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Polycarbonate (PC) CNC Machining Material
Polycarbonate (PC) is a naturally transparent amorphous thermoplastic widely known by premium trade names such as Lexan™ and Makrolon™. It is renowned for its unique combination of high impact strength, optical clarity, and thermal stability. At JUCHENG, we leverage over 10 years of manufacturing experience to provide precision Polycarbonate CNC machining services. Our facility is equipped with 5-axis CNC machines and specialized vapor polishing capabilities, enabling us to deliver optical-grade PC prototypes and high-durability production parts that meet strict ISO 13485 and IATF 16949 standards.

What is Polycarbonate (PC)?

Polycarbonate is an engineering plastic that transmits light nearly as well as glass but is significantly lighter and stronger. Unlike Acrylic (PMMA) which is brittle, PC is virtually unbreakable, making it the ideal material for parts that require both visibility and extreme durability. It bridges the gap between the aesthetics of glass and the toughness of metal, serving critical roles in automotive, medical, and aerospace industries.
CNC machined Polycarbonate (PC) part

Advantages of CNC Machining Polycarbonate (PC)

 
Advantage Description
Unmatched Impact Resistance PC is approximately 250 times stronger than glass and 30 times stronger than Acrylic. It withstands heavy blows and drops without shattering.
Excellent Optical Clarity Standard grades transmit 88-90% of visible light. Machined parts can achieve glass-like transparency suitable for optical lenses and guides.
High Heat Resistance With a heat deflection temperature of ~140°C (284°F), it outperforms general plastics like ABS and PVC in high-temperature environments.
Dimensional Stability Exhibits low moisture absorption and excellent creep resistance, allowing for tight tolerance machining (+/- 0.05mm).
Machinability It can be machined with precision, though it requires specific techniques to prevent stress cracking.

Technical Parameters & Material Properties

We stock and machine a wide variety of Polycarbonate grades to suit specific engineering needs:
 
Grade Category Common Brands Characteristics & Ideal Uses
Standard / General Purpose PC Lexan™ 9034<br>Makrolon™ GP Balances high impact strength with good optical clarity.Uses: Structural prototypes, transparent manifolds, sight glasses.
Glass-Filled PC 10% - 30% GF Reinforced with glass fibers for higher stiffness and heat resistance (Opaque).Uses: High-load structural components, stiff housings.
Optical Grade PC Lexan™ LS Series Max light transmission, low haze, UV-stabilized.Uses: LED lenses, light pipes, automotive lighting prototypes.
Medical Grade PC Makrolon™ 2458<br>Lexan™ HP Biocompatible (ISO 10993/USP Class VI), resistant to sterilization.Uses: Surgical instruments, blood oxygenators, fluid devices.
Flame Retardant PC Lexan™ 940 Meets UL94 V-0 flammability standards.<br>Uses: Electrical enclosures, aerospace interior components.

CNC Machining Guidelines for Polycarbonate (PC)

Machining Polycarbonate requires specific expertise to ensure optical clarity and prevent stress cracking. JUCHENG follows these guidelines:
 
  • Stress Relieving (Annealing): Machining induces internal stress which can cause "crazing" (micro-cracks). We perform annealing cycles (controlled heating and cooling) for critical optical parts to ensure long-term stability.
  • Coolant Strategy: PC is sensitive to chemical attack. We strictly avoid solvent-based coolants. Instead, we use high-pressure air blast or pure water mist to cool the cutting zone effectively.
  • Tool Selection: We use sharp, polished carbide tools dedicated to plastics. This minimizes heat generation, preventing the material from melting or clouding during the cut.
  • Vapor Polishing: For transparent parts, we utilize Vapor Polishing as a post-process. This chemical smoothing technique melts the microscopic surface layer, turning a matte machined finish into a clear, glossy window.

Application Scenarios

Due to its toughness and transparency, CNC machined Polycarbonate is used across various high-performance industries:
  • Automotive: Headlamp lenses, interior light guides, instrument clusters, and sunroof components.
  • Medical Devices: Dialysis casings, surgical tool handles, transparent fluid manifolds, and incubators.
  • Aerospace: Aircraft window dust covers, cockpit instrument panels, and interior bezels.
  • Industrial: Machine guards, safety shields, bullet-resistant windows, and sight glasses.
  • Electronics: Rugged display screens, transparent connectors, and durable housings.

Physical Properties Table

Property Standard PC 30% Glass-Filled PC Unit
Density 1.20 1.43 g/cm³
Tensile Strength 60 - 70 90 - 110 MPa
Flexural Modulus 2,300 5,500 MPa
Impact Strength (Izod) 600 - 850 110 - 150 J/m
Heat Deflection Temp 135 - 140 145 - 150 °C
Water Absorption (24h) 0.15 0.12 %
Light Transmission 88 - 90% Opaque -
(Note: The values above are typical property values for reference purposes only. Actual values may vary depending on the specific grade and supplier.)
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    Shenzhen: Fourth Industrial Zone, Xisha Road, Shajing Street, Baoan District, Shenzhen.
    Dongguan: Building 5 and 4, No. 198, Chang'an Section, Guanchang Road, Chang'an Town, Dongguan.
     
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