Polycarbonate is highly impact and shatter resistant. And, compared to acrylic, it is only slightly less transparent, however polycarbonate plastic sheets are more prone to scratching. There is a potential that certain types of polycarbonate could be hazardous in food contact situations due to the release of Bisphenol A (BPA) during hydrolysis (degradation due to material contact with water), . PC for 3D printing is usually limited to a white color. Key Difference – Polycarbonate vs ABS Polycarbonate and ABS are widely used thermoplastic elastomers and have their unique set of properties. The material is purchased in filament form and the 3D printer heats and deposits the filament into the desired 3D shape. A few examples include the following: clear tubes for sports equipment prototypes, clear molds for urethane and silicone casting, 3D printed models for high heat applications when ABS is not an option. Polycarbonate resin (PC resin) is a type of thermoplastic component used in the manufacturing of certain plastics. Unlike disposable plastic bottles that can harm the environment, containers made of polycarbonates offer a long lasting, recyclable canteen for thirsty people. Regardless of the contradictory studies on the negative effects of BPA, certain types of Polycarbonate have been associated with its release. We have seen tinted PC used for the purposes of reducing glare (for example to cover lighted signs on the highway). Plastic. Designed for glazing and industrial uses, the Clear GP stands alone as the best polycarbonate on the market for protection against vandalism and intentional breakage. In the modern era it is manufactured by a large number of firms, each typically with their own production process and unique formula. It can also serve as a dielectric in high-stability capacitors. PC is available in sheet stock and round stock, making it a good candidate for subtractive machining processes on a mill or lathe. Its durability and transparency make it a perfect stand-in for glass during research and testing. One of the biggest differences between acrylic and polycarbonate is the cost. The following diagram shows the relative impact strength of Polycarbonate when compared to the impact strength of other commonly used plastics such as ABS, Polystyrene (PS), or Nylon. PC does not have its own plastic number.Instead, PC is identified by number 7, which is “other†plastic types. Shop from our polycarbonate sheets, tubes, and rods below. There have been roughly 100 studies conducted on BPA and the results are somewhat controversial in that a correlation between funding source and risk assessment has been. Please contact one of our trained plastic experts if you would like to learn more about how one of our quality polycarbonate products can be of use to you and your business. The first. Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic polymer and is a sturdy, hard and transparent material. What are the Characteristics of Polycarbonate? Finished polycarbonate is typically sold in cylinders, rods or sheets. Finished p, Polycarbonate, like other plastics, starts with the distillation of hydrocarbon fuels into lighter groups called “fractions” some of which are combined with other catalysts to produce plastics (typically via polymerization or polycondensation). Topics: Its durability, transparency, weatherability, and flexibility are but a few of the features that have made polycarbonate a mainstay material across multiple industries. This has led to the advent of “BPA-Free” polycarbonate products (commonly shown on consumer products such as canning jars). While acrylic is 17% stronger than glass, polycarbonate is nearly unbreakable. The MAKROLON Clear SL2 provides the same protection on both sides of the sheet for all-around UV resistance. It’s not a matter of polycarbonate vs plastic, but rather who uses the best grade and type of polycarbonate, how they refine it, and what the final product looks and feels like in the hand. Polycarbonate also has very good heat resistance and can be combined with flame retardant materials without significant material degradation. Polycarbonate plastic has many uses across a variety of industries, with versatile applications and effective results. Many bicycling enthusiasts, joggers, campers, and even urban dwellers, think the polycarbonate bottle is a good way to stay green while staying hydrated. You’ve probably used a product with polycarbonate in it today, even if you don’t realize it. There are a few physical properties that make both ABS and polycarbonate useful for engineering.. 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