Jusheng

From high-transmission protective eyeglass lenses that guard our eyes,to heat-resistant automotive engine parts,to drop-proof,transparent encasings of outdoor smart doorbells,polycarbonate(PC)has played a role in numerous things and industries over the last several hundred years.

It shares the pliability of plastic,yet,due to its carbonate groups,contains qualities much greater than those of most plastics like high strength and weathering resistance.Many people wonder: Does a high-performance PC belong to plastic?

This article will comprehensively introduce material PC from its essential ownership, grade selection, performance advantages, processing methods, practical cases, and other aspects, answer this question, and demonstrate its unique value in the plastic family.

Key Answer Summary

Comparative Aspect	PC(Polycarbonate)	PP(Polypropylene)	ABS(Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene)
Chemical Composition	Polymer with carbonate groups	General-purpose plastic formed by propylene polymerization	Terpolymer engineering plastic
Central Properties	Excellent impact resistance,better transparency,satisfactory heat resistance	Lightweight,satisfactory chemical resistance	Satisfactory rigidity,easy mouldability,opaque
Common Uses	Smart doorbell covers,vehicle lampshades	Food packaging,domestic appliance internal parts	Domestic appliance covers,vehicle interior components
Formation Methods	Injection moulding,CNC machining,laser cutting,3D printing	Injection moulding,extrusion	Injection moulding,extrusion
Material Placement	High-performance engineering plastic	General-purpose plastic	Medium-to-high-performance engineering plastic
Answer Summary	Excellent comprehensive performance,best suited for upscale applications	Excellent cost performance,best for general use	Satisfactory workability and rigidity,multi-functional

Why Are You Able To Rely On This JS Guide For Your PC Project?

JS has specialized in PC material processing and application for decades and has gained vast and profound practical experience.

With accurate selection of PC materials to matching optimal material with application such as outdoor equipment,electronic component,and auto components,through to large-scale application deployment,we have professional expertise in leading PC processing technologies such as custom injection molding,CNC precision cutting,laser cutting,and 3D printing.

We can offer a variety of production capacities,from fast prototyping and small-scale trial mass production to large-scale mass production.We are very experienced with pain points and optimization solutions for PC component production in various scenarios.

This manual is not theory alone,it is a compilation of JS expertise in process design,material choice,and project assistance accumulated over years.Everything has been tested in the field,so this manual is an easy and trustable reference for your PC project.

JS has deep exposure to the PC sector with practical experience in PC material selection and unique injection molding.This tutorial is a witness of this experience.Choose us for professional service and efficient implementation of your PC project.

Is PC A Part Of The Big Family Of Plastics?

To assign PC's category rightly,we first have to know the nature of plastics and then specifically study PC's distinct structure.

The Nature of Plastics

Plastics are primarily composed of polymers of high molecular weight.They can be formed at specific temperature and pressure and are capable of retaining their shape at room temperature.Their chain molecular structure endows them with properties such as plasticity and insulation,making many uses possible.

Special Structure of PC-Carbonate Groups

PC or polycarbonate is a plastic of high molecular weight and completely satisfies the definition of a plastic and belongs to the large family of plastics.Its heart and soul is its carbonate group(-O-CO-O-)within its molecule,which gives PC superb attributes like good strength,high transparency,and proper heat resistance,and therefore it stands tall in specialized application.

Since we have established PC's class,the question that follows is:how do we choose the appropriate PC grade for different applications?

We understand perfectly well the character of PC and the benefits of carbonate groups,and can offer personalized PC solutions of high strength,high transparency,and other properties.In case you require PC application,select us and enjoy JS precision manufacturing and processing ability for expert advice and smooth project execution.

How To Select The Correct PC Grade?

Different applications require different PC performance,and PC comes in different grades.Choosing the right level is crucial in balancing performance and cost.

By Impact Strength

• Normal Impact Strength PC: Provides moderate impact strength and can be utilized in applications with low impact requirements,such as office equipment housings and inner components of domestic appliances,at an affordable price.
• High Impact Strength PC: PC altered to a great extent enhances impact strength and is used in safety-critical applications,e.g.,car bumpers and helmets,effectively protecting users.

By Heat Resistance

• Medium Heat Resistance PC: Offers heat resistance of 120°C-150°C,including day-to-day and general industrial use,e.g.,food contact containers and electronic component housings,and withstands deforming at higher temperatures.
• High-heat-resistant PC: Heat-resistant at over 150°C,some grades up to above 200°C.Employed in automobile engine peripheral components and LED heat sinks,and provides dependable performance even at higher temperatures.

Classification by Transparency

• Transparent PC: With more than 90%light transmission,it is virtually like glass but lighter and shock-resistant.Used in eyeglass lenses,cell phone screen protectors,and greenhouse skylights for light transmission as well as drop resistance.
• Translucent/Opaque PC: Masterbatches or modifiers are incorporated to reduce light transmittance.Used in appliance casings and automotive trim to meet a wide range of aesthetic requirements.

