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Best Polycarbonate (PC) Products Compared 2024

Selecting the right polycarbonate grade is critical for automotive lighting, optical media, and electronics applications. This comprehensive comparison evaluates leading PC resins based on optical clarity, impact strength, chemical resistance, and processing requirements.

SABIC Lexan PC Resin

9.2/10

Industry-standard optical-grade polycarbonate with proven performance

$3.50-5.20/lb depending on grade

Pros

  • +Exceptional optical clarity for lenses and displays
  • +Wide temperature range (-40°C to 135°C)
  • +Excellent impact strength and dimensional stability
  • +FDA-approved grades available for medical applications

Cons

  • -Premium pricing compared to alternatives
  • -Limited chemical resistance to certain solvents

Covestro Makrolon PC

9/10

High-performance polycarbonate for demanding automotive and electronics

$3.20-4.80/lb by grade

Pros

  • +Superior flame retardant grades (V-0 rated)
  • +Enhanced UV stabilization reduces yellowing
  • +Excellent flow properties for thin-wall molding
  • +BPA-free options available

Cons

  • -Processing temperatures require precise control
  • -Stress cracking sensitivity in chemical environments

Trinseo Calibre PC

8.5/10

Engineered polycarbonate solutions for specialized applications

$3.00-4.50/lb application dependent

Pros

  • +Specialized grades for LED lighting applications
  • +Enhanced scratch resistance formulations
  • +Strong technical support and application development

Cons

  • -Limited global availability
  • -Longer lead times for specialty grades

Mitsubishi Iupilon PC

8.1/10

Cost-effective polycarbonate with reliable performance metrics

$2.90-4.20/lb varies by specification

Pros

  • +Competitive pricing for high-volume applications
  • +Good balance of mechanical and optical properties
  • +Consistent lot-to-lot quality control

Cons

  • -Limited specialty grades compared to tier-1 suppliers
  • -Lower impact strength at extreme temperatures

Feature Comparison

FeatureSABIC Lexan PC ResinCovestro Makrolon PCTrinseo Calibre PCMitsubishi Iupilon PC
Optical Clarity
Light transmission percentage and haze levels for optical applications
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Impact Strength
Izod impact resistance at room temperature and low temperatures
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Chemical Resistance
Resistance to solvents, oils, and cleaning chemicals
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Processing Temperature
Melt processing temperature range and thermal stability
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UV Resistance
Resistance to UV degradation and yellowing over time
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BPA-Free Options
Availability of BPA-free polycarbonate alternatives
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Verdict

SABIC Lexan leads in optical applications with proven performance, while Covestro Makrolon excels in UV resistance and flame retardancy. Trinseo Calibre offers specialized LED solutions, and Mitsubishi Iupilon provides cost-effective performance for standard applications.

Automotive lighting and optical lenses
SABIC Lexan PC Resin
Superior optical clarity and proven automotive qualification history
Outdoor electronics housings
Covestro Makrolon PC
Excellent UV stabilization and flame retardant properties
LED lighting applications
Trinseo Calibre PC
Specialized grades designed for LED heat and light exposure
High-volume consumer electronics
Mitsubishi Iupilon PC
Cost-effective performance with reliable quality control

FAQ

What's the difference between optical-grade and general-purpose polycarbonate?
Optical-grade PC has tighter controls on additives, lower haze levels (<1%), and higher light transmission (>90%). It's essential for lenses, displays, and lighting applications where clarity is critical.
How do I prevent stress cracking in polycarbonate parts?
Minimize molded-in stress through proper mold design, avoid sharp corners, use appropriate gate locations, and consider annealing at 130°C. Also avoid exposure to alcohols, acetone, and aromatic solvents.
Are BPA-free polycarbonate alternatives as strong as traditional PC?
Modern BPA-free PC maintains similar impact strength and optical properties. However, verify specific mechanical properties and regulatory approvals for your application with suppliers like Colorado Sun Inc.
What processing temperature should I use for polycarbonate injection molding?
Typical processing temperatures range from 270-320°C depending on grade. Start at 280°C and adjust based on flow requirements. Higher temperatures improve flow but increase risk of degradation.
How long does polycarbonate last in outdoor applications?
UV-stabilized PC grades can maintain properties for 10+ years outdoors. Without UV stabilization, yellowing and property degradation begin within 1-2 years of UV exposure.