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What is Polycarbonate (PC)? CNC Machining

CNC Machining

Polycarbonate (PC) is a tough thermoplastic with excellent impact strength and good machinability, widely chosen for its design freedom and long-term stability. For UK engineers and product designers, CNC machining Polycarbonate (PC) is a reliable route from prototype to finished part.

Thicker sheets show a bluish-purple tint. After CNC machining, surfaces are matte and translucent by default; please note if a clear finish is required. Common examples are covers & housings, electrical connectors and battery boxes. Its quoted tensile strength of around 72.4 MPa gives a useful guide when sizing parts.

Parts are CNC milled or turned and are suited to housings, covers and components that must withstand knocks. Get an instant online quote for Polycarbonate (PC) CNC parts and have them delivered to your door in the UK. Finish options (matte / translucent as machined) can be confirmed when you order.

Material

Polycarbonate (PC)

Description

Strengths

Lead time 10 business days. Very high impact strength, wide temperature range and good dimensional stability.

Weaknesses

Scratches; prone to stress cracking

Colour & Finishes

Clear / white / black

Mechanical properties

Ultimate tensile strength

72.4 MPa

Yield strength

70 MPa

Modulus of elasticity

2.44 GPa

Elongation at break

50–120%

Physical properties

Density

Not specified

Hardness

21.7 HV

Weather resistance

Good

UK equivalent

Thermal properties

Maximum service temperature

144°C

Thermal expansion coefficient

137 × 10⁻⁶ /°C

Thermal conductivity

0.218 W/(m·°C)

Electrical properties

Excellent

Post treatments

Post-processing

Deburring / bead blasting

Surface

Matte / translucent as machined

Common applications

Covers & housings

Electrical connectors

Battery boxes

Transparent guards

Values shown are typical supplier figures for Polycarbonate (PC) and may vary with stock condition. Please confirm critical properties before production.

Frequently asked questions

Is Polycarbonate (PC) easy to CNC machine?

Yes. Polycarbonate machines well and is very tough. It can be prone to stress cracking, so careful machining and suitable cleaning agents are used.

What tolerances can be held on Polycarbonate (PC) parts?

Plastics are softer and expand more with heat than metals, so very tight tolerances and thin walls need extra care. Achievable tolerances depend on part size, geometry and features, so mark any critical tolerances on a 2D drawing with your upload and they will be reviewed and confirmed in your quote.

What finishes are available for Polycarbonate (PC)?

PC is matt or translucent as machined, and can be deburred or bead blasted. If optical clarity is needed, mention it so suitable finishing can be reviewed.

What is Polycarbonate (PC) used for?

Typical uses include covers and housings, electrical connectors, battery boxes and transparent guards.

Should I choose polycarbonate or acrylic (PMMA)?

Polycarbonate is far more impact resistant and works over a wider temperature range. Acrylic gives better clarity and scratch resistance and is easier to polish. Choose PC for guards and housings, and acrylic for displays and light covers.

How long does it take to make Polycarbonate (PC) parts?

The typical lead time shown for Polycarbonate (PC) is 10 business days from an approved order. Quantity, finishing and any heat treatment can affect this, and your quote confirms the date before you order.

Polycarbonate CNC Machining