Choosing the right PC grade matters in production,and PC is used when high performance beyond regular plastics is needed.Let's discover the key to PC being more than plastic.

We help you choose the right PC grade by performance to cost–highly critical to custom injection molding manufacturing.Make PC part manufacturing smooth all the way from the source.Let us handle it to give you a solid foundation for further processing.

Beyond Average:Why PC Isn't 'Just' Plastic

In terms of key performance such as impact resistance, heat resistance, and transparency, PC has significant advantages over PP and ABS. The specific data comparison is shown in the following table:

PC and PP Performance Comparison

Indicators of Performance	PC(Polycarbonate)	PP(Polypropylene)	Application scenarios
Impact Strength(kJ/m²)	60-80	20-30	PC:Children's toy shell
Heat Resistance Temperature(°C)	120-135(Continuous Use)	100-110(Continuous Use)	PC:Inner pot shell of hot water kettle
Transparency(%)	90-92	40-60(Ordinary PP)	PC:Food packaging containers
Density(g/cm³)	1.20	0.90-0.91	PP has advantages in lightweight demand scenarios.

PC and ABS Performance Comparison

Indicators of Performance	PC(Polycarbonate)	ABS(Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene)	Application scenarios of PC
Impact Strength(kJ/m²)	60-80	25-40	Outdoor electronic device casing
Heat Resistance Temperature(°C)	120-135(Continuous Use)	80-100°C(Continuous Use)	Automotive engine compartment components
Transparency(%)	90-92	Opaque	Car lampshade, instrument transparent panel
Chemical Resistance	Stable to salt solutions,bases,and most acids	Sensitive to a few organic solvents.	Chemical equipment parts

PC's excellent performance makes it one of the top competitors in high-end applications.However,processing PC pellets into end products involves a variety of different processes.

We possess vast experience of PC's supremacy over PP and ABS through its superior impact and heat resistance to make high-quality parts.Leveraging our long experience,we can make you improve your product performance.Join hands with us to deliver high-quality PC products to meet your requirement.

PC Materials Finishing:Various Processing Methods For Finishing PC Pellets

Various methods are employed to finish PC pellets into finished products,and among them,injection molding is the most prevalent.

Injection Molding

Injection molding involves heating and melting of PC pellets,injecting them into a mold,and afterward cooling them to form the final product.It is highly effective and can mass-produce high-tech products.

JS Precision Manufacturing is expert in manufacturing premium injection molding parts,online injection molding service allows customers to enter their requirements and get customized solutions,customized injection molding production provides one-stop service from design to production.

Laser Cutting

Using a high-energy laser beam to cut PC sheets,it features high accuracy,smooth cutting,and zero mechanical stress.It can be used for processing high-precision,complex products such as decorative panels and electronic protective covers.

Power and speed have to be adjusted according to sheet thickness.The thicker the sheets,the higher power and slower speed.It requires no mold,and therefore it is suitable for small-batch,high-variety production.

CNC Machining

Machine tools controlled by the computer drill and mill PC sheets to high precision with good repeatability.It is suited for complex,high-precision products such as precision instrument casings and mechanical transmission components.The right tooling and parameters must be selected in order to avoid sticking of tools and surface roughness.High-precision hole and thread cutting can also be obtained.

3D Printing

Additive manufacturing technology builds PC material layer by layer without mold demand.It is used for R&D prototyping and small-volume customization.

Special PC filament or powder is required.The product performance and precision are enhanced,but the process speed is reduced and the strength is less than injection molded products.Currently,its application is growing in areas such as customized phone cases and glasses frames.

Now that we know about PC processing methods,let's put PC and glass against one another to understand which one is the 'King of Drop Resistance'.

We specialize in PC injection molding,CNC,3D printing,and other processes,and offer online injection molding services.Upload your design to receive a quote.With JS precision manufacturing,we can assist you in streamlining your PC parts production process efficiently.

PC vs.Glass:Which One Is Truly The 'King Of Drop Resistance'?

Glass is clear and heat-resistant,but brittle.PC is clear and incredibly tough as well.The two are very different,though,when it comes to impact strength,density,and light transmission.The relative values are presented in the table below,clearly indicating which offers superior drop resistance:

Performance Indicators	PC(Polycarbonate)	Glass	Advantages of PC
Impact Strength(kJ/m²)	60-80	About 1	The anti drop performance far exceeds that of glass, and the risk of damage is extremely low.
Density(g/cm³)	1.20	2.50	More lightweight, can reduce transportation, installation, and usage costs.
Light Transmittance(%)	90-92	90-95	The light transmittance is comparable, making PC more suitable for scenarios such as children's rooms and sports venues.
Temperature Difference Resistance(°C)	Resists between-40°C and 120°C	Easily shatters with extreme changes in temperature.	Good temperature resistance.
Weight(for the same volume)	Lighter	Heavier	Can reduce the burden on the supporting structure.

