This section provides an overview for polycarbonates as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 41 polycarbonate manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked polycarbonate companies as of December, 2024: 1.Plaskolite, Inc., 2.APSX LLC., 3.Interstate Plastics.
Table of Contents
Polycarbonate is an amorphous plastic with a molecular formula of C15H16O2. It is made from bisphenol A.
It has outstanding impact resistance among resins, making it highly resistant to breakage, possessing high mechanical strength, transparency, non-toxicity, high weather resistance, and self-extinguishing properties. However, it has the drawbacks of low resistance to acids, alkalis, and solvents, and a susceptibility to scratching.
Polycarbonate is classified as a thermoplastic resin that softens when heat is applied.
Figure 1. Polycarbonate Reaction Formula
Polycarbonate is used in a great many applications due to its resistance and processability.
With transparency equivalent to that of glass, polycarbonate is used in optical applications such as eyeglass lenses, camera lenses, optical fibers, CD and DVD substrates, and fighter aircraft windows. Polycarbonate is the only colorless transparent material among general-purpose engineering plastics.
With the highest impact resistance of any plastic, polycarbonate is used in bulletproof materials, helmets, windshields, and more, with almost no risk of cracking when used in general environments.
Because it is resistant to ultraviolet rays and does not deteriorate easily, it maintains its high strength for a long period of time when used outdoors. It is used for outdoor items such as roofing materials and solar panel surface materials, as well as automobile headlights, roof rails, and door handles.
Polycarbonate has high dimensional stability due to its low shrinkage and low moisture absorption during molding and is used for smartphone cases and other applications.
Figure 2. Five Major General-Purpose Engineering Plastics and Their Physical Properties (Refer to the 5th edition of the Chemical Handbook)
Polycarbonate is one of the five major general-purpose engineering plastics and is characterized by its high impact strength (20 times that of polyamide and polybutylene terephthalate) and resistance to cracking. In addition to its good mechanical strength, it is also used in various places because it has self-extinguishing properties (it does not spread even if it is ignited) since it contains two benzene rings in its main chain.
Polycarbonate is not used alone but is sometimes used in polymer alloys with other polymers. For example, PC-ABS is made by mixing Polycarbonate with ABS resin, which has good chemical resistance, to improve chemical resistance. In addition, polycarbonate can be blended with polyesters such as PET and PBT, or with fillers.
Another feature of Polycarbonate is that it can be used in a wide range of manufacturing processes. In addition to injection molding, polycarbonate can be extruded, vacuum molded, blow molded, and molded using a variety of other methods.
Recently, polycarbonate has also come to be used in 3D printers, which can easily produce complex shapes. However, depending on the manufacturing method, the mechanical strength may be weakened, so caution is required.
Polycarbonate can be produced by two methods: polymerization using the reaction formula (interfacial polymerization) and ester exchange.
Polycarbonate is produced by condensation polymerization at the interface between the aqueous and oil phases by adding carbonyl chloride to a suspension solution of bisphenol A in an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution and methylene chloride or chlorobenzene. Since the reaction conditions are milder than those of the transesterification method, polycarbonates with a wide range of molecular weights, from low to high, can be produced.
After polymerization, the Polycarbonate resin is dissolved in the oil phase, and granular Polycarbonate is obtained through a separation, neutralization, and purification process, as well as a polymer recovery process, and drying process.
Figure 3. Ester Exchange Method Reaction Formula
Polycarbonate is produced by melting and mixing bisphenol A and diphenylcarbonate under the presence of a catalyst and polycondensing while recovering phenol under high temperature and reduced pressure without the use of solvents.
Polycarbonate is obtained in a pure molten state, not in solution, and can be pelletized into products, making this method a simpler synthesis process than the interfacial polymerization method.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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APSX LLC, established in 2006 and headquartered in Blue Ash, Ohio, is a manufacturer of advanced production solutions. The company mainly specializes in producing plastic injection machines, CNC machines, molds, machine parts, and motor control accessories, in which their products are employed in the low-volume production of plastic and metal parts as well as in prototype and testing processes. APSX's offerings enable efficient manufacturing processes, quality end products, and improved automation capabilities.
