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Product Description
Optical Polycarbonate Sheet is mostly chosen for high-precision uses like medical device windows, camera lenses, LED light guides, touchscreens, and automotive displays where clarity and minimal distortion are paramount.
Achieves >90% light transmission, rivaling glass, with minimal haze (<1%) and negligible color distortion (yellowness index).
Ideal for applications requiring undistorted light passage or precise imaging.
Retains polycarbonate's trademark durability, offering 250x the impact strength of glass and 30x that of acrylic.
Shatterproof, making it safe for high-risk environments.
Often coated with UV-protective layers to block harmful rays (e.g., 99% UV filtration), preventing yellowing and degradation over time.
Withstands temperatures from -40°C to 120°C (-40°F to 248°F) without warping or losing clarity.
Weighs half as much as glass and can be thermoformed into complex shapes without cracking.
Polished or coated surfaces reduce glare, scratches, and fingerprints (e.g., anti-reflective, anti-fog, or hard-coat finishes).
Resists moisture, acids, and solvents, ensuring longevity in harsh indoor/outdoor environments.
Used in optical lenses, camera components, LED light guides, and medical devices (e.g., imaging windows) due to distortion-free clarity.
Replaces glass in automotive displays, aircraft windows, and safety goggles, offering unbreakable protection.
Easily molded into curved or custom shapes for applications like touchscreens, electronic displays, and architectural domes.
Combines glass-like clarity with polycarbonate’s lightweight, shatterproof, and insulating advantages at a lower lifetime cost.
UV and scratch-resistant coatings extend service life in outdoor settings (e.g., solar panels, skylights).
High light transmission improves efficiency in lighting systems (e.g., LED diffusers, light tubes).
Maintains a pristine, glass-like appearance for retail displays, museum cases, and premium packaging.
Electronics: Smartphone screens, VR headsets, and touch panels.
Lighting: LED diffusers, light guides, and automotive headlights.
Medical: Surgical instrument windows, diagnostic equipment.
Automotive: Dashboards, head-up displays, and sunroofs.
Architecture: Skylights, noise barriers, and decorative panels.
| Properrity | Test Method | Units | Value | |||
| Physical | ||||||
| SpecificGravity | ISO1183 | g/cm3 | ≥1.2 | |||
| Light Transmission | ASTM D1003 | % | >89 | |||
| Haze | ASTM D1003 | % | <0.5 | |||
| WaterAbsorptionEquilibrium,24Hrs | ASTMD570 | % | ≤0.35 | |||
| Mechanical | ||||||
| TensileStrength | ISO527 | Mpa | Horizontal ≥55 lengthways≥60 | |||
| TensileModulus | ISO527 | Mpa | ≥2200 | |||
| Elongation-at-break | ISO527 | % | ≥90 | |||
| FlexuralModulus | ISO178 | Mpa | ≥90 | |||
| Temperature Resistance | ||||||
| VicatSofteningTemperature | ISO306 | ℃ | ≥138 | |||
| ThermalExpansivity | ISO11359 | /℃ | ≥6.5*10-5 | |||
| Electriacl | ||||||
| Permittivity | IEC60250 | -- | ≥3.0 | |||
| Voltagetest | IEC60243(DC) | KV | ≥30 | |||
| SurfaceResistivity | IEC60093 | Ω | ≥1014 | |||
| VolumeResistivity | IEC60093 | Ω.cm | ≥1015 | |||
| Property | ||||||
| GauteVariation | >0.5mm±3% | |||||
| 0.25＜T≤0.5mm±5% | ||||||
| 0.1≤T≤0.25mm±10% | ||||||
| T＜0.1mm±0.008mm | ||||||
| widthVariation | Sheet/Roll ±3mm | |||||
| LengthVariation | Sheet ±3mm | |||||
| Sheet ±3m | ||||||
| storagetemperature | Temperature 20±10℃ Humidity 50±10% | |||||
| Theproductstorageperiod | Warranty:2years | |||||
Note: The above figures are typical values obtained under standard methods and should not be construed as unsteady application conditions. | ||||||
Available thickness range: 1mm-25mm for extruded sheets, 30mm to over 100mm for cast sheets
Sheet dimensions: 1220x2440mm, 1830x2440mm, 2050x3050mm or customize
Weight: Density 1.2kg/sqm, half weight of glass.
