Custom Extruded PC Rods & Plates
Common Name:
Polycarbonate
Chemical Acronym:
PC
Common Resin Trade Names:
Lexan, Makrolon
Polycarbonate is an amorphous engineering-grade polymer offering a 250°F continuous use temperature and excellent impact resistance. It has good transparency and can be polished after machining to improve transparency.
Most polycarbonate is supplied as thin sheets by suppliers using calendar rolls to provide high-clarity sheets for glazing applications. Thicker “machine grade” sheets and rods are used for medical devices, food processing equipment parts, and housings requiring both transparency and impact resistance. Glass-reinforced grades are sometimes specified for both injection-molded and machined parts where a balance between high strength/stiffness and ductility is desirable.
WarrenPSI Offers All Grades of Polycarbonate
Colors
Standard and custom colors are available in all grades. FDA and Medical colors are available upon request.
Glass Reinforced
(10% 20% and 30%)
Contact us for over runs as we may have small quantities of the above grades in stock already.
About Polcarbonates
What is PC?
Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic polymer that is highly impact-resistant and able to withstand high temperatures. It was first developed in the 1950s and has since become one of the most widely used engineering plastics due to its versatile properties. PC is also known for its excellent electrical insulation, making it suitable for use in electronics and electrical components.
PC is utilized in the aerospace industry for manufacturing lightweight yet durable components such as windows, visors, and protective panels. The material’s ability to withstand high-impact forces and extreme temperatures makes it ideal for these applications.
Within the automotive sector, PC is commonly used for headlight covers, interior trims, and panoramic roofs. Its lightweight nature contributes to reducing vehicle weight, enhancing fuel efficiency, while its optical clarity ensures safety and performance in lighting applications.
The medical industry relies on polycarbonate for devices such as surgical instruments, inhalers, and medical connectors. Its biocompatibility, ease of sterilization, and sturdiness under stress make it a preferred material for critical medical applications.
PC sheets are employed in construction for roofing, skylights, and glazing applications. Its high impact resistance, UV protection, and transparency provide an excellent combination of durability and aesthetics, suitable for modern architectural designs.
The electrical and electronics industry benefits from PC’s superior electrical insulation properties. It is used in enclosures, switches, connectors, and LED components, ensuring safety and reliability in demanding applications.
Across these industries, polycarbonate continues to play a vital role in advancing technology and improving product performance. Polycarbonate's unique combination of properties makes it indispensable for both functional and innovative applications.
High Impact Resistance
Renowned for its superior toughness, polycarbonate exhibits excellent impact resistance, making it ideal for high-risk applications. It can endure significant force without fracturing, which is why it’s commonly used in ballistic glazing, protective equipment, safety goggles, and industrial-grade shields.
Outstanding Optical Clarity
With a light transmission rate of up to 89%, PC rivals the transparency of glass while offering greater durability. This makes it an excellent material for optical lenses, transparent enclosures, LED light covers, and security windows, ensuring both functionality and visibility.
Lightweight Material
Despite its high strength-to-weight ratio, PC is lighter than glass or metals. This makes it a preferred choice in weight-sensitive industries such as automotive, aerospace, and transportation, where reducing weight translates to improved fuel efficiency and performance.
Thermal Resistance
Polycarbonate exhibits remarkable thermal stability and can withstand a wide temperature range (-40°C to 120°C) without deforming.
Versatile Machinability and Fabrication
Polycarbonate is highly machinable and can be easily cut, drilled, thermoformed, or injection molded, ensuring precision while maintaining its structural integrity. This makes it ideal for manufacturing prototypes, medical devices, and custom-engineered components.
Benefits of Polycarbonates
Our PC Plate & Rod Sizes
PC Plates
Widths to 25”
Thicknesses to 5”
Lengths to 12’
PC Rods
Diameters to 10”
Lengths to 12’
Our PC Products Are Customized to Meet Your Unique Needs
WarrenPSI makes high-quality custom polycarbonate (PC) rods and plates built to meet tough technical needs. Using advanced tools and a strong focus on quality, we create solutions that fit your project perfectly. Contact us today to see how our custom products can help your project succeed.