VoluFab

Polycarbonate (PC)

Impact-resistant, transparent engineering plastic (notched Izod ~850 J/m) that stays tough at -40°C — a popular choice for durable clear parts made locally in Thailand.

Get an instant quote Lead time: 3D printing 2-3 days; CNC 3-5 days; injection molding 10-15 days after tooling

Key properties

Key properties
Notched Izod impact ~850 J/m
Light transmission ~88-90%
Continuous heat resistance ~115-130°C
Tensile strength ~62-70 MPa
UV-sensitive unless a stabilized grade is used
Scratches more easily than glass or acrylic

Common applications

  • Transparent housings and windows
  • Safety shields and machine guards
  • Lens and sight-glass components
  • Electronic and instrument enclosures
  • Medical device housings
  • Outdoor equipment (UV grade)

Processes available

  • Injection molding
  • CNC machining
  • FDM 3D printing (PC filament)

Surface finishes

  • As molded / as printed
  • Diamond polished
  • Hard coated (anti-scratch)
  • Textured

Cost & pricing

Mid-range engineering plastic — pricier than ABS or acrylic, cheaper than PEEK or Ultem.

Tolerance: CNC ±0.1mm; injection molding ±0.1-0.15mm; FDM ±0.3mm.

Frequently asked questions

PC or acrylic for a clear part?
PC for impact and heat resistance; acrylic for optical clarity and UV stability.
Is polycarbonate chemical resistant?
No — alcohols, solvents and strong alkalis attack it. Specify a resistant grade or protect the surface with coatings.

Frequently asked questions

How long does production take?

Lead time depends on the process and quantity — 3D printing typically ships in 2–3 business days, CNC machining in 3–5, and injection molding in 10–15 after tooling. You'll see the exact lead time on every quote.

What is the standard tolerance?

CNC-machined parts are held to ±0.1 mm as standard, with ±0.05 mm achievable on critical features. 3D-printed parts are typically ±0.2–0.3 mm. Add your critical dimensions in the notes field.

What is the minimum order quantity?

There is no minimum order — we produce single prototype parts as easily as large production runs. Quantity discounts start from around 10–25 pieces.

What surface finishes are available?

A wide range of finishes is available locally, including as-machined/printed, bead blasting, anodizing (clear, black, gold), powder coating, painting and polishing.

How do I get a quote?

Upload your CAD file (STL, STEP, IGES or 3MF) to the instant-quote tool — the VoluFab pricing engine returns a real quote in seconds, with DFM feedback included.

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