CNC Machining of Polycarbonate and Acrylic

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In the realm of custom part manufacturing, polycarbonate (PC) and acrylic (PMMA) stand out as two of the most soughtafter engineering plastics. Their optical clarity, durability, and manufacturability make them ideal for a vast array of applications, from medical devices and automotive lenses to consumer electronics and protective barriers. As a leading onestop CNC machining service provider, we specialize in transforming these versatile materials into highprecision components that meet the most stringent requirements.


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Material Characteristics: Choosing Between PC and Acrylic

While both are transparent thermoplastics, their properties cater to different needs. Understanding this distinction is key to selecting the right material for your project.

Polycarbonate (PC) is renowned for its exceptional impact strength – it is virtually unbreakable. It also possesses good heat resistance, making it suitable for applications involving higher temperatures. However, polycarbonate is susceptible to scratching and can yellow upon prolonged exposure to UV light if not coated.
Acrylic (PMMA) offers superior optical clarity and light transmission, often compared to glass. It is highly resistant to UV degradation and weathering, maintaining its clarity over time. While stiffer and more scratchresistant than PC, acrylic is a more brittle material and has a lower impact strength.


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Our CNC Machining Expertise

CNC machining is the preferred manufacturing process for creating precise, complex, and highquality parts from both polycarbonate and acrylic. Our advanced CNC milling and turning capabilities allow us to achieve tight tolerances and excellent surface finishes. The challenge with these materials lies in their sensitivity to heat and stress during machining.



Our technical expertise ensures optimal results:
Minimizing Internal Stress: We employ specific machining strategies and tool paths to prevent stress cracking, a common issue, especially in acrylic.
Achieving Optical Clarity: For clear parts, we use specialized tools and cooling techniques to avoid clouding or microfractures, delivering a pristine, glasslike finish.
Efficient Coolant Management: We utilize appropriate coolants and machining parameters to manage heat effectively, preventing material melting or deformation.
Secondary Operations: We offer a full suite of postprocessing services, including polishing for brilliant transparency, antiscratch coating for PC, and lightdiffusing finishes for aesthetic applications.

Driving Your Product Innovation

Whether you need shatterproof polycarbonate enclosures for rugged environments or crystalclear acrylic lenses and light guides, our onestop service ensures a seamless journey from your CAD model to the final part. We provide expert material selection advice, precision machining, and quality inspection, all under one roof, accelerating your timetomarket and reducing logistical complexity.

Partner with us to leverage the unique advantages of polycarbonate and acrylic. Let our CNC machining expertise bring clarity, strength, and precision to your next innovative product.