Polycarbonate Sheet (CNC)
Generic / House Brand
Overview
Lexan / Makrolon polycarbonate sheet machined for enclosures, guards, and transparent structural panels. 250x stronger than glass by weight. Excellent optical clarity. Requires carbide tooling and careful chip evacuation to prevent melting.
Properties
Difficulty
intermediate
Flexibility
rigid
Layer Adhesion
good
Enclosure
no
Heated Bed
no
Dry Storage
no
Pros
- Impact resistant — virtually unbreakable
- Optically clear
- Lightweight vs glass
- Drills and routes cleanly with carbide
- Available in large sheets
- Heat-bendable
Cons
- Scratches easily — needs protective coating
- Solvent-sensitive
- Generates heat during machining — slow down
- Edge chipping if bit is dull
- Expensive per sheet vs acrylic
Best For
- Machine guards|Enclosure panels|CNC router enclosures|Transparent brackets|Optical applications|Protective covers
Avoid For
- Outdoor UV exposure without UV-stabilized grade|Chemical environments|Mirror finish requirements
Storage
Store with protective film on both faces. Keep away from acetone and ketones (will craze). Store flat to avoid warping.
Brands
LexanMakrolonBayer PCMcMaster-Carr