Transparent engineering plastic, polycarbonate stands out with very high impact resistance, good optical clarity, and reliable cold-weather performance. Tougher than acrylic and glass at comparable thickness, it machines and drills cleanly, cold-bends on small radii, and commonly heat-bends for tight angles.
Electrical insulator with very low moisture absorption, it suits technical glazing, machine windows, guards, and covers. Standard grades are mainly indicated for indoor or sheltered outdoor use—prolonged direct UV can yellow/cloud the surface. Stock thicknesses: 1/8", 3/16", 1/4".
Optical and Surface Characteristics
High clarity with very slight color tint, suited for viewing panels, windows, and transparent covers.
Naturally glossy surface; softer than glass/acrylic, thus more prone to scratching. Plan for protective films, guards, or replaceable covers if surface is exposed.
Service Environment
Temperature: Usable below freezing to ~100–110°C typical continuous service (higher short-term excursions possible).
Moisture: Very low water absorption; stable dimensions in humid or washdown environments.
Weather: May yellow/haze in prolonged direct sun; prefer indoor or sheltered outdoor.
Fire behavior: Self-extinguishing at several thicknesses (verify regulated requirements per application).
Chemistry and Maintenance
Sensitive to strong solvents (ketones, chlorinated/aromatic solvents) which can cause stress cracking. Common cleaning with soapy water and soft cloth; avoid abrasive dry wiping. Confirm chemical compatibility for specific environments.
Fabrication and Assembly
Cold bending: Possible on small radii without whitening, useful for curved guards.
Bending/thermoforming: For tight angles/small radii; plan for slight springback.
Machining/drilling: Clean edges and holes with sharp tools and proper feeds; support part well to limit vibration.
Fastening: Through-bolts, screws, and gaskets; avoid point loads that mark/stress the sheet. Account for thermal expansion on large panels (oversized holes/slots).
Holding tabs: In CNC machining (and waterjet as needed), small tabs may be left for precision; light deburring after cutting.
Thickness Guide
1/8" (≈3.2 mm): Light shields, windows, and display panels for short spans; good clarity and low weight.
3/16" (≈4.8 mm): Better impact margin and stiffness for medium spans, machine windows, and protective screens.
1/4" (≈6.4 mm): Robust guards, larger glazing, and panels where stiffness will reduce deflection.
Common Applications
Machine shields and windows, high-impact guards, covers, and panels.
Equipment enclosure glazing, light partitions, and dividers.
Protective screens for retail, lab, and industry; jigs, drill templates, and fixtures requiring clear, tough panels.
Design Tips
Add radii to internal corners to reduce stress initiation; protect edges in handled or sliding areas; distribute loads through hardware, and for visual consistency, keep parts from the same material batch.