Interstate Plastics, established in 1980 and headquartered in Sacramento, California, USA, is a full-line distributor of plastic products. The company supplies a wide range of plastic sheet, rod, tube & bar, film, and profiles, along with accessories and care products. From laser cutting to various plastic materials, it caters to diverse industries such as semiconductor, medical, and aerospace. The company also offers full sheets, cut-to-size options, and CNC plastic manufacturing solutions. With a DMCA-protected product line and Level 2 verification, the company operates in over 10 locations across the nation, including Sacramento, Austin, and Boise.
Raise 3D Technologies, Inc., founded in 2014 and located in Irvine, California, is a professional designer and manufacturer of professional 3D printers and associated accessories. Its product line includes a range of professional 3D printers such as the Pro3 Series, E2CF, E2, and Pro2 Series, as well as industrial-grade models like the RMF500 and the MetalFuse System for metal 3D printing. The company also develops RaiseCloud, a web-based platform for managing the 3D printing process. The company holds various certifications, including ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 for its factory, ensuring compliance. Its products serve various fields like additive manufacturing and prototyping.
Makergear, founded in the United States in 2009, is a manufacturer of 3D printers. The company's product portfolio includes Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) printers and a selection of filaments and resins for 3D printing. The company sells its products to more than 75 countries and serves markets such as educational institutions and research centers for facilitating hands-on learning and innovative research projects and manufacturers and product developers.
Airwolf 3D Printers, founded in 2012 by Erick Wolf and Eva Wolf is a designer and manufacturer of 3D printers headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. The company offers 3D printers under the AIRWOLF EVO and AIRWOLF AXIOM brands as well as 3D printer products including filaments and adhesives. These products are used for various 3D printer applications including automotive 3D printing, 3D printers for architects, mass customized 3D printing, 3D printers for schools, and 3D printed jigs, tools, & fixtures.
Plaskolite, Inc., launched in 1950 and located in Columbus, Ohio, USA is a manufacturer of engineered thermoplastics. The company specializes in the production of Acrylic, ABS, polycarbonates, cross-link acrylics and polystyrene. The company works with 1900 employees on board and 86 products. The company’s products are largely used by various industries, retail display, signage of businesses, construction, lighting, security, transportation and spa and bath. The company's products are available in North America, South America and Europe. This company is a partner of Pritzker Private Capital, which works with middle-market companies based in the manufactured products, services and healthcare sectors.
MatterHackers Inc., established in 2012 and based in Orange County, California, US, is a supplier of 3D printing material and tools. The company offers 3D printers, CNC machines, filaments, 3D printer resins, laser cutters and engravers. The company's products serve a wide range of applications, including digital fabrication for manufacturers and 3D printing for libraries and classrooms. Moreover, these products provide valuable assistance to beginners entering the world of 3D printing and support professionals in tackling complex projects.
Emco Industrial Plastics, LLC. (Emco) has operated out of Cedar Grove, New Jersey for over 30 years. The company is a manufacturer and distributor of custom industrial plastics, rubber, and foam-based products for medical grade plalstic, food & beverage, chemical processing, and OEM industries. Some of the materials the company engineers are industrial plastics, neoprene, natural rubber, polyurethane, and natural sponge. The company offers services such as cutting to size, laser cutting, plastic welding, and injection molding. The company also manufactures custom machined components.
Polymershapes, founded in 1946 and located in North Carolina, USA is a distributor of plastic items. The company supplies ABS and PVC sheets, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Aluminium Composite, adhesive-backed vinyl and Banner Media. The products produced by the company are used largely in aerospace, armoured vehicles, transport, construction and chemical processing units. With highly trained and knowledgeable sales professionals, the company is now present all over the world. The company also offers film reel conversion, conversion capabilities including cut-to-size sheets, and CNC routing and machining.
Pexco LLC, based in Atlanta, Georgia, has been an industrial custom supplier offering design, engineering, manufacturing, and fabrication services of extruded plastics used for manufacturing lighting, fence, and traffic safety products since 2018. Traffic safety products include barricades, guardrail reflectors, barrier reflectors, curb systems, and lane separators. The company manufactures standard and custom-extruded plastic products from polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, polysulfone, and PVC materials. The raw material are used to manufacture DIP tubes, spiral wraps, PVDF, and nylon tubings applied in automotive and manufacturing industries to protect hydraulic hoses and in computing and electrical industries to organize the wires.
