PolycarbonateHigh-Performance Engineering Thermoplastic for Demanding Applications
Polycarbonate (PC) is an exceptional engineering thermoplastic renowned for its superior impact strength, heat resistance, and dimensional stability. With an impressive heat deflection temperature up to 143°C and outstanding toughness, PC delivers unmatched performance for functional prototypes, end-use parts, and manufacturing tooling that require the highest levels of mechanical integrity and thermal stability.
Quick Specifications
Advanced Materials
Transparent High Impact Plastic
Stratasys FDM Polycarbonate represents the pinnacle of thermoplastic performance for additive manufacturing. This advanced engineering material combines exceptional mechanical properties with superior thermal stability, making it the go-to choice for applications where standard thermoplastics fall short. PC's unique molecular structure delivers unparalleled impact resistance while maintaining excellent dimensional accuracy and surface finish. Its broad chemical resistance and ability to withstand continuous use temperatures up to 120°C make it ideal for functional parts that must perform in challenging environments. Whether you're creating aerospace components, automotive parts, or industrial tooling, Polycarbonate provides the reliability and performance demanded by the most critical applications.
Functional Applications
From aerospace to automotive applications, Polycarbonate delivers reliable performance across demanding requirements. Its unique combination of exceptional impact resistance - superior to standard thermoplastics, high heat deflection temperature up to 143°c for demanding thermal environments, outstanding dimensional stability with minimal thermal expansion makes it a trusted choice for engineers.
Automotive Dashboard Components
Impact-resistant interior panels and instrument housings that withstand thermal cycling and UV exposure
Aerospace Structural Components
Lightweight yet strong brackets, housings, and ducting for aircraft interior and avionics applications
Medical Device Housings
Durable, sterilizable enclosures for diagnostic equipment and electronic medical devices
Manufacturing Tooling & Fixtures
Metal forming dies, inspection fixtures, and assembly jigs for production runs up to 1000 units
Electronics Enclosures
Impact-resistant housings with excellent electrical insulation for industrial and consumer electronics
Technical Datasheet
Advanced Manufacturing
Built with Precision FDM Technology
Polycarbonate is manufactured using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology, offering reliable performance for functional prototypes and end-use parts.
Industrial-grade FDM technology delivers reliable performance and mechanical properties for Polycarbonate production. Our advanced thermoplastic extrusion process ensures optimal layer adhesion and dimensional accuracy.
- Layer Height: 0.25 mm. Fine layer resolution delivers smooth surface finish and precise feature definition.
- Tolerance: ± 0.127 mm or ± 0.2%, whichever is greater. Consistent dimensional accuracy across complex geometries and thin-wall features.
- Build Volume: 914 × 610 × 914 mm. Large production capacity enables efficient manufacturing of multiple parts or assemblies.
Technical Data
Mechanical Properties
Polycarbonate exhibits excellent mechanical properties, making it ideal for functional prototypes and end-use parts that need to meet demanding performance requirements in aerospace and automotive applications.
Technical Specifications
| Measurement | Value | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 57.9 MPa | ISO/ASTM |
| Tensile Modulus | 2,250 MPa | ISO/ASTM |
| Flexural Strength | 90.0 MPa | ISO/ASTM |
| Flexural Modulus | 2,150 MPa | ISO/ASTM |
| Impact Strength (Notched) | 76.8 J/m | ISO/ASTM |
| Impact Strength (Unnotched) | 761 J/m | ISO/ASTM |
| Compressive Yield Strength | 244 MPa | ISO/ASTM |
Performance Characteristics
Polycarbonate delivers exceptional mechanical performance with exceptional impact resistance - superior to standard thermoplastics, effectively handling demanding load conditions. Its balanced mechanical profile allows it to maintain structural integrity while preventing brittleness in critical applications.
These qualities make it well-suited for high-temperature automotive components, aerospace interior panels and ducting, medical device enclosures and housings, providing long-term durability in demanding environments. Polycarbonate maintains dimensional stability over time, ensuring consistent performance across temperature and stress variations.
