CNC PC Machining Services

High-Precision Machining for Strong, Impact-Resistant & Transparent PC Parts
Custom Prototypes and Production with Excellent Dimensional Accuracy

What is PC CNC Machining?

Polycarbonate (PC) is a tough, transparent engineering plastic with high impact strength and good heat resistance. It machines cleanly with sharp tools and proper heat control, making it ideal for optical guards, covers, and structural components.

Tooling: Sharp polished carbide / O-flute; high rake to shear and avoid stress whitening.
Heat control: Air blast or light mist. Avoid melting—chips should curl, not smear.
Feeds/Speeds: Moderate SFM, steady chip load; use a light finish pass for optics-facing edges.
Workholding: Soft jaws/vacuum; minimize deflection on thin covers and large panels.

Polycarbonate CNC machining with polished cutters and air blast

PC edge quality and optical faces after CNC machining

Key Considerations

For clear edges and optics surfaces, climb mill with sharp tools, reduce step-over, and plan a final “polish” pass. Flame/polish or vapor finishing can be used when specified.

PC is notch-sensitive—avoid sharp internal corners and heavy deburr pressure. Manage residual stress on large, thin parts: rough → rest/condition → finish.

Precision PC CNC Machining

3, 4, 5-Axis CNC Milling

High-clarity contours, pockets, and windows for covers, shields, and housings. Balanced holders, sharp cutters, and air blast deliver uniform textures and minimal stress whitening.

PC CNC turning for lenses, rings, and cylindrical guards

CNC Turning & Mill-Turn

Smooth OD/ID finishes for rings, view-ports, and cylindrical guards. Positive-rake inserts and steady feed reduce chatter and haze; add a light finishing pass on show surfaces.

PC CNC Machining Capabilities

Standards	Detail
Max Part Size (X/Y/Z)	2300 × 1500 × 600mm
Minimum Feature Size	⊘1mm
Wall Thickness	0.25mm
Tolerance	+/-0.01
Surface Finish (as milled)	Ra0.5–Ra3.2
Standard Lead Time	3 working-days for rapid prototyping
Pricing Level	To be confirmed after design review
Type of Machine	Gantry CNC / 3-4-5-Axis CNC / Mill-Turn Compound CNC / Swiss-Type CNC / Turning Machine...etc...
Common Grades	Optical / Clear PC, Glass-Filled PC, UV-Stabilized PC, ESD / Antistatic PC

Machinable PC Grades

Pick the right balance of clarity, rigidity, heat, and ESD/UV performance.

Optical / Clear PC Glass-Filled PC UV-Stabilized PC ESD / Antistatic PC

Optical / Clear PC

High clarity & impact strength
Good heat resistance
Guards, view-ports, lenses
Polish/finish options available

Use sharp tools, fine step-over, and a light finish pass. Consider flame/vapor/abrasive polish when specified.

Glass-Filled PC

Higher stiffness & heat deflection
More abrasive—use coated carbide
Structural housings & brackets
Dimensional stability improved

Lower SFM, steady feed; consider wear-resistant coatings and frequent tool checks to maintain finish.

UV-Stabilized PC

Outdoor clarity retention
Signage, covers, enclosures
Machines like clear PC
Check color/coat requirements

Parameters similar to clear PC; verify coating/film removal and edge finishing preferences.

ESD-safe polycarbonate tooling tray (3:2)

ESD / Antistatic PC

Static-safe handling & covers
Fillers change chip behavior
Trays, nests, windows
Surface resistivity to spec

Tune feeds for sharp edges and clarity; confirm resistivity targets and handling/cleaning procedures.

Display of Our PC CNC Machining Parts

CNC milled PC housing with smooth edges and optical-grade surface finish

Polycarbonate CNC prototype components for consumer electronics and medical devices

Polycarbonate CNC turned spacer showing tight tolerance and clean bore

Polycarbonate (PC) CNC machined parts with high impact resistance and clarity

Transparent PC cover plate machined for electronics enclosure

Material Machining Guide

PC CNC Machining: Selection, Process, and Quality Notes

PC is commonly considered for transparent guards, impact-resistant covers, fixtures, and protective components. It is selected because of impact strength and transparency. For CNC machining, the final result depends on material grade, toolpath strategy, tolerance allocation, surface finish, and inspection planning.

Good Fit

Use PC when the application benefits from impact strength and transparency and the design can be machined with stable workholding.

Watch Points

Confirm wall thickness, hole depth, thread callouts, burr control, cosmetic surfaces, and finish buildup before production.

Quality Planning

Define critical dimensions, inspection method, tolerance class, and documentation requirements before the first article.

Topic	Practical Guidance for PC
Design review	Send 3D CAD, 2D drawings, material grade, finish notes, quantity, and critical-to-function dimensions.
Machining process	MTSPi can review whether milling, turning, drilling, tapping, boring, or a combined route is best for the geometry.
Surface finish	Plan cosmetic and functional finishing early, especially where coating thickness, polishing, or deburring affects fit.
Inspection	Use calipers, micrometers, gauges, CMM, or visual inspection based on tolerance risk and assembly function.

Related Material Choices

Compare PC With Nearby CNC Materials

ABSlow cost, impact resistance, and easy machining Acrylicoptical clarity and polished appearance Delrindimensional stability, low friction, and strong machinability Nylonwear resistance, toughness, and fatigue performance PPchemical resistance and low density HDPEtoughness, low friction, and chemical resistance PEimpact resistance and low moisture absorption PEIheat resistance and dimensional stability ULTEMtemperature resistance and strength PEEKhigh temperature, chemical, and wear resistance POMexcellent machinability and dimensional stability TECAFORMAHstable acetal performance and clean machining

FAQ

Is PC suitable for CNC machining?

Yes, PC can be CNC machined when the grade, geometry, tooling, workholding, and tolerance requirements are planned correctly.

What should I send for a PC machining quote?

Send CAD files, 2D drawings, quantity, material grade, finish requirements, tolerance notes, and any inspection or packaging needs.

Can PC parts be finished after machining?

Often yes. The right finish depends on the material family and part function. Confirm finish thickness and cosmetic expectations before machining.

How do I reduce cost on PC CNC parts?

Use practical tolerances, avoid unnecessary deep pockets or tiny holes, simplify setups, and reserve tight control for functional features.

CNC Plastic MaterialsReturn to the material category page. CNC Materials LibraryCompare all metals and plastics. Surface TreatmentChoose finishing options for machined parts. Request a QuoteSend files for manufacturability review.

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CNC PC Machining Services