What is Polycarbonate used for?

Polycarbonate is a group of thermoplastic polymers containing carbonate groups in their chemical structures. It is an incredibly useful plastic for applications requiring transparency and high impact resistance.

Polycarbonates used in engineering are strong, tough materials, and some grades are optically transparent. They are easily worked, molded, and thermoformed. 

Polycarbonates are manufactured by condensation polymerization of bisphenol A (BPA; C15H16O2) and phosgene (COCl2).

Applications of Polycarbonate

As a thermoplastic resin, polycarbonate can be used to manufacture lenses with thin centers, producing spectacles that are cosmetically appealing and lighter in weight. Its primary advantages are its impact resistance and its safety. 

Polycarbonate in a number of applications across a range of industries:

clear windows on prototype models

color tinted translucent prototypes

clear tubes for sports equipment prototypes

diffusers and light pipes for LEDs

clear molds for urethane and silicone casting

3D printed models for high heat applications when ABS is not an option

machinery guards

What’s more, the durability and transparency of polycarbonate make it a perfect stand-in for glass during research and testing.