Polycarbonate CNC Machining

Polycarbonate CNC Machining

Offering top-of-the-line Polycarbonate CNC Machining services with fast turnaround times.

Whether you need quick-turn prototypes or high-volume Polycarbonate machined parts, we've got you covered. ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, and AS9100D certified.

Polycarbonate CNC Machining

Polycarbonate, also known as PC, is an amorphous thermoplastic that gets soft before melting because it doesn't have a fixed melting point. It's clear, tough, and lighter than glass, making it a great glass substitute. Plus, it handles high temperatures better than acrylic. CNC machining in polycarbonate does not inherently yield optically transparent parts, however, so some further finishing is required.

Polycarbonate CNC machining is a sophisticated and efficient manufacturing process that leverages the precision of CNC technology to work with polycarbonate material, meeting the demanding standards of various industries.

Why Choose Dadesin for Polycarbonate CNC Machining Services

Strict Quality Management

Our inspection instruments include German Zeiss CMM, Wanhao image measuring instrument, Hitachi handheld spectrometer, Mitutoyo roughness measuring instrument, etc.

Our Certification

Dadesin was full certificated by ISO9001:2015, IATF16949:2016.

fast Delivery

Dadesin has 200+ sets of high precision CNC machining and CNC milling centers and we can take your project from engineering design to delivery faster than our competitors.

Quality Assurance

Full inspection service for all projects.

Polycarbonate Material Properties

Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic polymer with distinctive material properties that contribute to its widespread use in various applications. Here are key material properties of polycarbonate:

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate Properties

Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) Elongation at Break (%) Hardness (Shore D) Heat Deflection Temperature (°C) Glass Transition Temperature (°C)
40-154 3-233 90-95 57.2-208 142-152

Polycarbonate At a Glance

Application CNC machining produces parts with excellent mechanical properties, accuracy and repeatability from metal and plastic. 3-axis & 5-axis CNC milling available.
Advantages Good electrical and chemical properties and superior impact strength, making it a versatile plastic.
Weaknesses The main disadvantage of polycarbonate is that it isn't resistant to scratches.
Lead Time Typically, it takes a minimum of 3 days to produce magnesium parts, and this duration may extend for complex or internationally sourced components.
Price $$$$$
Tolerances a tolerance of about 0.005 inches (0.13mm) is generally attainable.
Wall Thickness The minimum wall thickness for polycarbonate parts is approximately 0.80 mm (about 0.03 inches). This value might vary based on the ratio of wall thickness to planar dimension.
Max part size 200 x 80 x 100 cm

Custom Polycarbonate Parts

Communication equipment housing

Communication equipment housing

Aluminum housing

Aluminum housing

CNC aluminum housing

CNC aluminum housing

Vehicle part

Vehicle part

Aluminum alloy motor housing cover

Aluminum alloy motor housing cover

 
 
 

Finishes and Post-Processing Options

Only a limited range of surface treatments is applicable to plastics. This is especially true when CNC machining polycarbonate, as the material is prone to scratching. Here are some possible finishes:

Vapor Polishing: The surfaces of CNC-machined polycarbonate often show tool marks, which is not ideal for applications requiring optical transparency. Generally, polishing is a process to remove tool marks or defects. For polycarbonate, one of the more effective methods is vapor polishing. This is achieved by exposing the surface to solvents, causing a reaction that melts and flows the surface layer. The process smoothens the surface and fills in any tool marks.

Scratch-resistant coating: One of the drawbacks of polycarbonate is its susceptibility to scratches. Some coatings available in the market help maintain the optical transparency of polycarbonate while enhancing its scratch resistance.

Request a Free CNC Machining Quote Now

Our in-house equipment includes 5-axis mills with edge finding equipment, ZEISS CMMs, Olympus XRF analyzers, and a range of cutting tools for efficient chip removal. We can guarantee the nylon material will be the exact material that you need for your project and can ensure the right tolerances according to your needs. Take our services out for a test drive: send us your CAD files to see our fair pricing rate and fast speeds for yourself.

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CNC Machining

Polycarbonate CNC Machining FAQs

  • What are the advantages of using polycarbonate in CNC machining?

    Advantages include high impact resistance, optical transparency, lightweight nature, and resistance to high temperatures. These properties make it ideal for various applications.

  • Is polycarbonate a suitable material for CNC machining?

    Polycarbonate is a suitable material for CNC machining due to its excellent machinability. It can be precisely shaped and milled to create intricate designs.

  • How does vapor polishing improve the appearance of CNC-machined polycarbonate?

    Vapor polishing involves exposing the polycarbonate surface to solvents, leading to a reaction that melts and smoothes the surface. This process helps remove tool marks and enhances the overall appearance.

  • What are the common applications of CNC-machined polycarbonate parts?

    Polycarbonate parts produced through CNC machining find applications in industries such as electronics, automotive, medical devices, and optics due to their clarity, strength, and versatility.

  • Can polycarbonate be used for optical components after CNC machining?

    Yes, polycarbonate is often used for optical components after CNC machining, especially when optical transparency is a critical requirement.

  • Are there limitations to the size and complexity of parts that can be CNC machined from polycarbonate?

    While polycarbonate is versatile, the size and complexity of parts may be limited by the CNC machining equipment and the material's inherent characteristics.

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