Thermoplastics. matweb.com
- ISO 1043. Plastics — Symbols and Abbreviated Terms. iso.org