Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate Film & Sheet
Polycarbonate is the answer when impact strength, optical clarity, or service temperature exceed what PVC and PETG can deliver. K&R stocks print-grade polycarbonate for membrane switches, safety glazing, faceshields, and high-performance signage.
At a glance
- Specific gravity
- 1.20
- Deflection temp (264 psi)
- 288°F / 142°C
- Tensile strength (yield)
- 8,700 psi (60 MPa)
- Light transmission
- 88 – 91 %
Applications
- Instrument panel overlays and graphic panels for membrane switches
- Control panels, decals, labels, dial indicators, scales
- Backlit displays and menu boards
- Thermoforming, cold embossing, die-cut items
- Medical and specialty packaging
- Faceshields and safety glazing (Z87+ when specified)
- Outdoor signage requiring weatherability and UV resistance
Features & benefits
- High performance in applications requiring optimal thermal, optical, mechanical, and electrical characteristics.
- Clarity, dimensional stability, and dielectric properties demanded by membrane switch and display markets.
- Manufactured to exacting tolerances on gauge, gloss level, and surface texture.
- Texture control and flatness print without need for special inks or pre-treatment.
- Handles well in die-cutting, embossing, thermoforming, and hot stamping.
- Unparalleled flame-retardant properties for displays.
- Outstanding chemical resistance and actuation life in membrane switches.
- Excellent weatherability, UV resistance, and chemical tolerance outdoors.
Print & process compatibility
| Method | Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Toner / Laser | ✓ | |
| HP Indigo | ✓ treated | |
| UV Inkjet | ✓ | |
| Solvent Inkjet | ✓ | |
| Screen | ✓ | |
| Offset | ✓ | |
| Litho | — |
Available surfaces, finishes & gauges
| Surface / finish | Description | Stock gauges |
|---|---|---|
| Gloss / Gloss | Near-perfect visibility with high scratch resistance. Standard protective masking: cling/cling (.005–.007"), stick/cling (.010–.030"). | .005, .007, .010, .015, .020, .030 |
| Velvet / Gloss | Scratch resistant with optimal clarity. | Stock |
| Velvet / Matte | Scratch resistant with ease of printing. | Stock |
| Matte / Gloss, Suede / Gloss, Suede / Matte | Specialty surfaces available on special order. | Special order |
Typical properties
Typical of average lots. Job-specific qualification recommended for production runs — request a sample.
| Property | Typical value | Test method |
|---|---|---|
| Physical | ||
| Specific gravity | 1.20 | ASTM D 792 |
| Area factor | 160 ft²/lb·mil (0.833 m²/kg/mm) | — |
| Water absorption | 0.32 % equilibrium | ASTM D 570 |
| Pencil hardness | Scratch hardness B | ASTM D 3363 |
| Taber abrasion (pencil haze) | 45 % | ASTM D 1044 |
| Mechanical | ||
| Tensile strength | Yield 8,700 psi (60 MPa) · Break 15,500 psi (72 MPa) | ASTM D 882 |
| Elongation | 150 % | ASTM D 882 |
| Tensile modulus | 350,000 psi (2,413 MPa) | ASTM D 882 |
| Tear strength (initial) | 1.4 – 8 lb/mil (245 – 315 N/mm) | ASTM D 1004 |
| Tear strength (propagation) | 30 – 55 g/mil | ASTM D 1922 |
| Impact strength (30 mil) | 120 in-lb (13.6 J) | Gardner |
| Burst strength (1 mil Mullen) | 40 – 45 psi | ASTM D 774 |
| Fold endurance (10 mil) | 200 double folds | M.I.T. |
| Thermal | ||
| Tensile heat distortion (50 psi) | 302°F (150°C) | ASTM D 1637 |
| Deflection temperature (264 psi) | 288°F (142°C) | ASTM D 648 |
| Specific heat | 0.30 Btu/lb·°F (1.25 kJ/kg·K) | ASTM C 351 |
| Thermal conductivity | 1.35 Btu·in/hr·ft²·°F (0.19 W/m·K) | ASTM C 177 |
| Coefficient of thermal expansion | 3.75 × 10⁻⁵ in/in·°F (6.75 × 10⁻⁵ m/m·°C) | ASTM D 696 |
| Optical | ||
| Yellowness index | < 1.0 | ASTM D 1925 |
| Refractive index | 1.586 | ASTM D 542 |
| Haze (gloss/gloss) | 0.5 % | ASTM D 1003 |
| Light transmission | 88 – 91 % | ASTM D 1003 |
| Electrical | ||
| Dielectric strength (10 mil, 23°C in oil) | 1,700 V/mil (67 kV/mm) | ASTM D 149 |
| Volume resistivity | 10¹⁷ ohm·cm | ASTM D 257 |
| Surface resistivity | 10¹⁵ ohm/sq | ASTM D 257 |
| Arc resistance (tungsten) | 120 sec | ASTM D 495 |
| Flammability rating | V-2 (.015"–.040") | UL 94 |
Fabrication & converting
Cut-to-size, slit, and sheeted across the polycarbonate gauge range. CofC-backed batches for safety-critical applications including faceshields, machine guards, and Z87+ glazing.