Proto Labs, Ltd.

Polycarbonate Injection Molding

Polycarbonate (PC) is strong, with extremely good impact resistance, scratch resistance, and heat resistance. It has low shrink with good dimensional stability and accepts high cosmetic finishes well. However, PC parts possess poor chemical resistance, so an ABS/PC blend or Acrylic material are good alternatives when this is a necessity.

We offer various grades of PC through our plastic injection molding process, including:

• Lexan: Available in unfilled and 20% glass-filled, highly flame retardant, biocompatible for health care applications, impact strength of 250 ft-lb/in
• Makrolon: General purpose PC for molded parts, suitable for sterilization for medical parts, extremely high temperature resistance with melt temperature of 536 °F-608 °F (280 °C-320 °C), available in transparent and opaque colors
• Hylex: High-flow, clear/transparent PC
• RTP: Available in unfilled and 10% glass-filled, extremely high temperature resistance with melt temperature of 550 °F-600 °F (288 °C-316 °C), very low moisture content of 0.02%

Polycarbonate Applications

PC’s outstanding dimensional stability, impact/scratch resistance, and biocompatibility make the amorphous thermoplastic a top choice in the medical, aerospace, and consumer electronic industries.

Optically clear grades are popular in the lighting industry as lenses and reflectors. Other common applications include:

• Electronic housings
• Electronic handheld devices
• Electrical components
• Medical devices
• Optical lenses
• Indoor and outdoor lighting
• Bulletproof glass
• Appliances