A detailed comparison helps in choosing the right material:
| Property | Optical Clear PC | Normal Clear PC |
| Light Transmission | >90% (near glass-like) | 88–89% (slight haze) |
| UV Resistance | Standard coatings (99% UV blocking) | Optional coatings (extra cost) |
| Surface Quality | Polished/coated (anti-glare, anti-scratch,anti-fingerprint) | Uncoated (prone to scratches) |
| Cost | Higher (premium grade) | Lower (economical) |
| Applications | Lenses, displays, medical devices | Roofing, barriers, industrial guards |
Smartphone/Tablet Screens: Use 1–2 mm sheets with hard-coat and AR coatings.
VR Headsets: Opt for 2–3 mm thickness with anti-fog and anti-reflective properties.
LED Light Guides: Choose 3–5 mm sheets with textured surfaces for uniform light diffusion.
Head-Up Displays (HUDs): Use 3–5 mm optical PC with AR coating and UV resistance.
Aircraft Windows: Select 10–15 mm multi-layered sheets with anti-static coatings.
Interior Panels: Opt for thermoformable sheets (4–6 mm) with scratch-resistant finishes.
Surgical Instrument Windows: 5–8 mm sheets with biocompatible coatings and autoclave resistance.
Diagnostic Equipment: Use 3–5 mm UV-stabilized PC for imaging systems.
Skylights: 6–12 mm sheets with UV and IR-blocking coatings for energy efficiency.
Decorative Panels: Thin (2–4 mm) thermoformable sheets for curved designs.
Extreme Chemical Exposure: Use glass or acrylic if exposed to strong alkalis or chlorinated solvents.
Low-Budget Projects: Standard clear PC is sufficient for non-critical transparency needs.
The manufacturing process involves extrusion, where polycarbonate resin is melted and forced through a die to form sheets of desired thickness. The sheet is then cooled and cut to size, ensuring uniformity and consistent properties.
Avoid Stress Marks: Use proper mounting hardware (e.g., rubber gaskets) to prevent bending-induced stress.
Thermoforming: Heat sheets gradually (120–150°C) to avoid bubbles or haze during shaping.
Adhesives: Use UV-curable or polyurethane adhesives compatible with PC (avoid solvents like acetone).
Cleaning: Microfiber cloths with mild soap/water; avoid abrasive cleaners.
Polycarbonate is recyclable, with some sheets made from recycled materials, supporting sustainability. This was highlighted in environmental discussions from Simply Plastics, emphasizing their eco-friendly potential.
The future of optical clear polycarbonate lies at the intersection of sustainability, smart functionality, and precision manufacturing. As industries push for materials that are lighter, safer, and multi-functional, optical PC will evolve beyond traditional roles into cutting-edge sectors like AR/VR, energy harvesting, and adaptive architecture. Innovations in coatings, recycling, and hybrid materials will cement its position as a versatile alternative to glass, offering unmatched clarity and resilience in an increasingly tech-driven world. Companies investing in R&D for these trends will lead the next wave of optical PC applications.
Handle carefully to avoid scratches, wear protective gear like gloves and eye protection during cutting or drilling. While fire-resistant with a UL94 V-2 rating, follow safety protocols.
Yes. PC is hygroscopic and must be dried at 120-130°C for 3-4 hours (moisture content <0.02%).
Our Advantage: Pre-dried customized materials available with guaranteed moisture compliance, reducing your production energy costs.
Compatible with injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, and thermoforming. Key applications include:
Electronics: Flame-retardant PC smartphone housings (UL94 V-0 certified)
Automotive: High-impact PC headlight covers (ISO 9001/IATF 16949 compliant)
Optics: Optical-grade PC lenses (>90% light transmission)
Success Stories: Explore 500+ global client cases in our [Product Gallery].
