Material Description
Polycarbonate (PC) is a versatile and transparent thermoplastic polymer known for its exceptional combination of mechanical, thermal, and optical properties. PC possesses high impact resistance, making it ideal for applications requiring durability and toughness. It has a tensile strength of approximately 55-75 MPa, ensuring its ability to withstand mechanical stress. Moreover, PC exhibits excellent thermal properties, with a glass transition temperature (Tg) around 147°C, allowing it to maintain its structural integrity at elevated temperatures. This material also boasts a high heat deflection temperature (HDT) of around 135-145°C, which makes it suitable for applications where heat resistance is critical. Furthermore, PC has remarkable optical clarity, with a refractive index of 1.586, making it a preferred choice for optical components and clear protective barriers. Additionally, PC is inherently flame-retardant and self-extinguishing, meeting strict safety standards. Its excellent electrical insulation properties and ease of processing via methods like injection molding and extrusion further contribute to its popularity in a wide range of industries, including automotive, electronics, medical devices, and construction.
Common Industry Applications
Polycarbonate (PC) is prominent in automotive, electronics, and aerospace for its transparency, impact resistance, and heat tolerance.
Sub-Processes
3D Printing – Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) – Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) method
| Density (g/cm³) | Tensile Yield Strength (MPa) | Flexural Strength (MPa) | Impact Strength (J/m) | Heat Deflection Temp (°C) | Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | Glass Transition Temp(°C) | UV Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.20 - 1.22 | 65 - 75 | 75 - 85 | 10 - 20 | 130 - 140 | 0.2 - 0.35 | 145 - 150 | Sensitive to prolonged UV exposure |
Design Recommendation
Designing for PC 3D printing involves handling a material with a high glass transition temperature. Ensure your design accommodates temperature control. Thick walls and an enclosed printer can minimize warping and delamination. Consider annealing post-printing to enhance mechanical properties and dimensional stability.
Cost Saving Tip
To save on costs in PC 3D printing, it’s important to address warping issues, which are common with this material. Using a heated build plate and an enclosure helps control warping and reduces the likelihood of reprints, saving both material and time. Calibrating print settings to minimize support structures and using thicker layers can further cut down on material usage, while still maintaining part strength and quality.
