This characteristic makes polycarbonate sheet stock particularly useful in prototyping applications where sheet metal lacks viability (e.g. Regardless of the contradictory studies on the negative effects of BPA, certain types of Polycarbonate have been associated with its release. Polycarbonate panels can be used in hundreds of custom projects from pergola coverings, skylights, custom greenhouses, and other structures. The material is purchased in. After all, polycarbonate is just about everywhere; it’s used in eyeglasses, medical devices, auto parts, lighting fixtures, DVDs and Blu-Rays, to name a few. PC/ABS blends are also available for 3D printing on an FDM machine. Being a good electrical insulator and having heat-resistant and flame-retardant properties, it is used in various products associated with electrical and telecommunications hardware. If you tried to heat a thermoset plastic to a high temperature a second time it would simply burn. Polycarbonate plastic is a lightweight, high-performance plastic that possesses a unique balance of toughness, dimensional stability, optical clarity, high heat resistance and excellent electrical resistance. If you tried to heat a thermoset plastic to a high temperature a second time it would simply burn. Ideal for the security and automotive industries, this polycarbonate is the basis for what is commonly referred to as a two-way mirror. There are various industry grades of polycarbonate available. Address:  206 Camars Drive Warminster, PA, Copyright 2016 Creative Mechanisms All Rights Reserved, Everything You Need To Know About Polycarbonate (PC), Polycarbonate (PC) plastics are a naturally transparent. Finished p, Polycarbonate, like other plastics, starts with the distillation of hydrocarbon fuels into lighter groups called “fractions” some of which are combined with other catalysts to produce plastics (typically via polymerization or polycondensation). Polycarbonate is sometimes called Lexan (trademarked name by GE Plastics) or Makrolon. Polycarbonate vs. All of them provide unmatched strength, functionality and cost-effectiveness. Topics: Polycarbonate is so strong that it’s less resistant to impact however, it’s fully recyclable and as it’s made from a natural resource (oil) it provides an excellent yields for plastic recycling factories. Polycarbonate, or specifically polycarbonate of bisphenol A, is a clear plasticused to make shatterproof windows, lightweight eyeglass lenses, and such. Now that we know what it is used for, let’s examine some of the key properties of Polycarbonate. Plastics are derived from materials found in nature, such as natural gas, oil, coal, minerals and plants. Although either Bisphenol A or phosgene do not contain a carbonate group, the product Polycarbonate is composed of a carbonate group. The following diagram shows the relative impact strength of Polycarbonate when compared to the impact strength of other commonly used plastics such as ABS , Polystyrene (PS), or Nylon. Its durability and transparency make it a perfect stand-in for glass during research and testing. Polycarbonate’s optical clarity makes it ideal for applications such as machine guards, signs, architectural glazing, face shields, skylights, and POP displays. The most commonly made types of polycarbonate are created by the combination of BPA and COCl2, however, there are BPA free polycarbonates that have become particularly marketable for applications involving perishable food or water. The MAKROLON Clear SL2 provides the same protection on both sides of the sheet for all-around UV resistance. Typically amorphous plastics demonstrate a tendency to gradually soften (i.e. There have been roughly 100 studies conducted on BPA and the results are somewhat controversial in that a correlation between funding source and risk assessment has been. A major useful attribute about thermoplastics is that they can be heated to their melting point, cooled, and reheated again without significant degradation. The following diagram shows the relative impact strength of, Polycarbonate when compared to the impact strength of other commonly used plastics such as. PC is an acronym for PolyCarbonates, a group of thermoplastic polymers containing carbonate groups (carbon that is bonded to three oxygen groups).. What is PC’s plastic identification number? They are used in countless applications within society, including appliance casing, carrier bags and spectacle lenses. Polycarbonate is a type of plastic formed from the reaction between Bisphenol A and phosgene. Backed by a five-year warranty against breakage, Clear GP polycarbonate stands head and shoulders above any product in its class. Companies that manufacture this type of product often put tinted Polycarbonate on the front of their signs to both protect the LEDs and to reduce glare. What Are The Different Types of Polycarbonate? They provide different benefits (and drawbacks). General Electric makes this stuff and sells it as Lexan. The flexibility of polycarbonate allows for each of these products to be created in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors and transparencies. As mentioned, the usage of polycarbonate plastic is very popular in the creation of eyewear; that’s because it’s lighter than glass and possesses a natural UV filter. Polycarbonate is a tough, transparent plastic material with outstanding strength, stiffness, and impact resistance. What are the Disadvantages of Polycarbonate? Another feature of polycarbonate is that it is very pliable. Polycarbonate is a high-performance tough, amorphous and transparent thermoplastic polymer with organic functional groups linked together by carbonate groups (–O–(C=O)–O–) and offers a unique combination of properties. Most studies with government