PC Polycarbonate CNC Machining Services
Custom Polycarbonate Parts Manufactured to Tight Tolerances with Fast Lead Times.
STEP / STP / IGS / X_T accepted · NDA available
What Is Polycarbonate (PC)?
Machining of PC
Polycarbonate (PC) is a high-performance transparent thermoplastic known for its exceptional impact strength, optical transparency, and dimensional stability.
Compared to acrylic (PMMA), polycarbonate provides significantly higher toughness and impact resistance while maintaining excellent transparency.
Please contact our sales and technical teams to learn about how we can provide high-quality machining PC Engineering plastic services at a fair and competitive price.
Key Properties of PC Material
| Property | Typical Value |
| Light Transmission | Up to 89% |
| Service Temperature | 185°115–125°C |
| Tensile Strength | 60–70 MPa |
| Density | 1.24 g/c1.20 g/cm³ |
| Impact Strength | Excellent |
| Weather Resistance | Good |
| Electrical Insulation | Excellent |
| Transparency | Excellent |
Why Choose Polycarbonate for Precision Components?
Exceptional Impact Resistance
Polycarbonate is one of the toughest transparent engineering plastics available.
Ideal for:
- Safety guards
- Protective covers
- Impact-resistant housings
- Machine enclosures
High Optical Transparency
Light transmission up to approximately 89%. Applications:
- Viewing windows
- Inspection covers
- Optical housings
- Display panels
Excellent Dimensional Stability
Maintains accuracy across a wide range of operating conditions.
Suitable for:
- Precision assemblies
- Laboratory equipment
- Medical devices
Electrical Insulation Properties
Widely used in:
- Electrical housings
- Control panels
- Connector systems
Polycarbonate Machining Capabilities
Welcome to PlasticPartsCustom, your trusted partner for high-performance PC machining capabilities. Our state-of-the-art CNC machines and experienced team of engineers and technicians enable us to produce high-precision, complex parts with tight tolerances and exceptional surface finishes, using PC, a high-performance engineering thermoplastic.
CNC Milling
Our multi-axis machining centers produce complex PC components with tight tolerances and excellent repeatability.
CNC Turning
We manufacture precision rotational PC components including:Bushings, Sleeves, Spacers, Insulators, Connector Components
Precision Hole Machining
For applications requiring accurate alignment and assembly:Reamed Holes
Threaded Features, Precision Bores, Tight Positional Tolerances
PC Grades We Machine
General-Purpose Polycarbonate
The most commonly used grade for industrial applications.
Applications:
- Equipment covers
- Machine guards
- Transparent housings
Optical Grade Polycarbonate
Provides superior transparency and minimal optical distortion.
applications:
- Optical instruments
- Inspection windows
- Analytical equipment
UV-Stabilized Polycarbonate
Enhanced resistance to outdoor weathering and sunlight exposure.
Applications:
- Outdoor enclosures
- Signage systems
- Lighting equipment
Flame-Retardant Polycarbonate
Designed for electrical and electronic applications.
- Control cabinets
- Electrical housings
- Electronic equipment
Medical Grade Polycarbonate
Suitable for healthcare and laboratory environments.
- Medical device housings
- Diagnostic equipment
- Laboratory instruments
PC Parts We Manufacture
Our PC machining services support a wide range of custom applications.
Semiconductor Components
- Surgical instrument parts
- Sterilization trays
- Diagnostic equipment components
- Medical housings
Laboratory Equipment Components
- Flow cells
- Fluid manifolds
- Analytical instrument parts
- Test chambers
Water Treatment Components
- Valve bodies
- Pump components
- Filtration system parts
Food Processing Equipment Components
- Fluid contact parts
- Inspection windows
- Processing system components
Electrical Components
- Insulators
- Terminal blocks
- Connector housings
Common PC Machining Challenges We Solve
Our PC machining services support a wide range of custom applications.
Preventing Internal Stress
Optimized machining strategies reduce stress and dimensional changes.
Maintaining Tight Tolerances
Precision fixturing and process control improve consistency.
