Strong And Versatile Polycarbonates

polycarbonate (pc)

Some different glassy tubes. Abstract glass image. 3D modeling and rendering

PBS Plastics offers tubing and profiles extruded from Polycarbonate (PC), a thermoplastic with characteristics that make it ideal for making Electronic, Automotive, Aircraft, Medical, and Filtration components. 

Polycarbonate (PC), also known by a variety of trademarked names including Lexan, Makralon, and others, is a naturally transparent thermoplastic. Polycarbonate is commercially available in various colors. Raw material allows for the internal transmission of light with nearly the same capacity as glass but with a lighter weight

Advantages of Polycarbonate

  • Outstanding toughness
  • Ability to reduce wall thickness up to 25% without sacrificing any properties
  • Good stiffness relative to other plastic materials
  • Transparency
  • Temperature resistance up to 250 degrees F
  • A high degree of elasticity; resistant to denting and kinking when bent upon itself 

Polycarbonate polymers are particularly useful when impact resistance and/or transparency are a product requirement. PC is commonly used for plastic lenses in eyewear, in medical devices, automotive components, sports gear, protective gear, digital discs (CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray), bulletproof glass, skylights, firefighting equipment, and exterior lighting fixtures.

Another feature of polycarbonate is that it is very pliable similar to aluminum sheet metal, and malleable at room temperature without cracking or breaking, Although deformation may be simpler with the application of heat, even small-angle bends are possible without it.

Polycarbonate has a very good heat resistance and is easily combined with flame-retardant materials without significant material degradation.

Polycarbonate’s Role in Various Industries

  • Electronic Components
    • Good Electrical Insulator
    • Heat-Resistant Properties
    • Flame-Retardant Properties
  • Automotive
    • Lightweight
    • High Impact Resistance
  • Medical/Filtration
    • Grades available that comply with ISO 109093-1 & Class VI
    • Easily Sterilized
    • Gamma Stable
    • Optically Transparent

Polycarbonate is extremely versatile and is one of the toughest plastics available today. We can help you determine if it is best for your application or help you choose from our wide range of advanced thermoplastics. Contact PBS to discuss your R&D needs using Polycarbonate and the wide range of materials we work with. We welcome your challenging projects.