funding showed BPA to be a hazardous risk to health while many with industry funding showed lower to no medical risks. For example, many of our clients utilize polycarbonate sheets and rods in projects that require excellent impact-resistance. The first. , however, there are BPA free polycarbonates that have become particularly marketable for applications involving perishable food or water. Polycarbonate, like other plastics, starts with the distillation of hydrocarbon fuels into lighter groups called “fractions” some of which are combined with other catalysts to produce plastics (typically via polymerization or polycondensation). PC is classified as a “thermoplastic” (as opposed to “thermoset”), and the name has to do with the way the plastic responds to heat. For this reason, clear surfaces such as a polycarbonate lenses in a pair of glasses will typically be coated with a scratch-resistant layer for protection. According to AZO Materials, polycarbonate was concurrently developed in the middle 20th century by GE in the United States and Bayer in Germany. BPA is found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. To learn more contact Ug Plast at 717-356-2448 or sales@ugplast-inc.com . Unlike disposable plastic bottles that can harm the environment, containers made of polycarbonates offer a long lasting, recyclable canteen for thirsty people. It is a lighter alternative to glass and a natural UV filter, so it is often used in eyewear. Though polycarbonate sheet is prized for its strength and flexibility, its transparency is what allows it take on a variety of applications that similar materials cannot. *At standard state (at 25 °C (77 °F), 100 kPa), Properly engineer the designs for production. What’s more, polycarbonate is as popular in prototypes as it is in finished products. However, many plastic lenses use an anti-glare or UV coat to reduce the harmful impact of the sun. Although they are made commercially available in a variety of colors (perhaps translucent and perhaps not), the raw material allows for the internal transmission of light nearly in the same capacity as glass. Plastic. Polycarbonate plastic is a thermoplastic. They are durable, versatile, and easy to work with. Regardless of the contradictory studies on the negative effects of BPA, certain types of Polycarbonate have been associated with its release. Polycarbonate resin (PC resin) is a type of thermoplastic component used in the manufacturing of certain plastics. Trade names include well known variants (or “resins”) like Lexa, . What are the Properties of Polycarbonate? Polycarbonate plastic seems destined for rather epic adventures. And, compared to acrylic, it is only slightly less transparent, however polycarbonate plastic sheets are more prone to scratching. Polycarbonate is an incredibly useful plastic for applications requiring transparency and high impact resistance. There is a potential that certain types of polycarbonate could be hazardous in food contact situations due to the release of Bisphenol A (BPA) during hydrolysis (degradation due to material contact with water)1. PC is commonly used for plastic lenses in eyewear, in medical devices, automotive components, protective gear, greenhouses, Digital Disks (CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray), and exterior lighting fixtures. This characteristic makes thermoset materials poor candidates for recycling. The key difference between polycarbonate and ABS is that polycarbonate is an amorphous polymer made from melt polycondensation of bisphenol A and … Polycarbonate plastic panels are kind of a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to commercial-grade plastic sheets. What is polycarbonate? Polycarbonate plastics are engineering plastics in that they are typically used for more capable, robust materials such as in impact resistant “glass-like” surfaces. The “thermoplastic” part refers to the nature of polycarbonate and other similar plastics to become liquid at their melting point, which allows, among other things, for easy injection molding and recycling. heating causes thermoset materials to set (similar to a 2-part epoxy) resulting in a chemical change that cannot be reversed. Polycarbonate is also an amorphous material, meaning that it does not exhibit the ordered characteristics of crystalline solids. Companies that develop a product on a consistent basis are under tremendous pressure to: Our expertise and unique collaborative process alleviates your stress and helps take your Design, Engineering and Prototyping process to the next level. and the 3D printer heats and deposits the filament into the desired 3D shape. Polycarbonate plastics are engineering plastics in that they are typically used for more capable, robust materials such as in impact resistant “glass-like” surfaces. The most commonly made types of polycarbonate are created by the combination of BPA and. In summary the benefits are: acrylic is stiffer, shinier, more scratch resistant and cheaper than polycarbonate which is bendier and virtually unbreakable. Polycarbonate plastics are often used in containers that store food and beverages, such as water bottles. This versatile product offers the mirroring of glass with superior impact strength, heat resistance, and both dimensional and UV stability. This material is designed to weather brutal environments and provide unmatched extension of service life and color-shifting resistance. You can read about the process in more depth. We have seen tinted PC used for the purposes of reducing glare (for example to cover lighted signs on the highway). Also, another significant difference between polycarbonate and plastic is that the polycarbonate can be made thinner than plastic. Follow this link to learn more about the