PC
Polycarbonate (PC) is a high performance material intended for use in engineering and industrial settings. As suggested by its name, PC contains carbonate groups that contribute significantly to its strength and toughness. PC also has excellent temperature resistance, making it useful in high temperature applications as well. Its strength, toughness, and temperature resistance makes it a useful material for final production or industrial parts. PC is also useful with electronics since it is an insulator.
PC’s high performing properties make it a good choice for industrial applications. Parts made from PC can withstand the demanding environment found in industry. PC is also a good choice for storage, especially electronic enclosures. Since PC does not conduct electricity, sensitive electronics will remain safe in PC enclosures. Many of the parts on re:3D Gigabot printers is made with PC. Finally, PC is perfect for any parts that needs to resist high temperatures.
- Electronic Enclosures
- Industrial Parts
- Heat Resistant Parts
- Storage
Young's Modulus
2,400 MPa
Tensile Elongation
12.2 ± 1.4 %
Ultimate Tensile Strength
59.7 ± 1.8 Mpa
Charpy Impact Strength
25.1 ± 1.9 J/m2
Shrinkage Rate below 0.5%
-
Glass Transition Temperature
113 ºC
Heat Distortion (0.45MPa)
-
Decomposition Temperature
> 360 ºC
Extruder Temperature
250 ºC
Heated Bed Temperature
115 ºC
Bed Adhesion
Adhesive Required
Enclosure
Yes
Fans
On
Printing Speed
3,600 mm/min
Polycarbonate is recycled most often into a reground material. This material is often considered for use in a pellet extrusion machine such as GBX. Polycarbonate is not usually supported by recycling centers since it is grouped into resin code 7 with “other plastics”. Polycarbonate also risks producing bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA.