Polycarbonate is selected where impact energy, vibration and elevated temperature exceed the comfortable range of PETG or ASA. PC combines a 117°C heat-deflection temperature with strong impact behaviour for protective structures and demanding functional parts.
Material family names are not specifications. This page anchors the discussion to a named commercial grade and published printed-specimen data, then translates that data into practical selection and design guidance.
Polycarbonate is selected where impact energy, vibration and elevated temperature exceed the comfortable range of PETG or ASA. PC combines a 117°C heat-deflection temperature with strong impact behaviour for protective structures and demanding functional parts.
Choose PC for tough, heat-resistant parts that must survive impact and cyclic handling.
Orientation, conditioning and geometry can move finished-part performance materially. Use these figures to compare candidate materials—not as guaranteed minimums.
| Property | Representative value | Test / context |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.20 g/cm³ | Manufacturer TDS |
| Tensile strength | 55 ± 4 MPa | Manufacturer TDS |
| Elongation at break | 3.8 ± 0.3% | Manufacturer TDS |
| Flexural modulus · XY | 2.31 ± 0.07 GPa | Manufacturer TDS |
| Flexural strength · XY | 108 ± 4 MPa | Manufacturer TDS |
| Impact strength · XY | 34.8 ± 2.1 kJ/m² | Manufacturer TDS |
| HDT · 0.45 MPa | 117°C | ISO 75 |
| Vicat softening | 119°C | ISO 306 |
XY values normally represent flat-printed specimens. Z-direction strength can be substantially lower. Final production settings should be qualified on representative geometry.
A useful material choice starts with load case, temperature, environment, duty cycle and failure consequence—not the strongest number on a datasheet.