numerous forms of polycarbonate and about the wholesale options available to those who wish to buy this remarkable material in bulk. It can also serve as a dielectric in high-stability capacitors. Thermoplastic materials become liquid at their melting point (155 degrees Celsius in the case of Polycarbonat). The very first plastics were made by nature—did you know that rubber from a rubber tree is actually a plastic? Acrylic and polycarbonate are two of the most popular clear plastics. A major useful attribute about, can be heated to their melting point, cooled, and reheated again without significant degradation. Thermoplastic materials become liquid at their melting poin, (155 degrees Celsius in the case of Polycarbonat). However, commercial manufacture of polycarbonate capacitors mostly stopped after sole manufacturer Bayer AGstopped making capacitor-grade polycarbonate film a… Polycarbonate plastics are engineering plastics in that they are typically used for more capable, robust materials such as in impact resistant “glass-like” surfaces. And in just a few short years it was tapped by NASA for a truly daring feat: space travel. The following diagram shows the relative impact strength of Polycarbonate when compared to the impact strength of other commonly used plastics such as ABS, Polystyrene (PS), or Nylon. This makes polycarbonate a good fit for those looking to invest in higher security measures. to exist. Many bicycling enthusiasts, joggers, campers, and even urban dwellers, think the polycarbonate bottle is a good way to stay green while staying hydrated. Polycarbonate is highly impact and shatter resistant. Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic polymer and is a sturdy, hard and transparent material. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(187731, 'dc0744bc-8b1e-496b-9983-e09280c8e37f', {}); Polycarbonate is also an amorphous material, meaning that it does not exhibit the ordered characteristics of crystalline solids. Polycarbonate polymers are used to produce a variety of materials and are particularly useful when impact resistance and/or transparency are a product requirement (e.g. Polycarbonate (PC) What does PC stand for? Acrylic vs Polycarbonate. in bullet-proof glass). Colors are usually limited to clear, white, and black. Although Polycarbonate is known for its high impact resistance, it is very susceptible to scratching. Key Difference – Polycarbonate vs ABS Polycarbonate and ABS are widely used thermoplastic elastomers and have their unique set of properties. There have been roughly 100 studies conducted on BPA and the results are somewhat controversial in that a correlation between funding source and risk assessment has been shown to exist. Some polycarbonates have additives such as “ultraviolet stabilizers” that protect the material from long-term exposure to the Sun. Sign up for A&C Plastics Updates, Promotions, 3D printed models for high heat applications. PC is available in sheet stock and round stock, making it a good candidate for subtractive machining processes on a mill or lathe. There is a potential that certain types of polycarbonate could be hazardous in food contact situations due to the release of Bisphenol A (BPA) during hydrolysis (degradation due to material contact with water), . Polycarbonate is a tough and stable clear plastic offering unique advantages. What ABS and Polycarbonate Have in Common. These properties have made these polymers to be used in wide range of applications. By contrast, thermoset plastics can only be heated once (typically during the injection molding process). PC is popularly used as an engineering plastic owing to its unique features that include: High impact strength Ug Plast offers multiwall and solid polycarbonate sheets in a variety of colors and thicknesses, and we can custom cut and ship your order within three to four days of placement. Furthermore, the pliability of the material allows it to be created at room temperature without cracking or breaking and to be reformed even without the application of heat. As a naturally transparent amorphous thermoplastic, polycarbonate’s usefulness is in its ability to internally transmit light almost as effectively as glass and to withstand impacts far greater than many other commonly used plastics. they have a wider range between their glass transition temperature and their melting point) rather than to exhibit a sharp transition from solid to liquid as is the case in crystalline polymers.Lastly, Polycarbonate is a copolymer in that it is composed of several different monomer types in combination with one another. Polycarbonate is mainly used for electronic applications that capitalize on its collective safety features. Injection moldable polycarbonate might include other additives such as mold release agents that lubricate the material during processing. Most are called by the generic name (polycarbonate) and are typically differentiated by the amount of glass fiber reinforcing they contain and the variance in melt flow between them. One of the most popular plastic materials used is … Finished polycarbonate is typically sold in cylinders, rods or sheets. , we have used Polycarbonate in a number of applications across a range of industries. Furthermore, its considerable heat resistance can be enhanced with a variety of flame retardants without significantly lowering any of its other properties. Although they are made commercially available in a variety of colors (perhaps translucent and perhaps not), the raw material allows for the internal transmission of light nearly in the same capacity as glass. Een polycarbonaat (PC) is een thermoplastisch polymeer waarbij de monomeren verbonden zijn door een carbonaatbinding. Plastic is a polymer that has a large molecular