Adopt our Smart Drying System (inline humidity monitoring + auto-alert)
Free access to Process Parameter Kits with verified settings:
Melt temp: 280-320°C
Mold temp: 80-120°C
Runner optimization: Leverage our MoldFlow Simulation Service (30% fewer trial cycles)
Venting design: 0.02-0.03mm depth (Free DFM analysis report included)
Post-Processing Solutions:
Annealing: 110-130°C/1-4hrs (Vacuum annealing equipment optional)
Surface coating: Custom AR/Anti-glazing treatments
Recycled PC Solutions: 30% post-industrial regrind blends (GRS-certified)
Energy-Saving Tech: Low-Temp/High-Pressure Molding Packages (15-20% energy reduction)
PC offers excellent toughness but can be surface-hardened for demanding applications. Our advanced solutions include:
Andisco Hard Coat (AHC):
Scratch resistance up to 6H pencil hardness for acrylic and HB for polycarbonate
Ideal for touchscreens & automotive interiors
Our Service: In-line coating equipment integration support
Anti-Reflective (AR) Nano-Coatings:
Reduce surface reflectance to <1% while improving hardness
Critical for optical lenses & display covers
Solvent-Induced Crystallization:
Increases surface hardness by 40% via controlled solvent exposure
Maintains 90% light transmission
Case Study: Used in aviation window panels (MIL-STD-810G compliant)
Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) Deposition:
Achieves 15-20 GPa nano-hardness
Perfect for medical devices requiring sterilization resistance
Yes. Our Metal-PC Direct Bonding Technology enables:
Overmolding：Aluminum/PC composite parts with peel strength >8 MPa
Laser Welding：Stainless steel reinforcement for load-bearing joints
Benefits：
50% weight reduction vs. all-metal parts
IP67 sealing without adhesives
Advanced Hardening Post-Processing
Step 1：Precision Annealing
Vacuum-controlled cycles (120°C/2hr) to eliminate internal stress
Step 2：Surface Activation
Corona/Plasma pretreatment (Dyne level >54)
Step 3：Coating Application
Custom thickness 5-50μm (Optical/EMI shielding dual-functional options)
Turnkey Service: From design to hardened components – we manage the entire value chain.
This comprehensive survey ensures all aspects are covered, providing a complete resource for understanding clear polycarbonate sheets.
PC excels in CNC machining for prototyping and low-volume production. Achieve <0.01mm tolerances with our guidelines:
Cutting Tools:
Carbide end mills with polished flutes (15° helix angle)
Diamond-coated drills for hole consistency (Aerospace Standard AS9100 compliant)
Geometry:
2-flute for roughing (chip clearance optimization)
4-flute for finishing (Ra <0.8μm achievable)
| Operation | Speed (SFM) | Feed (mm/tooth) | Depth of Cut (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milling | 300-500 | 0.05-0.15 | ≤2×tool diameter |
| Drilling | 200-400 | 0.03-0.08 | Peck drilling cycle |
| Engraving | 600-800 | 0.01-0.03 | 0.1-0.3 |
Pro Tip: Use compressed air cooling (no lubricants) to prevent stress cracking.
Solution:
Pre-heat material to 80-90°C (thermal stabilization)
Climb milling strategy with ≤5% stepover
Solution:
High-speed spindle (≥20,000 RPM) + trochoidal tool paths
Our Cryo-Machining System: Liquid CO₂ cooling (-78°C)
Post-Process: Flame polishing (propane torch, 3s exposure @400°C)
Benefits:
60% faster feed rates on >10mm thick PC sheets
Burr-free cutting (medical implant grade finish)
Our Capability: Provide fibre laser integrated machine tool rental service.
Ideal for microfluidic channel fabrication:
Minimum feature size: 50μm
Wall roughness: Ra 0.2μm
✅ Digital Twin Service: Upload CAD files for instant machining simulation
✅ Material-Cutting Tool Kits: Pre-tested tool + parameter bundles
✅ Rapid Turnaround: 48-hour machined sample service (5-axis capability)
We are a leading manufacturer specializing in precision processing of engineering plastics.Our services cover:
✅ Custom Sheet Cutting & Fabrication
✅ CNC Machining & Drilling
✅ Thermoforming & Vacuum Forming
✅ Enhancement Surface Coating
✅ OEM Plastic Parts Production
We deliver durable, lightweight, and impact-resistant components for industries like automotive, signage, electronics, and construction. Request a quote for tailored plastic solutions!
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