PC Sheet (Polycarbonate)
Polycarbonate (PC) is an engineering thermoplastic prized for toughness. It delivers IK10 impact resistance, operates from -40 °C to 120 °C, and transmits about 88% of visible light. Its ductility means it bends without cracking and survives harsh industrial and outdoor duty.
Acrylic Sheet (PMMA)
Acrylic (PMMA) offers 92% light transmission—higher than glass—with a smooth, glossy surface and excellent weatherability. It is more rigid and brittle than PC but far easier to polish and laser-cut into crisp edges, making it the preferred choice for optical and display work.
PC vs Acrylic at a Glance
| Property | PC (Polycarbonate) | Acrylic (PMMA) |
|---|---|---|
| Impact resistance | IK10 (very high) | Moderate |
| Light transmission | ~88% | 92% |
| Temp range | -40 to 120 °C | -40 to 80 °C |
| Surface | Slightly soft | Glossy, smooth |
| Best for | Industrial, outdoor | Display, optical |
Machining Processes
- CNC cutting: high-precision routing and milling for complex 2D/3D shapes.
- Laser cutting: clean, sealed edges on acrylic; vector cutting on PC.
- Bending: heat-line bending for enclosures and guards.
- Bonding: solvent or adhesive joining for seamless assemblies.
- Screen printing: logos, markings and gradients on finished parts.
Selection Recommendations
Which Material to Choose
- Outdoor or industrial: choose PC for impact and temperature resistance.
- Display or optical: choose acrylic for maximum clarity and surface quality.
- Combined needs: use PC structurally and acrylic for optical windows.
Typical Applications
- Power adapter housings and covers.
- Display stands and retail fixtures.
- Signage and nameplates.
- Protective guards and machine covers.
- LCD frames and bezels.
Chaorong Service
Our Commitment
We provide 24-hour prototyping, a minimum order quantity of just 1 piece, and free technical consulting to help you choose PC or acrylic and the right process. Send a drawing or concept and we will respond quickly.
Finishing and Surface Treatment
Acrylic can be flame-polished for crystal-clear edges, while PC benefits from light abrasion and a protective hard-coat to resist scratching. Both materials accept UV-printing and screen printing; for outdoor signage, specify UV-stable inks and edge sealing to prevent yellowing. Consider anti-glare or anti-fingerprint coatings for touch or display surfaces to improve long-term appearance.
Design for Manufacturability
Provide DXF or STEP files with clearly labeled bend lines, hole sizes and tolerances. Keep minimum wall thickness around 1.5 mm for PC and 2 mm for acrylic to avoid stress cracking, and add radiused corners to reduce laser-cut stress. Early design review with our engineers prevents costly rework and shortens the prototyping cycle.
Combining PC and Acrylic in One Product
Many enclosures pair a tough PC structural shell with an acrylic optical window, gaining impact resistance where it matters and clarity where users look. We can machine both materials and bond them into a single assembly, finishing with matched edges and printed graphics so the final part looks like one designed object rather than two joined plates.
Material Selection Quick Reference
When unsure between PC and acrylic, start from the duty: outdoor signage and machine guards favor PC for impact and temperature; indoor displays, price tags and optical windows favor acrylic for clarity and polish. If the part is both structural and viewed, a PC shell with an acrylic window is often ideal. List your top three requirements and the choice usually becomes clear.
Application Example: Retail Display Stand
A cosmetics display stand pairs a clear acrylic body with printed brand graphics and LED-edge lighting. Laser cutting delivers crisp shapes, solvent welding gives invisible joints, and screen printing adds the logo. The result is a premium-looking fixture produced in low volume with 24-hour prototyping—exactly where Chaorong's MOQ-1 service shines.
Application Example: Power Adapter Housing
For an adapter enclosure exposed to drops and heat, PC provides the impact and thermal margin, with a light texture to hide fingerprints. Vents and snap-fit features are CNC or laser cut, and the two halves are ultrasonically welded or solvent bonded. Tight tolerances around the AC inlet and USB port keep the product safe and compliant.
Cost Optimization Tips
Reduce cost by consolidating parts (fewer assemblies), choosing standard sheet thickness, and designing for single-setup machining. Share your annual volume so we can suggest the most economical process—laser for thin acrylic, CNC for thick PC, and forming instead of bonding where possible.
Tolerances and Dimensional Control
For visually critical parts, hold flatness within 0.2 mm over 300 mm and edge straightness within 0.1 mm; laser cutting naturally achieves this on thin sheet, while CNC routing needs sharp tooling and proper fixturing. Warpage in PC can be managed by symmetric wall sections and gentle cooling after forming.
Assembly and Joining Methods
Acrylic is best joined with solvent cement (wicking or capillary), producing near-invisible welds; PC uses specialized cyanoacrylate or two-part epoxy because standard solvents do not attack it. Mechanical fastening should use oversized holes and rubber washers to accommodate thermal expansion and avoid stress cracking at the screw.
Safety and Regulatory Notes
Both PC and acrylic are combustible; for enclosures near live parts, consider flame-retardant grades (PC is available in V-0) and provide internal barriers. Edge lighting with LEDs should use low-temperature strips to avoid softening. Chaorong can advise on the right grade for your certification path.
From Prototype to Volume
Our typical flow is: review drawing, quote, 24-hour prototype, approval, then ramp to volume with the same process and fixtures. For recurring orders we keep programmed setups and reserved material, shortening lead time. Whether you need a single display sample or ten thousand housings, the engineering review at the start prevents the most common field failures and keeps your program on schedule.
Getting a Quote
To receive a fast quote, send a DXF or STEP file with material, thickness, tolerance and quantity. Our engineers return a process recommendation and price within one business day, and a physical sample within 24 hours for standard materials. This low-friction path is why design teams choose Chaorong for both prototypes and production runs.
Why Choose Chaorong
Chaorong combines CNC and laser capability with experienced engineering to deliver precise PC and acrylic parts for display, signage and power-adapter customers worldwide, with fast turnaround and low minimums.
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