Polycarbonate: FAST FACTS

POLYCARBONATE, or PC, is a specific collection of thermoplastic polymers that are highly malleable for molding and thermoforming.

Polycarbonate is unique because of its resistant to temperature and impact as well as its optical properties. It is available transparent and in a copious variety of colors and its excellent light transmission even surpasses some forms of glass.

Polycarbonate is transformed either through injection molding or extrusion into either tubes/rods or sheets/films

Many household products are comprised of injection molded polycarbonate, such as a variety of: drinking glasses, lighting lenses, sunglasses, eyeglasses, CDs, DVDs, Blu-Rays, lab equipment, drinking bottles, and some MP3 cases.

Sheet extruded PC has many commercial applications. In industry, machine glazing, riot shields, visors, and instrument panels contain PC. Many advertising companies use polycarbonate in signs, displays, and post protection. In buildings, polycarbonate is used for dome lights, sound walls, or flat and curving glazing.

Even name brand electronic companies work with PC. Nokia’s Lumia 925 and 1020 and Apple Inc.’s MacBook, Mac Mini, and new iPhone 5c all utilize sheet extruded polycarbonate.

FUN FACT: The largest piece of formed polycarbonate is the cockpit canopy of the F-22 Raptor jet fighter.

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