mass. . The key difference between polycarbonate and plastic is that polycarbonates are lighter but much stronger than plastic. Because Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic material, certain 3D printers are able to print with PC using the FDM process. In the modern era it is manufactured by a large number of firms, each typically with their own production process and unique formula. Listed below are a few more specific applications that display the capabilities of this extremely versatile material. At. PC is classified as a “thermoplastic” (, ), and the name has to do with the way the plastic responds to heat. Polycarbonate is an incredibly useful plastic for applications requiring transparency and high impact resistance. PC for Prototype Development on CNC Machines and 3D Printers: Because Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic material, certain 3D printers are able to print with PC using the FDM process. In the modern era it is manufactured by a large number of firms, each typically with their own production process and unique formula. in bullet-proof glass). Typically amorphous plastics demonstrate a tendency to gradually soften (i.e. Shop from our polycarbonate sheets, tubes, and rods below. Some polycarbonates have additives such as “ultraviolet stabilizers” that protect the material from long-term exposure to the Sun. PC for 3D printing is usually limited to a white color. Interest in making plastics arose in the 1800s to replace scarce materials such as ivory and tortoise shell. While the specific attributes of each resin differs according to its exact composition and extraction method, each is synthesized via catalyst from monomers called hydrocarbons, in a process known as condensation polymerization. Designed for glazing and industrial uses, the Clear GP stands alone as the best polycarbonate on the market for protection against vandalism and intentional breakage. Polycarbonate offers many benefits, depending on its intended use or application. This high-impact sheet boasts an impact strength 250 times that of glass and 30 times that of acrylic sheeting, meaning that whatever it’s protecting is going to stay protected. Polycarbonate is a versatile, tough plastic used for a variety of applications, from bulletproof windows to compact disks (CDs). No other plastic on the market does as much as well as polycarbonate. You can view a full list of material manufacturers. Ordinary plastic lenses offer minimal protection from UV radiation. A few examples include the following: clear tubes for sports equipment prototypes, clear molds for urethane and silicone casting, 3D printed models for high heat applications when ABS is not an option. The most important property of polycarbonate is its enormous impact … Polycarbonate also has very good heat resistance and can be combined with flame retardant materials without significant material degradation. This characteristic makes thermoset materials poor candidates for recycling. Instead of burning, thermoplastics like Polycarbonate liquefy, which allows them to be easily injection molded and then subsequently recycled. It can typically be formed at room temperature without cracking or breaking, similar to aluminum sheet metal. This has led to the advent of “BPA-Free” polycarbonate products (commonly shown on consumer products such as canning jars). What are the Characteristics of Polycarbonate? There are a few physical properties that make both ABS and polycarbonate useful for engineering.. What makes them great for helmets is that they are resilient to impact, and can survive a wide range of temperatures. Its durability, transparency, weatherability, and flexibility are but a few of the features that have made polycarbonate a mainstay material across multiple industries. Trade names include well known variants (or “resins”) like Lexan® by SABIC, or Makrolon® by Bayer MaterialScience. Polycarbonate is also a synthetic plastic polymer. The main advantage of this material over other types of plastic is its great strength combined with light weight. Most studies with government funding showed BPA to be a hazardous risk to health while many with industry funding showed lower to no medical risks. when transparency is required or when a non-conductive material with good electrical insulation properties is required). Namely outstanding levels of light transmission, incredible high strength (whilst being incredibly light in weight) and resistant to stresses both accidental and intentional. Polycarbonate also provides exceptional long-term chemical-physical stability. They Are Good Engineering Materials. The material is purchased in filament form and the 3D printer heats and deposits the filament into the desired 3D shape. One of the biggest differences between acrylic and polycarbonate is the cost. Although deformation may be simpler with the application of heat, even small angle bends are possible without it. This has led to the advent of “BPA-Free” polycarbonate products (commonly shown on consumer products such as canning jars). Instead of burning, thermoplastics like Polycarbonate liquefy, which allows them to be easily, By contrast, thermoset plastics can only be heated once (typically during the injection molding process). PC for 3D printing is usually limited to a white color. Shop for Polycarbonate. Polycarbonate sheets can cost on average about 35% more than acrylic. The first heating causes thermoset materials to set (similar to a 2-part epoxy) resulting in a chemical change that cannot be reversed. Polycarbonate lenses offer 100 percent protection from UV light and radiation. Another feature of polycarbonate is that it is very pliable. Both ABS and polycarbonate are plastic, like much of the rest of your helmet.. Polycarbonate