What is Optical Polycarbonate (PC) Board? Specifications and Industry Applications

What is Optical Polycarbonate (PC) Board? Optical-grade polycarbonate sheet, also known as unbreakable glass, is a high-clarity thermoplastic engineered for superior light transmission, impact resistance, and dimensional stability. Unlike standard plastics, optical PC delivers glass-like transparency (typically 85-93% light transmittance depending on thickness and coatings) with dramatically higher toughness-often 200-250 times stronger than glass while weighing roughly half as much.Its amorphous structure ensures excellent optical uniformity, minimal birefringence, and stable performance across wide temperature ranges (typically -40 degrees C to 120-130 degrees C). These properties make it the preferred substrate where safety, weight reduction, and visual clarity are non-negotiable.

Image: https://ecdn6-nc.globalso.com/upload/p/3116/image_other/2026-07/pc-polycarbonate-board.jpg

Key Characteristics and Working Principle

Polycarbonate's carbonate ester molecular backbone provides inherent toughness and transparency. Precision extrusion or casting produces uniform sheets, while post-processing (cutting, polishing, coating) optimizes optical paths. Coatings further reduce reflections, improve scratch resistance, and add surface functionality without compromising base clarity.

* Exceptional Optical Clarity: High visible-light transmittance with low haze, enabling sharp, distortion-free viewing or light transmission.
* Superior Impact Resistance: Virtually unbreakable under high mechanical stress, ideal for demanding environments.
* Thermal and Dimensional Stability: Maintains shape and optical properties under temperature fluctuations and humidity.
* Lightweight and Formable: Easy to machine, thermoform, or cold-bend for complex geometries.
* Coatable Surface: Readily accepts functional coatings for enhanced performance.

Image: https://ecdn6-nc.globalso.com/upload/p/3116/image_other/2026-07/polycarbonate-impact-test.jpg

Technical Specifications

Light Transmittance
89 - 93%

Haze
less than or equal to 0.5 - 1.0%

Refractive Index
1.585 - 1.587

Impact Strength
600 - 850+J/m

Tensile Strength
greater than or equal to 60 - 65MPa

Vicat Softening Temperature
145 - 150 degrees C

Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT)
130 - 138 degrees C

Continuous Service Temperature
-40 ~ +120 / 130 degrees C

Water Absorption (24h)
less than or equal to 0.35%

Pencil Hardness (Uncoated)
2B - HB

Application ScenariosOptical PC boards serve diverse high-value sectors:

* Displays & Touch Panels: Protective covers, diffusers, and overlays for industrial HMIs, kiosks, medical devices, and consumer electronics.
* Automotive: Headlamp lenses, instrument clusters, HUD combiners, interior ambient lighting, and lightweight glazing components.
* Optics & Imaging: Lenses, sensor windows, machine vision covers, and AR/VR elements.
* Industrial & Architectural: Machine guards, observation windows, skylights, and illuminated signage requiring durability and clarity.

Image: https://ecdn6-nc.globalso.com/upload/p/3116/image_other/2026-07/optical-polycarbonate-pc-board-application.jpg

Custom Services from Fuxin Glass [https://www.fuxinag.com/custom-optical-pc-board-high-transparency-scratch-resistant-supporting-ar-af-hard-coating-surface-treatment-precision-machined-for-electronic-devices-product/]We specialize in precision fabrication and value-added processing of optical PC base materials to exact customer specifications:

* Shape Customization: CNC precision cutting, routing, drilling, edge polishing, and complex contouring for any geometry.
* Surface Hard Coating: Significantly enhances scratch and abrasion resistance while maintaining optical clarity.
* AF (Anti-Fingerprint) / Hydrophobic Coating: Oleophobic treatment repels fingerprints, oils, and water droplets for easier cleaning and sustained aesthetics-ideal for touch interfaces.
* AR (Anti-Reflective) Coating: Multi-layer vacuum-deposited coatings minimize surface reflections, boosting light transmission (often >94%) and contrast in bright or high-precision environments.

Factory Coating Capabilities

Hard Coating
Pencil Hardness 3H - 5H
Significantly improves surface durability

AF Coating
Water Contact Angle greater than or equal to 105 degrees - 110 degrees
Repels fingerprints, oil, and water droplets

AR Coating
Reflectance < 1.5% per side Improved transmittance (>94%)
Reduces surface reflection and glare

Hard + AF + AR Combined
Highest performance solution Hardness 4H+, AF + AR effects
Combines scratch resistance, anti-fingerprint, and anti-reflection

Custom Coating
Available upon request
Tailored according to customer requirements

Image: https://ecdn6-nc.globalso.com/upload/p/3116/image_other/2026-07/polycarbonate-pc-sheet-shape-custom.jpg

Our end-to-end capabilities support small-batch prototypes to volume production, with strict quality control for optical performance, coating durability, and dimensional accuracy. We serve discerning manufacturers seeking reliable, high-performance optical components with short lead times and competitive pricing.

For more information or inquiries: Website: https://www.fuxinag.com/ Email: yamy@fuxinag.com [mailto:yamy@fuxinag.com] Tel: +86 13435399349 [tel:+86%2013435399349]

Media Contact
Company Name: Fuxin Glass Technology Co., Ltd
Email:Send Email [https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=what-is-optical-polycarbonate-pc-board]
Country: China
Website: https://www.fuxinag.com/

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