Surface Finish Optimization
Specialized tooling improves appearance and functionality.
Complex Fluid Handling Features
Experience machining manifolds, chambers, and precision flow paths.
Quality Assurance
Every PC component is manufactured under our ISO 9001:2015 quality management system.
Inspection equipment includes:
Mitutoyo CMM
Digital Height Gauges
Micrometers
Calipers
Optical Measurement Equipment
Available documentation:
Material Certificates Certificate of Conformance (COC) First Article Inspection (FAI) Dimensional Inspection Reports
Why Engineers Choose PlasticPartsCustom
| Tight Tolerance Expertise Achievable tolerances up to ±0.01mm. |
| No MOQ Requirements From a single prototype to low-volume production runs. |
| Fast Turnaround Typical prototype lead times from 5–7 working days. |
| Material Expertise Extensive experience machining PC , PEEK, POM, PTFE, PPS, and other engineering plastics. |
| Reliable Quality Consistent production supported by ISO 9001:2015 procedures and in-process quality control. |
Industries We Serve
- Semiconductor Equipment
- Medical Devices
- Industrial Automation
- Aerospace
- Electronics
- Scientific Instruments
- Energy Systems
PC (Polycarbonate) vs PEEK: Which High-Performance Plastic Should You Choose?
PC (polycarbonate) and PEEK are both strong engineering plastics, but they serve very different application ranges. This comparison helps you decide which material fits your project.
| Property | PC (Polycarbonate) | PEEK |
|---|---|---|
| Max Service Temperature | 120-130°C | 250°C (480°F) |
| Impact Resistance | Excellent (250x stronger than glass) | Good |
| Tensile Strength | 60-70 MPa | 95-100 MPa |
| Light Transmission | 85-90% transparent | Opaque (natural beige) |
| Chemical Resistance | Good (oils, greases) | Excellent |
| Wear Resistance | Moderate | Excellent |
| Moisture Absorption | Low (0.15%) | Very Low (0.1%) |
| UV Resistance | Poor (requires UV stabilizer) | Good |
| Machinability | Excellent | Good (requires experience) |
| Relative Cost | $$ | $$$$ |
| Best For | Safety shields, machine guards, medical device housings, transparent components, high-impact structural parts | Medical implants, semiconductor parts, aerospace components, extreme temperature and chemical environments |
Choose PC (Polycarbonate) if you need exceptional impact resistance, optical transparency, and a cost-effective material for housings, guards, and medical devices operating under 130°C. Choose PEEK if your application requires continuous operation at high temperatures (up to 250°C), superior chemical resistance, or biocompatibility for medical implants.
Not sure which material fits your project? Send us your drawing for a free material recommendation.
Related Materials
Explore other engineering plastics we machine:
| Material | Key Properties | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| PMMA (Acrylic) | Superior optical clarity, UV resistant | Optical lenses, displays, signage |
| PEI (Ultem) | Higher temp 170°C, flame retardant | Aerospace, medical, high-heat |
| PEEK | Ultra-high performance, 250°C | Medical implants, extreme environments |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. PC is well suited for CNC milling and turning and is commonly used for precision industrial components.
Depending on geometry and feature requirements, tolerances up to ±0.01mm are achievable.
We machine standard and engineering-grade PC, including customer-specified materials for prototype and production parts.
Yes. PC can continuously operate at temperatures up to approximately 170°C.
Yes. We have no minimum order quantity requirement.
Yes. Material traceability and certificates are available upon request.
Gallery of CNC Machined PC Parts
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Request a Quote for PC Machining Parts
Whether you need a single prototype or a low-volume production run, our engineering team can help evaluate your design and provide a competitive quotation.
Simply Send Us:
- 2D Drawings (PDF)
- 3D Files (STEP, STP, IGES, X_T)
- Quantity Requirements
- Material Specifications
What You Will Receive
- DFM Feedback
- ✓ Competitive Pricing
- ✓ Lead Time Confirmation
- ✓ Inspection Plan
- ✓ Engineering Support