Polycarbonate is typically used in industrial applications with greater safety than Plexiglas, thanks to its excellent mechanical properties and flexibility. Its advantages more than compensate for its relatively higher price. The most widely used in industry is the solid, water-clear version. It is also suitable for safety glazing. It is characterised by both flexibility and high strength.

It does not break, is easy to shape and form, and is available in a wide range of finishes. For example, the fibreglass (PC GF or GF30) version has extra strength. Black RPC boards, containing recycled material, are an excellent and economical solution for cladding and mounting boards. The UV resistant version is recommended for outdoor use and the anti-static (ESD, PC ESD or AST) version for the electronics industry.

Available in plate, rod and tube formats, in a wide range of sizes. The basic transparent version is available from 0.75 mm thick sheets up to 100 mm thickness, and in rod form from 10 to 200 mm diameter.

Some important features

• Strength: 60-65 MPa (yield strength, tensile strength)
• High toughness, very good impact resistance at low temperatures: no breakage (grooved Charpy)
• Hardness (Rockwell: M 70 - M 75)
• Favourable creep resistance (17 MPa tension for 1% stretching over 1000 hours)
• Good damping capacity
• Good dimensional stability
• Good machinability, thermoformability, formability
• Wide application temperature range: -50°C to +120°C

Physiologically neutral, may come into contact with food and medicines