definition is - any of various tough transparent thermoplastics characterized by high impact strength and high softening temperature. They may also be used in other consumer goods. Natural light can eventually erode even the sturdiest materials, but that erosion can be slowed dramatically through the protection offered by the enhanced UV resistance of the Clear SL. Here are a few details on some of the modern variations and their common uses. Polycarbonate plastics are engineering plastics in that they are typically used for more capable, robust materials such as in impact resistant “glass-like” surfaces. Polycarbonate plastic has many uses across a variety of industries, with versatile applications and effective results. PC/ABS blends are also available for 3D printing on an FDM machine. Parts that are machined from clear stock usually require some post processing to remove tool marks and to restore the transparent nature of the material. Polycarbonate also has very good heat resistance and can be combined with flame retardant materials without significant material degradation. At Creative Mechanisms, we have used Polycarbonate in a number of applications across a range of industries. As a naturally transparent amorphous thermoplastic, polycarbonate’s usefulness is in its ability to internally transmit light almost as effectively as glass and to withstand impacts far greater than many other commonly used plastics. Polycarbonate gets its name from the carbonate groups in its backbone Plastics are synthetic materials that are made of large polymer molecules. Polycarbonate (PC), a tough, transparent synthetic resin employed in safety glass, eyeglass lenses, and compact discs, among other applications. Please contact one of our trained plastic experts if you would like to learn more about how one of our quality polycarbonate products can be of use to you and your business. PC does not have its own plastic number.Instead, PC is identified by number 7, which is “other†plastic types. Their drawbacks are: acrylic can crack/shatter under impact and polycarbonate is easier to scratch. Although it was invented/discovered in 1889, it wasn’t until the late 1950s that it was commercialized. The relative impact strength of polycarbonate products supersedes the impact strength of more commonly utilized plastics. While acrylic is 17% stronger than glass, polycarbonate is nearly unbreakable. After all, polycarbonate is just about everywhere; it’s used in eyeglasses, medical devices, auto parts, lighting fixtures, DVDs and Blu-Rays, to name a few. Now that we know what it is used for, let’s examine some of the key properties of Polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is also considerably less toxic than many other plastics, and the ease with which it can be recycled only adds to its environmental friendliness. You can view a full list of material manufacturers here. In order to scrutinize the chemical structure of polycarbonate, we have to separate this multi-talented polymer from its family.Plastics are everywhere, but this carbonate-based variant is gifted with some very specific characteristics. You can read about the process in more depth here. A few examples include the following: 3D printed models for high heat applications when. It can typically be formed at room temperature without cracking or breaking, similar to aluminum sheet metal. As a thermoplastic, polycarbonate is reduced to liquid form in response to extreme heat, but can it be cooled again without a large loss in quality. According to AZO Materials, polycarbonate was concurrently developed in the middle 20th century by GE in the United States and Bayer in Germany. Plastics. Polycarbonate plastic is more dimensionally stable than acrylic over a wide temperature range. PC is commonly used for plastic lenses in eyewear, in medical devices, automotive components, protective gear, greenhouses, Digital Disks (CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray), and exterior lighting fixtures. BPA stands for bisphenol A. BPA is an industrial chemical that has been used to make certain plastics and resins since the 1960s. Most are called by the generic name (polycarbonate) and are typically differentiated by the amount of glass fiber reinforcing they contain and the variance in melt flow between them. PC is a special type of polyester used as an engineering plastic owing to its exceptional impact resistance, tensile strength, … That’s the “amorphous” element. It can also be used to create traditional mirrors in high-stress environments, such as in vehicles, retail displays, and institutional bathrooms. It is a lighter alternative to glass and a natural UV filter, so it is often used in eyewear. It’s not a matter of polycarbonate vs plastic, but rather who uses the best grade and type of polycarbonate, how they refine it, and what the final product looks and feels like in the hand. Though polycarbonate sheeting was initially and concurrently developed in the mid-20th century by GE and Bayer, the current plastics marketplace features a variety of developers who each possess a unique polycarbonate formula and production process. Polycarbonate (PC) plastics are a naturally transparent amorphous thermoplastic. used to produce a variety of materials and are particularly useful when impact resistance and/or transparency are a product requirement (e.g. Polycarbonate is a type of plastic. Injection moldable polycarbonate might include other additives such as mold release agents that lubricate the material during processing. There are various industry grades of polycarbonate available. You’ve probably used a product with polycarbonate in it today, even if you don’t realize it. 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