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Product Description
Thick polycarbonate sheets are engineered thermoplastic panels known for their extraordinary strength and adaptability. Ranging from 3mm to 25mm in thickness, these sheets outperform traditional materials like glass and acrylic in demanding environments. Their unique blend of impact resistance, UV protection, and thermal insulation makes them ideal for industries ranging from construction to automotive manufacturing.
Exceptional Optical Clarity
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.
High Impact Resistance
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.
UV Resistance
Often coated with UV-protective layers to block harmful rays (e.g., 99% UV filtration), preventing yellowing and degradation over time.
Thermal Stability
Withstands temperatures from -40°C to 120°C (-40°F to 248°F) without warping or losing clarity.
Lightweight and Flexible
Weighs half as much as glass and can be thermoformed into complex shapes without cracking.
Surface Quality
Polished or coated surfaces reduce glare, scratches, and fingerprints (e.g., anti-reflective, anti-fog, or hard-coat finishes).
Chemical and Weather Resistance
Resists moisture, acids, and solvents, ensuring longevity in harsh indoor/outdoor environments.
Thick polycarbonate sheets are virtually shatterproof, making them perfect for high-impact environments like sports facilities or hurricane-prone areas. Their molecular structure absorbs and disperses energy, preventing cracks or breaks even under heavy stress.
Many thick polycarbonate sheets come with UV-resistant coatings, blocking 99% of harmful rays while allowing up to 90% light transmission. This makes them ideal for greenhouses, skylights, or outdoor signage where clarity and sun protection are critical.
Despite their robustness, these sheets weigh half as much as glass, reducing structural load and simplifying installation. This strength-to-weight ratio is invaluable in roofing and automotive applications.
Polycarbonate can be cold-curved without cracking, allowing for creative architectural designs. Its malleability pairs with simple cutting and drilling processes, saving time and labor costs.
Used in factories, warehouses, and airports, thick polycarbonate roofing provides weather resistance, natural lighting, and thermal insulation, lowering energy costs.
Automotive and Transportation Uses
From bulletproof vehicle windows to train barriers, these sheets enhance safety without compromising visibility. Their noise-dampening properties also improve passenger comfort.
Agricultural and Greenhouse Structures
Farmers rely on polycarbonate for greenhouse panels that optimize light diffusion, protect crops from UV damage, and resist hailstorms.
Protective Barriers and Security Glazing
Banks, schools, and hospitals use thick polycarbonate for bullet-resistant barriers, security screens, and vandal-proof partitions.
Thicker sheets (6mm+) are ideal for high-security or load-bearing roles, while 3mm–6mm suits greenhouses or decorative panels. Assess impact risks and structural needs.
Sheets are available in standard sizes (4x8 ft, 4x12 ft) or custom cuts. Measure your space accurately and account for thermal expansion gaps during installation.
Prioritize brands with UV coatings and warranties. Check supplier reviews for consistency in delivery and post-purchase support.
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:
| Comparison Table:Thick Polycarbonate vs. Normal vs. Optical Polycarbonate | |||
| Property | Thick Polycarbonate | Normal Polycarbonate | Optical Polycarbonate |
| Thickness Range | 3mm – 25mm | 1mm – 3mm | 1mm – 5mm |
| Primary Strength | Extreme impact resistance, structural load-bearing | Balanced strength and flexibility | High optical clarity, minimal distortion |
| Light Transmission | 80–88% (diffused light) | 85–90% | ≥92% (near-glass clarity) |
| Impact Resistance | Highest (30x stronger than acrylic) | Moderate (shatterproof) | Lower (prioritizes clarity over strength) |
| UV Resistance | Co-extruded UV layers for outdoor use | May require added coatings | Varies (often uncoated for clarity) |
| Thermal Stability | -40°F to 240°F | -40°F to 220°F | -20°F to 200°F |
| Key Applications | Bulletproof barriers, industrial roofing | Greenhouses, machine guards, signage | Lenses, medical devices, aircraft windows |
| Cost | Highest (due to thickness/process) | Budget-friendly | Premium (precision manufacturing) |
| Manufacturing Complexity | Advanced extrusion, slow cooling | Standard extrusion, faster production | Precision polishing, strict quality checks |
Gather a circular saw with a carbide blade, silicone sealant, UV-resistant screws, and rubber gaskets. Safety gear like gloves and goggles is essential.
Clean the frame, remove debris, and mark cutting lines with a marker. Allow a 1/4-inch gap per 3ft for expansion.
Use low-speed saws to prevent melting. Drill pilot holes 2x the screw diameter to avoid cracking.
Attach sheets with neoprene washer screws. Apply sealant along edges to prevent water ingress.
Use mild soap, water, and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or high-pressure hoses, which can scratch coatings.
Check annually for cracks, discoloration, or sealant wear. Replace damaged panels promptly to maintain structural integrity.
Thickness Uniformity: Variations exceeding ±5% can compromise structural integrity.
Optical Clarity: Haziness or bubbles indicate impurities or improper cooling.
Impact Resistance: Tested via ASTM D256 standards to verify durability.
UV Stability: Accelerated weathering tests simulate long-term sun exposure.
Caused by uneven cooling rates, warping reduces flatness and installation accuracy. Solution: Optimized cooling systems and post-production annealing.
Contaminants in raw materials or dirty equipment lead to surface imperfections. Rigorous material screening and cleanroom environments mitigate this risk.
Poorly bonded UV layers peel over time, exposing sheets to yellowing. Co-extrusion during manufacturing ensures permanent bonding.
Thick sheets expand significantly with temperature changes. Quality sheets include pre-drilled expansion slots or installation guidelines to prevent buckling.
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.
How to Choose the Right Thick Polycarbonate Sheet
Thicker sheets (6mm+) are ideal for high-security or load-bearing roles, while 3mm–6mm suits greenhouses or decorative panels. Assess impact risks and structural needs.
Sheets are available in standard sizes (4x8 ft, 4x12 ft) or custom cuts. Measure your space accurately and account for thermal expansion gaps during installation.
Prioritize brands with UV coatings and warranties. Check supplier reviews for consistency in delivery and post-purchase support.
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.
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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