What is Optical Polycarbonate (PC) Board?

2026-07-27

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°C to 120–130°C). These properties make it the preferred substrate where safety, weight reduction, and visual clarity are non-negotiable.

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.

Polycarbonate Impact Test.jpg

Technical Specifications

Light Transmittance	89 – 93%
Haze	≤ 0.5 – 1.0%
Refractive Index	1.585 – 1.587
Impact Strength	600 – 850+J/m
Tensile Strength	≥ 60 – 65MPa
Vicat Softening Temperature	145 – 150°C
Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT)	130 – 138°C
Continuous Service Temperature	-40 ~ +120 / 130°C
Water Absorption (24h)	≤ 0.35%
Pencil Hardness (Uncoated)	2B – HB

Application Scenarios

Optical 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.

Optical Polycarbonate (PC) Board Application.jpg

Custom Services from Fuxin Glass

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 ≥ 105° – 110°	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

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.fuxinglasstech.com/
Email: yamy@fuxinag.com
Tel: +86 13435399349