This makes it a reliable choice for applications requiring precise geometries and tight tolerances across aerospace, automotive, medical device manufacturing industries. Its versatility and durability allow it to perform consistently across a wide range of mechanical applications, ensuring parts maintain their integrity under repetitive stress and environmental conditions.
Key Strengths
Ideal Applications
Design Considerations
Technical Data
Thermal Properties
Polycarbonate exhibits exceptional thermal stability and outstanding performance in demanding thermal environments.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Deflection Temperature (0.45 MPa) | 143.7 °C | ISO/ASTM |
| Heat Deflection Temperature (1.8 MPa) | 142.2 °C | ISO/ASTM |
| Glass Transition Temperature | 142.5 °C | ISO/ASTM |
| Continuous Use Temperature | 120 °C | ISO/ASTM |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 49.2 μm/m·°C | ISO/ASTM |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.28 W/m·K | ISO/ASTM |
Thermal Performance
Polycarbonate's thermal properties ensure minimal dimensional deviation under fluctuating thermal conditions, making it highly suitable for applications requiring tight tolerances and structural integrity at elevated temperatures. Polycarbonate maintains consistent mechanical performance even in thermally and environmentally variable conditions across aerospace and automotive and medical device manufacturing and electronics and industrial equipment and consumer products applications.
Its thermal conductivity and insulating properties make it an excellent candidate for medical device enclosures and housings, electronic equipment cases and shields, industrial equipment housings. Polycarbonate resists thermal fatigue and creep deformation, particularly in cyclic thermal loading environments.
Prolonged exposure to temperatures approaching its upper limit may lead to gradual material degradation. In applications requiring sustained operation in high-temperature environments, consult with our engineering team for material recommendations and design guidelines.
Resources
Operating Range
Thermal Benefits
Thermal Applications
Thermal Considerations
Technical Data
Electrical Properties
Polycarbonate electrical properties for reference and design considerations.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Standard | Unit | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volume Resistivity | - | Ω·cm | >6.78×10¹⁴ |
| Dielectric Constant (1 kHz) | - | - | 2.66 |
| Dielectric Constant (2 MHz) | - | - | 2.53 |
| Dissipation Factor (1 kHz) | - | - | 0.002 |
| Dielectric Strength | DIN 53481 | kV/mm | >15 |
Electrical Performance
Electrical properties for Polycarbonate are provided for reference and design considerations. Please refer to the technical specifications table above for specific values and testing standards.
For detailed electrical performance data and material datasheets, please refer to the resources section or contact our team for additional information.
Resources
Electrical Applications
Electrical Considerations
Technical Data
Chemical Properties
Polycarbonate chemical compatibility data for reference and design considerations.
Chemical Compatibility Chart
| Chemical | Type | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Aliphatic Hydrocarbons | Hydrocarbon | Excellent |
| Mineral Oils | Hydrocarbon | Excellent |
| Weak Acids | Acid | Good |
| Salt Solutions | Salt Solution | Good to Excellent |
| Alcohols (except methanol) | Solvent | Good |
| Gasoline | Hydrocarbon | Good |
| Strong Acids | Acid | Poor |
| Strong Bases | Base | Poor |
| Ketones | Solvent | Poor |
| Chlorinated Solvents | Solvent | Poor |
Chemical Performance
Polycarbonate chemical compatibility data is provided for reference and design considerations. Please refer to the compatibility chart above for specific chemical resistance ratings.
For applications involving chemical exposure, please consult the compatibility chart and contact our team for application-specific guidance.
Resources
Resistance Categories
Chemical Considerations
Design Considerations
Technical Data
Biocompatibility & Compliance
Polycarbonate is biocompatible, meeting USP Class VI and ISO 10993 standards, making it safe for short-term contact with skin and mucosal membranes.
Compliance Standards
| Property | Compliance | Standard/Regulation |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Standards | Compliant | Meets applicable industry standards for aerospace and automotive and medical device manufacturing and electronics and industrial equipment and consumer products |
| Specific compliance certifications available upon request. Contact our engineering team for certification requirements specific to your application. | ||
Compliance Resources
Medical Applications
Material Datasheets
Download comprehensive technical documentation for Polycarbonate, including safety data, compliance certificates, and design guidelines.
Technical Datasheets
Compliance Certificates
Design Resources
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