Consider polycarbonate (PC) when the part requires impact resistance and, for suitable grades, optical clarity. Specify the required appearance, temperature exposure and operating conditions before comparing alternatives. Select and qualify an exact grade rather than treating all transparent or engineering plastics as interchangeable.

PANTEX reviews polycarbonate enquiries for transparent protective components, electrical housings and industrial or automotive components. Transparent, coloured and modified formulations require separate consideration.

When should buyers consider PC, ABS or PC/ABS?

Use the part’s priorities to shortlist candidates:

  • PC: assess grades against the required combination of impact performance, heat behaviour and optical appearance.
  • ABS: assess opaque housing grades where surface finish, colour and the specified mechanical requirements drive selection.
  • PC/ABS: assess blend grades where the design requires a balance of impact, heat performance and mouldability.

These are screening priorities, not a universal ranking of price or performance. Compare the offered grades and qualify the part. See the ABS housing guide and PC/ABS substitution guide for the more specific checks.

Define clarity and exposure together

State whether the part must be transparent, translucent or opaque. For an optical component, specify the relevant transmittance, haze, colour and surface criteria at the intended thickness. Include outdoor exposure, cleaning media and assembly conditions in the technical brief.

ISO 21305-1:2019 provides the PC designation framework. It does not make matching designations proof of matching engineering performance. Keep the precise grade and datasheet revision in the purchase specification.

Grade data: avoid misleading comparisons

The Covestro Makrolon 2407 product page describes a UV-stabilised PC grade available in different colour and transparency options. Its data distinguish test methods, specimen dimensions and temperatures. Use that level of detail when comparing candidate materials; do not compare a Charpy result with an Izod result and attribute the difference only to temperature.

The producer example does not establish PANTEX supply affiliation or suitability for a particular component. Ask for the current datasheet for the exact offered formulation. A typical value is not automatically a contractual minimum.

Processing and component qualification

Request drying and moulding guidance for the offered grade. Confirm that the converter can follow it and evaluate the intended tool, wall thickness, fastening method and surface requirements during trials.

Record the test method and conditions for impact, heat and optical requirements. Agree which tests qualify the material and which assess the finished part. Preserve approved samples and acceptance criteria before approving repeat supply or a replacement grade.

Does polycarbonate automatically qualify for food contact?

No. PANTEX’s product guidance requires confirmation for the exact grade, destination and conditions of use. Covestro’s example page also restricts regulated applications without prior approval. Request the necessary declarations and have the responsible compliance team confirm suitability; a family description is insufficient.

Is transparent appearance evidence of impact protection?

No. Specify and verify the relevant performance for the material and the finished component. Appearance alone does not demonstrate compliance with a protective-use requirement.

Polycarbonate RFQ checklist

  • Part function, drawing and existing approved grade.
  • Required clarity, colour, thickness and surface quality.
  • Impact, heat, exposure and dimensional criteria.
  • Processing method and sample qualification requirements.
  • Current datasheet, SDS and any application-specific declarations.
  • Quantity, packaging, destination and timing.

Request a polycarbonate quotation. Grade availability and documentation are confirmed with the proposed supply.

References reviewed on 20 September 2026.