Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate (PC) is a transparent plastic with outstanding impact strength, about 200 times that of glass, and good heat resistance. It is the standard material for machine guards, safety windows, covers, lenses and enclosures.
What it is
PC combines optical clarity with toughness, remaining strong from low temperatures to about 120 °C. It can be cold-bent, thermoformed, machined and drilled easily.
Its surface scratches more easily than glass, so hard-coated grades are used where abrasion resistance matters. UV-stabilised grades suit outdoor use.
Typical applications
- Machine guards and safety windows
- CNC machine door windows
- Protective covers and enclosures
- Lighting diffusers and lenses
- Glazing and roofing
Materials & grades
- Clear and tinted PC sheet
- UV-stabilised PC
- Hard-coated (abrasion-resistant) PC
- PC rod for machining
Points to consider
- Scratches more easily than glass; use hard-coated grades where needed.
- Attacked by some solvents, coolants and cleaners; check compatibility.
- Use UV-stabilised grades outdoors to prevent yellowing.
- For CNC machine windows, check the required thickness and whether laminated safety glass is specified.
Frequently asked questions
Is polycarbonate stronger than acrylic?
Yes. Polycarbonate is far more impact resistant; acrylic is clearer, more scratch resistant and cheaper but can crack.
Is polycarbonate good for machine guards?
Yes. Its impact strength makes it the standard choice for transparent guards and windows.
Does polycarbonate yellow outdoors?
Unprotected grades can; UV-stabilised grades are used for outdoor applications.