Clearly,PC is the undisputed 'king of drop resistance' with advantages in terms of density and thermal resistance.It is also taking over for glass in applications such as building skylights and auto windows.

Recognizing PC's superior drop resistance than glass,we offer PC solutions for various applications.From panels to windows,we offer light and hardy PC parts.Visit us and enjoy the material characteristics of PC to acquire solid and 'anti-drop' products.

JS Real Case Study:Birth Of A Smart Home Device

Client Core Requirements

• High transparency and more than 90% light transmittance to ensure camera image quality.
• High impact resistance to withstand outdoor use and prevent device damage.
• Excellent weather resistance to be unscathed after exposure to long-term sunshine and rain without aging or cracking.
• Rapid prototyping to shorten the R&D cycle and capture market share.

JS Material and Process Solution

1.Material Selection:UV-Resistant PC Sheet

The selected UV-resistant PC material boasts light transmittance of 92%,meeting the camera requirements.Its 70kJ/m² impact strength withstands outdoor impact.With the addition of an anti-UV additive,it withstands temperature shifts from -40°C to 120°C,meeting weather resistance requirements.

2.Processing Technology:Customization in Phases

The initial prototype was produced with JS's high-precision CNC machining procedure in three days with ±0.1mm accuracy control,and allowed for rapid design verification.Small-batch production then utilized the hybrid of laser cutting and bending,avoiding the use of complex molds.Not only did this reduce the initial investment of custom injection molding manufacturing,it also lowered the production cycle to 7 days.

Project Results

From design verification to small-batch shipping,the timeframe was shortened to just 10 days,significantly shrinking the R&D and launch cycle to the market.Customer feedback also indicates that the housing continued to be high in transparency and strength following use outside for 6 months without evidence of aging or being destroyed.

Moreover,the initial cost advantage in injection molding costs will provide a cost advantage for future mass production,amply demonstrating the usability of the PC material and JS's technical proficiency.

As with our smart doorbell example,we use UV-resistant PC and flexible processes to solve your PC problems,from rapid prototyping to small production volume,shorter cycle time,and injection molding price reduction.Partner with us to make your project successful.

How Do You Start Your PC Parts Processing Project?

1.Define Your Needs

First,define the desired application of the PC component(e.g.,outer casing,electronics components),performance requirements(light transmission,impact resistance,etc.),production quantity(prototyping/small quantity/volume production),and delivery time to serve as the basis for material and process choices to follow.

2.Fill in Files to Obtain Quotes

Prepare design files in STEP and STL(securely and confidentially upload).Receive immediate tailored quotes,delivery cycles,and Design for Factoring(DFM)remarks via our instant quote system with a clear appreciation of injection molding price and other expenses.

3.Select Proper Services

We offer complete services:For rapid prototyping,we offer CNC machining and 3D printing,one working day production and tolerances of up to 0.005mm.For mass production,we offer injection molding(high-grade injection molding components production).We have over 100 materials(various PC types)and over 60 surface finishes.You can even track progress with our online injection molding services.

4.Begin Production

Once your plan is approved,production can begin.JS Precision Manufacturing and Processing has rigorous quality and time to ensure that your PC components arrive on schedule.

FAQs

Q1:Is PC material safe? Can it be used for food contact?

The safety of PC materials depends on the specific type. It is feasible to use them for food contact, but there is a key prerequisite - food grade PC materials that have passed authoritative certification must be selected. This type of material does not contain harmful ingredients such as bisphenol A (BPA), and its safety is guaranteed.

Q2:Why does my PC component border become white during laser cutting?

The whitening of the edges of PC parts during laser cutting is mainly caused by thermal stress generated during the cutting process. Excessive heat concentration can cause changes in the material of the edges of the parts, resulting in whitening. To improve this problem, it is necessary to optimize the core parameters of laser cutting, such as adjusting power, cutting speed, and gas pressure, to reduce heat input.

Q3:What documents do I need to provide for my project?

If your project involves laser cutting or CNC machining, two types of files need to be provided:

• Vector files, commonly in formats such as DXF and AI, which facilitate precise cutting.
• 3D model files, such as STEP and STL formats, which can meet complex machining requirements.

At present, our online platform supports uploading these files, and after uploading, processing quotations can be obtained instantly.

Summary

After reading this article,the question,'Is PC a type of plastic?'has been answered with a yes—PC not only belongs to the huge plastic family but also exhibits better performance.In short,PC is a performance plastic that carries a greater role in life and industry.

Whether you need a small batch trial production or bulk mass production,choose JS and benefit from all-round support from requirement matching,solution tailoring,and production execution,ensuring that your PC components project goes smoothly.