Prototype viewers
Visors to check the operation of a prototype.
Engineering plastics · Custom parts
CNC machining
of polycarbonate.
Transparency with impact resistance. We manufacture machined polycarbonate parts for covers, visors, and product prototypes.
Get your quoteQuote in 24 h · Engineering review
- From
- 1 unit
- Delivery from
- 8 working days
- Material
- PC Engineering plastic
01 / Why choose this material
Properties and uses
of polycarbonate.
Polycarbonate with good impact resistance. Machining leaves surface marks; polishing allows improving the clarity of optical zones.
Polycarbonate, abbreviated PC, is a tough thermoplastic used in transparent parts. Tools leave marks on the surface, so it is advisable to define which zones need polishing to improve clarity and which are purely functional.
Learn about the CNC machining process ↗Polycarbonate properties
Mechanical reference · Proto&Go! material datasheet
- Indicative density
- 1,20 g/cm³
- Tensile strength
- 60 MPa
- Flexural modulus
- 2,2 GPa
- Hardness
- 85 Shore D
- Continuous use · ref. PDF
- 120 °C
- Presentation
- Semi-finished for CNC
Weather resistance requires an appropriate grade or UV protection. Solvents can cause cracks under stress. The additional values are references from the published PDF; the supply grade and testing can change them.
Material datasheets
- Impact resistant
- Transparent with appropriate finish
- Electrical insulator
- Good toughness
Polycarbonate applications
Transparent covers
Covers where the interior of a unit needs to be observed.
Enclosures
Transparent enclosures for form and assembly validation.
Optical validation models
Display models with defined polished surfaces.
02 / A choice based on usage
Choose polycarbonate
according to your part.
These criteria help define the material, geometry, and working conditions before manufacturing.
01
Impact resistance
PC is rated when toughness is important in addition to transparency. A safety protection requires validating the complete design.
02
Surface clarity
Request transparent polishing on the viewing faces. Machining alone does not guarantee final optical quality.
03
Environment and cleanliness
Confirm UV resistance and cleaning products. Some solvents can cause stress cracking.
The part's function is the starting point.
Indicate loads, temperature, environment, and appearance needed. If the drawing requires a specific grade, include it in the request.
03 / Finishing also counts
Finishes and appearance
of polycarbonate.
Define visible surfaces and the required result for your part. Requested treatments are included in the quote.
The part retains machining marks. Indicate adjustment surfaces and visible faces on the drawing.
The image could not be loaded. Try a different finish.
Reference images: material, geometry, and surface preparation influence the outcome. Special finishes are quoted upon request.
04 / From design to quote
CNC machining
of polycarbonate.
Milling and turning allow manufacturing polycarbonate parts from a block, plate, or bar. The tool removes material to obtain faces, cavities, drilled holes, and contours according to the design.
Send a 3D model per part in STEP or a native supported format: SLDPRT, X_T, X_B, IPT, CATPART, PRT, SAT, or 3DM. Attach a PDF drawing for threads, inserts, or specific tolerances. STL is accepted only for 3D printing.
Upload your file and request a quotePart tolerances
For dimensions without a specific tolerance, Proto&Go! applies ISO 2768-m. With a drawing, equivalent tolerances to IT11 can be assessed, depending on the geometry and requested dimensions. Attach the drawing and mark the functional surfaces.
Calculate a tolerance ↗Quantity and cost per part
In CNC, setup costs are distributed across the batch units. The final reduction depends on machining time and material.
Quote in 24 hours
Parts from 8 working days after confirming the order. The quote specifies the lead time based on geometry, material, finish, and quantity.
How much it costs to manufacture
The price of your part
in polycarbonate.
The cost of CNC machining polycarbonate depends on the geometry, grade, tolerances, finish, and quantity. It includes material, preparation, and machining.
Check the catalog example to compare materials. To know the cost of your design, request a quote with your 3D file.
Frequently asked questions
Before manufacturing
in polycarbonate.
Properties, applications, and manufacturing: answers to prepare your request.
What is polycarbonate and what properties does it have?
Transparent polycarbonate with good impact resistance. Machining leaves surface marks; polishing allows improving the clarity of optical areas. Weather resistance requires an appropriate grade or UV protection. Solvents can cause stress cracking. The added values are references from the published PDF; the supply grade and testing can change them.
What parts can be manufactured in polycarbonate?
We can manufacture prototype visors, transparent covers, housings, and validation optical models. CNC machining allows adapting the geometry to your 3D file. Define the loads, the environment, and the finish so we can review the application.
Polycarbonate or PMMA for a transparent part?
Polycarbonate stands out for its impact resistance; PMMA or acrylic for its clarity and visual appearance. In both, the final transparency depends on the finish. The choice must consider impacts, thickness, and usage environment.
Does a machined polycarbonate part remain transparent after machining?
The material is transparent, but machining marks can reduce clarity. Indicate the faces that need transparent polishing and the expected visual result. Not all internal surfaces or geometries can be polished in the same way.
Can I use machined polycarbonate outdoors?
An appropriate grade or UV protection must be chosen. Temperature and cleaning products must also be reviewed, as some agents can cause stress cracking. Weather resistance is not identical in all polycarbonates.
How much does it cost to machine a polycarbonate part?
The cost of CNC machining polycarbonate depends on the geometry, grade, tolerances, finish, and quantity. It includes material, preparation, and machining. Upload the 3D file to the Proto&Go! platform to receive a quote with cost and lead time.
What tolerances can I request for a polycarbonate part?
For dimensions without a specific tolerance, Proto&Go! applies ISO 2768-m. With a drawing, equivalent tolerances to IT11 can be assessed, depending on the geometry and requested dimensions. Attach the drawing and mark the functional surfaces.
What file do I need to manufacture a polycarbonate part?
Send a 3D model per part in STEP or a native supported format: SLDPRT, X_T, X_B, IPT, CATPART, PRT, SAT, or 3DM. Attach a PDF drawing for threads, inserts, or specific tolerances. STL is accepted only for 3D printing.
Compare before choosing
Other options for your part.
Your next part
Shape
in polycarbonate.
Upload the 3D file. We review feasibility and send you the quote.