Polycarbonate sheets are clear, impact-resistant sheets made from thermoplastic polymers that incorporate carbonate groups in their chemical structure. These polymers consist of plastic material, and you can use heat to alter their form. In short, polycarbonate sheets can be customized and shaped in a variety of ways, making them beneficial to many applications across manufacturing and in industry.
Many people refer to polycarbonate sheets as Lexan® sheets, but this isn’t always the case. Lexan makes one variety of polycarbonate sheets, but this material exists in many shapes and forms to meet the needs of a wide range of applications.
Polycarbonate sheeting’s versatility makes it ideal for both domestic and professional settings. It’s lightweight and easy to handle, which allows for great results when in the hands of engineers or technicians that work to mold or form it.
When cooled, polycarbonate sheeting produces a rigid plastic layer, protecting electronics and other sensitive applications without compromising the weight of products. Polycarbonate products can resist impacts and other hazards, protecting components from contamination and water damage. In the event a polycarbonate sheet happens to break or is tampered with, there is no danger of it shattering into shards or fragments, as other varieties of plastic might.
Polycarbonate sheets are relied on for products and components across many industries. Some include:
Many electrical accessories and hardware value polycarbonate sheets for their lightweight and impact-resistant qualities. Polycarbonate sheets protect everyday items like computers and cell phones from impact without greatly increasing their weight. Electronics manufacturers additionally prize polycarbonate sheeting’s safety and durability.
While glass is the most traditional material used for glazing applications, plastic sheeting can also be used. The two most commonly used plastics for glazing are polycarbonate sheets and acrylic sheets. The benefits of using plastic sheeting vs. glass are lower costs, improved performance, and energy savings. Polycarbonate has superior impact resistance and shatter resistance – but is not naturally UV stable like acrylic. Some common materials used for glazing are Bullet-Resistant Polycarbonate, and Multiwall Polycarbonate.
Clear Polycarbonate is the ideal material for lenses and machine guards due to its optical characteristics and high mechanical strength.
The automotive industry makes use of polycarbonate sheeting’s lightweight, flexibility, and heat resistance when building radiator flame broils, entryway handles, and various other automotive parts. Polycarbonate’s aesthetic properties also result in sleek, stylish vehicles.
Greenhouses and plant nurseries incorporate polycarbonate panels or sheets into their design. Polycarbonate greenhouses protect plants from UV radiation while still allowing sunlight to filter through. This ability to use sunlight while masking its harmful properties makes polycarbonate the material of choice for research, domestic, and agricultural greenhouses.
Equipment like riot shields, prison windows, and protective visors may use polycarbonate. These products may consist of coated polycarbonate sheets with anti-scratch layers, resulting in durable materials that can withstand direct impacts, while also preserving their transparency. Additionally, their light weight makes polycarbonate equipment more versatile, allowing users to flexibly wield polycarbonate materials while preserving their equipment’s portability. Bullet resistant polycarbonate is commonly used as an alternative to bulletproof glass. Different levels of protection are available.
There are plenty of unique and practical uses for polycarbonate sheets that are sure to fit within a budget. The increased strength and protection, while being lightweight are additional benefits to this cost-effective solution.
Learn more about how Emco Plastics can assist in your next project. Contact us today and speak with a representative.
Looking for cut-to-size items off the shelf? Shop polycarbonate sheets & bars from our distribution partner Fix Supply. Check out their Knowledge Center for additional information.
Emco Industrial Plastics doesn’t claim to represent all of the manufacturers or trade name products listed. This list is intended as a guide of typical materials available for purchase from Emco Industrial Plastics, Inc. For additional information, contact an Emco Industrial Plastics with the submission form below.
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Request Fabrication/Machining ServicesGeneric Name
Polycarbonate, General Purpose Sheet
Available In
Sheet, Rod
Certifications
MIL-P-19904
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| Type | Size | Length | Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheet | 1/4″ – 4″ TH | Natural |
Give us your cut-to-size dimensions. We will precision-cut these plastics to your exact size. Additional sizes and colors available upon request.
| Physical Properties | Units | ASTM | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | lb/in³ | D792 | 0.0401 – 0.0567 |
| Water Absorption, 24 hrs | % | D570 | 0.050 0 – 0.300 |
| Mechanical Properties | Units | ASTM | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | psi | D638 | 9.0 – 9.5 |
| Tensile Elongation @Break | % | D638 | 1.00 – 6.00 |
| Flexural Strength | psi | D790 | 13,800 – 29,000 |
| Flexural Modulus | psi | 551,000 – 1,400,000 | |
| Compressive Strength | psi | D695 | 18000 |
| Compressive Modulus | psi | D695 | 500000 |
| Hardness, Rockwell R | D785 | 115 – 123 | |
| IZOD Impact Strength Notched | ft-lb/in | D256 | 1.00 – 3.30 |
| Thermal Properties | Units | ASTM | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion | (x 10-5 in./in./°F) | D256 | 5.56 – 27.8 |
| Heat Deflection Temp at 66 psi | °F | D648 | 210 – 306 |
| Heat Deflection Temp at 264 psi | °F | 195 – 300 | |
| Melting Temperature | °F | D3418 | 210 – 331 |
| Max Operating Temp | °F | 270 | |
| Thermal Conductivity | BTU-in/ft²-hr-°F | C177 | 1.53 – 2.20 |
| Flammability Rating | UL94 | HB – 5VA |
| Electrical Properties | Units | ASTM | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dielectric Strength. 1/8″ th. | V/mil | D149 | 470 |
| Dielectric Constant | D150 | 3.35 | |
| Dissipation Factor @ 60 Hz | D150 | 0.0011 | |
| Volume Resistivity | ohm-cm | D257 | 10¹⁶ |
NOTE: Several grades of this material are available. For additional information regarding this plastic, contact your Emco Industrial Plastics representative or call 973-862-4148.
