Polycarbonate (PC)

Polycarbonate (PC): A Strong, Clear Plastic for Demanding Applications

As demand for high-performance, lightweight, and impact-resistant materials continues to increase in nearly every industry, Polycarbonate (PC) has become the thermoplastic of choice for custom plastic fabrication as we move into 2025. At Welch Plastics, a trusted plastic manufacturer in Las Vegas, we manufacture polycarbonate sheets with precision for everything from machine guards to architectural glazing.

Whether you're an engineer specifying safety glazing, a product designer creating a medical enclosure, or a contractor looking for UV-stabilized roofing panels, Polycarbonate provides unrivaled performance.

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about polycarbonate plastic manufacturing, how it compares to other materials, and how Welch Plastics can help with your next project.

What is Polycarbonate (PC)?

Polycarbonate is a transparent, amorphous thermoplastic polymer known for:

• Exceptional impact resistance
• Broad optical clarity
• Excellent thermal stability
• Flame resistance and UV resistance (if coated)

Polycarbonate is structurally in the polyester plastic family and has carbonate groups in the polymer backbone. Polycarbonate can be manufactured in sheets, rods, tubes, and films. It can be processed into nearly any shape or configuration through a variety of fabrication methods, including injection molding, CNC machining, and thermoforming.

Features of Polycarbonate

Features	Performance
Impact Resistance	250x stronger than glass
Clarity	88–90% light transmittance
UV Resistance	UV protection is available
Temperature Tolerance	-40C to +120C
Weight	Lightweight (half the weight of glass)
Flame Retardancy	UL 94 V0 grades available
Electrical Insulation	Excellent dielectric strength
Food & Medical Safe Grades	FDA and ISO-certified options available

Polycarbonate vs. Acrylic vs. Glass Material

Property	Polycarbonate (PC)	Acrylic (PMMA)	Glass
Impact Resistance	★★★★★	★★★☆☆	★☆☆☆☆
Optical Clarity	★★★★☆ (88-90%)	★★★★★ (92%)	★★★★☆ (90%)
UV Stability	Requires coating	Excellent	Moderate
Weight	Light	Light	Heavy
Thermal Resistance	High	Moderate	High
Machinability	Excellent	Excellent	Poor
Cost	Moderate	Low to Moderate	High

Conclusion: Select polycarbonate any time you're interested in durability, thermal resistance, and long-term outdoor uses.

Applications for Polycarbonate by Industry

Polycarbonate has the versatility to be a viable material in nearly every major industry:

🔹 Industrial & Manufacturing

• Machine guards and safety barriers
• Electrical enclosures and panels
• Lockout/tagout safety

🔹 Construction & Architecture

• Skylights and translucent roofing panels
• Safety glazing and storm windows
• Noise barriers and privacy panels

🔹 Transportation & Aerospace

• Headlight and quarters
• Aircraft windows and well panels
• Dashboard light shields

🔹 Medical & Laboratory

• Sterile trays and packaging
• Medical instrument housing
• Bio-safe enclosures

🔹 Electronics & Tech

• LED enclosures and diffusers
• Circuit board insulation
• Housings and covers

🔹 Retail & Signage

• Display cases and POS cages
• Custom signs and light boxes
• Acrylic style cabinetry with improved durability

Are you looking for a Las Vegas plastic manufacturer that can provide the combination of high performance and lower cost for your unique industry? Welch Plastics is prepared to deliver.

Benefits of Polycarbonate in Plastic Manufacturing

Polycarbonate offers benefits beyond the traditional roles of plastics:

✅ Outstanding Impact Strength

Suitable for safety, high-impact environments. Will not shatter during high-impact applications.

✅ Lightweight and Durable

Strength-to-weight ratio weighs 50% less than glass (applicable examples demonstrate better results than steel). 

✅ UV Protection and Weather Resistance

Polycarbonate resin coatings are UV stabilized and won't yellow or crack over time!

✅ Fire Testing and Heat Resistance

For high heat applications, look for flame retardant grades that are UL-94 rated.

✅ Easy to Fabricate

Polycarbonate is very common and can be thermoformed, laser cut, and CNC for parts that require it as a material.

