When to use polycarbonate fasteners
What is Polycarbonate?
Polycarbonates (PC) belong to a group of thermoplastic polymers containing carbonate groups in their chemical structures. Hence the name: polymers and carbonates. It’s an exceptionally strong plastic, tough, yet easy to work, mould and thermoform.
It has a high impact resistance, yet a low scratch resistance. To counter this, a hard coating is usually applied that prevents scratching without compromising the polycarbonate’s properties.
As fasteners, polycarbonates are ideal choices for certain applications, namely, when you’re fastening to polycarbonate material.
How do you use Polycarbonate Fasteners?
Polycarbonate fasteners are actually used in multiple industries for various applications - see below for some examples:
Electrical components
Polycarbonate acts as an effective electrical insulator with heat-resistant and flame-retardant properties. This makes this material ideal for electrical components, where fasteners have to withstand hot environments. Electronic applications are also suitable, such as telecommunications, high-stability capacitors, computers and other equipment.
Polycarbonate tubing and sheeting are often used, along with polycarbonate screws. These fasteners can support the properties of other polycarbonate materials instead of compromising them, as metal screws can do.
Automotive Industry
Polycarbonate is also lightweight, which is one reason why the automotive industry often uses the material as fasteners. It’s usually used in low-stress applications, as fasteners can weaken the material it’s fastened into. However, when used with polycarbonate products, it works well.
Injection-moulded polycarbonate results in a smooth surface, which works especially well for reflective surfaces on vehicles. (You’ll also find it used as headlamp covers due to its low weight and resistance to impacts.)
Can you screw through Polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate expands and contracts with extreme temperature changes. For this reason, use screws in pre-drilled holes in sheets, instead of nails. By pre-drilling the holes, you’ll avoid warping and cracking around the screw.
You’ll get great elongation properties from polycarbonate compared to other materials, such as nylon. However, avoid using polycarbonate screws in applications that involve temperatures above 115º C (212º F).
How does Polycarbonate compare to other plastics?
Compare common plastics below used to make fasteners. If polycarbonate isn’t right for your project, another plastic might be.
- PC: polycarbonate
- PA: polyamide
- PEEK: polyetheretherketone
- PI: polyimide
- PP: polypropylene
- PPS: polyphenylene sulphide
- PTFE: polytetrafluoroethylene
- PDVF: polyvinylidene fluoride
- PFA: perfluoro alkoxyl alkane
- POM: polyoxymethylene
| PC | PA | PEEK | PI | PP | PPS | PTFE | PDVF | PFA | POM | |
| Shock resistant | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||
| Abrasion resistant | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||
| Fatigue resistant | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||
| Resistant to certain chemicals | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Corrosion resistant | ✓ | |||||||||
| Low friction | ✓ | |||||||||
| High-impact strength | ✓ | |||||||||
| Flexural strength | ✓ | |||||||||
| Tensile strength | ✓ | |||||||||
| Electrical insulation properties | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Heat-resistance temperature (Celsius) or temperature range | -40° to 115° |
105° | 180° | 240° | 65° | 200° | 180° | -40° to 90° |
-240° to 260 ° |
-50 ° to 90 ° |
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Free CADs are available for most solutions, which you can download. You can also request free samples to make sure you’ve chosen exactly what you need. If you’re not quite sure which solution will work best for your application, our experts are always happy to advise you.
Whatever your requirements, you can depend on fast despatch. Request your free samples or download free CADs now.
Questions?
Email us at sales@essentracomponents.co.uk or speak to one of our experts for further information on the ideal solution for your application 0345 528 0474.