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Polycarbonate (PC) CNC Machining Services

PlasticCNCPro is a China-based specialist in CNC machining of engineering plastics. We manufacture custom Polycarbonate (PC) parts for prototypes, low-volume production, and repeat manufacturing, combining material know-how with tight tolerance control and export-focused service.

Whether you need CNC milled polycarbonate windows, turned PC bushings, or complex machined covers with clear viewing areas, we help you turn drawings and 3D models into reliable parts—on time and to spec.

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Precision CNC machined polycarbonate parts

Why Choose Polycarbonate (PC)?

Polycarbonate is a tough, transparent engineering plastic that balances impact strength, dimensional stability, and heat resistance. It’s an excellent choice when you need clarity with durability or a robust, non-brittle alternative to acrylic.

1

High impact resistance and toughness

2

Good optical transparency (clear grades)

3

Better heat resistance than acrylic (Tg ~147°C)

4

Dimensional stability and good machinability

5

Electrical insulation; fire-retardant / UV-stabilized options

6

Lower risk of cracking under impact vs. PMMA

PC vs. Alternatives – Quick Guide

  • vs. Acrylic (PMMA) – PC is tougher and less brittle; acrylic polishes to higher clarity.
  • vs. ABS – PC offers higher clarity and heat resistance; ABS is more cost-effective when transparency isn’t required.
  • vs. PEEK/PEI – PEEK/PEI provide higher temperature/chemical resistance but at higher cost; PC is best for cost-effective clear or impact-resistant parts within its limits.

What We Machine in PC

We support a wide range of polycarbonate materials and stock forms for precision CNC machining.

Material Grades

  • General-purpose clear PC (sheet/plate, rod)
  • Black or colored PC (opacified/filled)
  • Glass-filled PC for stiffness
  • Flame-retardant PC (UL94 V-0 grades)
  • UV-stabilized outdoor grades
  • Antistatic and ESD-safe PC blends
  • Medical / food-contact compliant grades

Common Part Types

  • Machine guards, protective covers, viewing windows
  • Clear lids, enclosures, instrument panels
  • Light-transmitting covers, light pipes, lenses*
  • Electrical insulation plates, brackets, housings
  • Manifolds, fluidic covers (compatible media)
  • Gears, rollers, spacers, bushings, fixtures

* Optical-grade surfaces require specification; chemical compatibility must be confirmed.

PC CNC Machining Capabilities

Core processes, tolerances, and finishing options for your polycarbonate parts.

Core Processes

  • CNC milling (2.5D & 3D)
  • CNC turning (bushings, spacers, hubs)
  • Drilling, tapping, threading
  • Slotting, pocketing, profiling
  • Engraving & marking

Tolerances

  • General: ±0.10 mm typical
  • Tighter: ±0.05 mm on critical features
  • Holes/threads per drawing
  • Flatness/perpendicularity controlled

Surface Finish

  • As-machined: Ra ~1.6–3.2 μm
  • Clear-face polishing (sanding/mechanical)
  • Matte: fine bead-blast or texturing
  • Deburring & edge breaking standard
  • Threading & inserts (heat-set/press-in)

Notes for optical clarity:

Polycarbonate does not flame polish as cleanly as acrylic. We recommend staged abrasive finishing and mechanical polishing for clear faces. Please specify target clarity and areas.

Design Guidelines for Machined PC Parts

  • • Use generous internal radii to reduce stress concentrations
  • • Maintain consistent wall thickness
  • • Add fillets and edge breaks to minimize chipping
  • • Specify critical faces for optical finishing only
  • • Consider reliefs for full-depth internal threads
  • • Avoid sharp corners and deep narrow slots
  • • Confirm chemical compatibility and consider stress relief

Stress Relief

PC can develop residual stresses during machining. For demanding applications, pre- or post-machining annealing can be applied per material recommendations. Let us know your environment and performance targets.

Quality & Documentation

  • • DFM review and material recommendations
  • • In-process and final inspection (CMM on request)
  • • First Article Inspection (FAI) and reports
  • • Material certifications, RoHS/REACH declarations
  • • Export-ready packaging with protective films

Industries We Serve with PC Parts

Our polycarbonate machining supports a broad range of global B2B sectors.

Industrial Equipment & Automation
Semiconductor & Electronics
Medical & Laboratory Devices
Automotive & Transportation
Aerospace & Defense
Pumps, Valves & Fluid Handling
Food Processing & Packaging
Robotics & Assembly Tools
Electrical & Insulation

Lead Times & Batch Sizes

  • • Prototypes: typically 5–10 working days after PO and drawing confirmation
  • • Low- to medium-volume production supported
  • • Expedite options based on capacity
  • • Consistent repeat manufacturing with fixture and program retention

What to Include for a Fast PC CNC Quote

  1. 2D drawings and 3D models (STEP, STP, IGES, Parasolid, etc.)
  2. Material grade, specifications, and color
  3. Quantity and target lead time
  4. Critical tolerances and surface/optical finish requirements
  5. Inspection documentation needs (FAI, CMM, PPAP)
  6. End-use/application highlights (heat, chemicals, electrical, optical)

We will review manufacturability, recommend material options if needed, and provide a clear quotation with lead time and quality plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you achieve optically clear surfaces on PC? +
Yes, on specified faces or features using staged sanding and mechanical polishing. For lens-grade finishes, discuss target clarity and geometry early for feasibility.
How tight are your tolerances on PC? +
Standard ±0.10 mm is typical; ±0.05 mm or better is achievable on critical dimensions depending on design and size. We’ll confirm in quotation.
Do you install threaded inserts in polycarbonate? +
Yes. We support heat-set and press-in inserts with process controls to minimize stress and maintain alignment.
Is polycarbonate chemically resistant? +
PC resists many dilute acids and alcohols but is susceptible to stress cracking with some solvents and hydrocarbons. Share your media/exposure for a material check.
Do you support prototypes before molding? +
Absolutely. Machined PC prototypes are ideal for form/fit testing before committing to injection molds.
What part sizes do you handle? +
We routinely machine small to medium-sized parts. Share your envelope and thickness; we can source larger stock on request.

Why PlasticCNCPro

  • ✓ Specialized in CNC machining of plastics and engineering polymers
  • ✓ Material guidance for optical, thermal, electrical, and wear requirements
  • ✓ Prototype, small-batch, and repeat production under one roof
  • ✓ Engineering-driven communication and clear, fast quotations
  • ✓ Flexible tolerances, finishes, markings, and packaging for export
  • ✓ Consistent quality and dependable lead times for international B2B buyers

Get a Quote

Send your RFQ with drawings and requirements to start your Polycarbonate (PC) CNC machining project. We’ll review design details, advise on material/finish choices, and provide a competitive, transparent proposal.

RFQ Support

Send Your Drawing for a Quote

Share your 2D drawing, 3D model, material, quantity, tolerance, surface finish, and application details. Our team will review manufacturability and reply with a practical quotation.

Email: info@plasticcncpro.com

Address: 29 Fuxing Road, Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, China

Make custom plastic CNC machining simpler and more dependable—partner with PlasticCNCPro for your machined polycarbonate parts.