✅ Transparency

Just as clear as glass but with much higher durability, good for displays, windows, or barriers.

✅ Recyclable and Sustainable

Good systems design that includes recyclable options to show sustainability.

Types of Polycarbonates from Welch Plastics

Welch Plastics has multiple polycarbonate sheet products that can suit almost any application.

1. Clear Polycarbonate Sheets

Used for glazing, barriers, and indoor panels.

2. UV Resistant Polycarbonate

Used for outdoor signs, greenhouse panels, and skylights.

3. Abrasion-Resistant Polycarbonate

Used for eyewear, medical panels, and surfaces that the public may touch.

4. Flame Resistant, FDA Grades

Used for electrical, aerospace, or food-contact containers.

5. Colored & Tinted Sheets

Gray, bronze, white, and custom colors or tints.

5. Textures & Matte Finishes

Great for privacy or anti-glare, or aesthetic purpose applications.

Polycarbonate Sheet Sizes & Thicknesses

Polycarbonate sheets can be offered in the following standard sizes:

• 48" x 96" (4x8 ft)
• 60" x 120" (5x10 ft)
• Custom sizes may also be available.

Thicknesses can range from:

• .030" to 1.5" (0.75mm to 38mm)
• Specialty thicknesses available upon request.

Do you need it cut-to-size? Welch Plastics is a full-service plastic fabrication company located in Las Vegas.

Custom Polycarbonate Fabrication

Welch Plastics gives you efficiency and accuracy with your plastic fabrication needs:

🔹 CNC Cutting and Routing

Precise, repeatable parts for prototyping and small production to full production runs.

🔹 Laser Cutting and Etching

Crisp, clean edges and extreme detail, including decorative engraving processes.

🔹 Heat Bending and Thermoforming

Shape complex shapes and three-dimensional shapes for architectural features.

🔹 Edge Finishing and Polishing

For amelioration, safety, stipulate values to accentuate with glazed edges.

🔹 Bonding and Hardware

Parts are ready for assembly with bonded hardware fasteners integrated.

🔹 Silk-Screening / Printing

Custom printed graphics for use in displays, branding, and signage.

Welch Plastics provides full-service plastic manufacturing for everything from one-off prototypes to production.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

💬 Is polycarbonate shatter-resistant?

Yes! It is also is 250 times stronger than glass, so practically unbreakable in standard use.

💬 Can polycarbonate be used outside?

Yes! Polycarbonate can be made to have a UV-stabilizer coating. Therefore, outdoors, polycarbonate will retain its integrity while resisting weathering and UV sun damage for years.

💬 What is the difference between polycarbonate and acrylic?

Polycarbonate is stronger and heat resistant, while acrylic is clearer and scratch resistant.

💬 Can polycarbonate be laser cut?

Yes! Our quality lasers provide clean cuts every time with no haze.

💬 Is polycarbonate food safe?

Yes! Welch Plastics only supplies FDA-grade food and medical applications.

Ready to Get Started on Your Polycarbonate Project?

Whether you are an engineer needing to design impact-resistant enclosures or a contractor needing to source a high-quality, durable glazing solution, Welch Plastics can help! Our custom plastic manufacturing facility in Las Vegas has proven experience over decades of custom plastic fabrication. We are the perfect partner to fabricate and manufacture your polycarbonate parts or products.

👉 Get a free quote today.

👉 Order cut-to-size polycarbonate sheets or submit your CAD drawing for fabrication.

📞 Contact Welch Plastics:

📧 info@welchplastics.com

📞 (702) 896-8955

Final Thoughts

In 2025, we will be asking ourselves, "Is polycarbonate the future of plastic manufacturing?" In its simplest terms, polycarbonate provides clear, strong, and flexible options for many everyday products, articles made for all manner of exposure to sorts of serious rigors. Welch Plastics has developed advanced custom plastic fabrication, customer-centric processes, and the capability to handle anything you need in plastic. This means that we can be your go-to partner for custom plastic injection molding, polycarbonate sheet fabrication, and more!

Let's not forget... when quality counts, trust your Las Vegas plastic manufacturer, hand down to Welch Plastics.