ACME PLASTICS was established in 1943 in Woodland Park, NJ, and is a manufacturer and supplier of different plastic items for the clients of the company. The portfolio of the company consists of acrylic, expanded PVC form, polycarbonate, styrene, HDPE PP, and more. The company manufactures tough and durable, polycarbonate plastic is significantly stronger than plate glass and acrylic plastic. Polycarbonate plastics are a lightweight and economical glazing material that provides increased protection against high-traffic use, vandalism, and theft. Polycarbonate plastic is more dimensionally stable than acrylic over a wide temperature range.
Professional Plastics, Inc. (PPI) is an American supplier of industrial plastic parts that was established in Fullerton, California in 1984. The company primarily offers plastic films, sheets, tubes, and rods. These are fabricated from various plastic materials including acrylic, PVC, and ultra-high-molecular-weight (UHMW) polyethylene, as well as branded plastic compounds like Techtron and Plexiglass. Its supplied parts are commonly used in the manufacture of goods such as medical trays or tools, scuba diving equipment, and panes for golf cart windshields. PPI serves clients in a wide range of industries, including in the construction, marine, and food processing sectors.
Ensinger, founded in 1966 in Germany as solely a manufacturer of plastics for commercial customers, has grown to manufacture performance and engineering thermoplastics for numerous industries worldwide. The company's products include plastic compounds, extruded semi-finished products, injection-molded finished parts, as well as compressed and cast-formed parts. Ensinger serves the plant engineering, building construction, automotive, aerospace, medical, and food markets, among many other industries. The company has over 30 international production and sales locations, serving customers across the globe.
Hangzhou Qianxi Crafts Ltd, formed in 1997, and headquartered in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China, is a manufacturer that specializes in bespoke badges, labels, stickers and nameplates. The company offers metal labels and nameplates in various materials and thicknesses ranging from 0.1mm to 1.5mm. Also, custom industrial nameplates for unique product branding, engraved plastic labels, and signs available in a wide range of materials are also provided. Additionally, the company also offers domed stickers created by applying a transparent polyurethane dome to printed designs. These products serve industrial and branding purposes, offering customization options and solutions to meet diverse needs.
Keith Payne Products Ltd, established in 1992 and headquartered in Cranleigh, United Kingdom, is a manufacturer of bespoke rubber gaskets. Its product offerings include rubber gaskets, spiral wound gaskets, EPDM rubber gaskets, as well as neoprene rubber gaskets, and nitrile rubber gaskets. These gaskets are used to prevent leaks, ensure tight connections, and maintain the integrity of systems and equipment. The company operates its management under the ISO 9001:2015 quality standard.
WeProFab, established in 2006 with facilities and offices in China, is a custom manufacturer and provider of plastic and rubber fabrication services to OEM and ODM customers. Some of the company's manufacturing services include the production of polycarbonate windshields, polycarbonate window panels, acrylic signs, rubber mats, and PVC products for original equipment manufacturers. The company uses a variety of compounds to meet client requirements, including silicone, polyurethane, urethane, neoprene, and butyl. WeProFab capabilities and services include plastic injection molding, plastic extrusion, CNC cutting, 5-axis machining, and thermoforming to manufacture different levels of plastic components.
Colibrys, a joint company established in 2001 and headquartered in Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland, is a manufacturer, designer, and supplier of micro-electro-mechanical system sensors and electronic machines. The company offers a wide range of products including mechanical power transmissions, power generation systems, and seismic sensors. These products are used in industries such as aerospace, defense, energy, and transportation. Their products are utilized for various applications including measuring acceleration, inclination, and seismic activity, enabling data collection for various critical applications. The company also offers services such as aerial refueling and air delivery systems.
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation was founded in 1933 and has a head office in Tokyo, Japan. Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation provides products including chemicals, industrial gases, and health care products to customers globally. Mitsubishi Chemical Group’s performance products division manufactures and distributes. functional food materials, electronic and electrical components, specialty chemicals, and other products. Mitsubishi Chemical health care products include pharmaceuticals, drug discovery solutions, diagnostic reagents, and instruments for medical use. Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation also provides other services such as engineering, information systems, logistics, and consulting.
WeeTect. Inc., established in 1993, based in Shanghai, China, is a manufacturer of plastic products and solutions related to eye and face protection. The company’s product portfolio includes helmet visors, face shields, plastic mirror, tinted film, and photochromic lenses and visors, among others. In 2005, it was the source of providing the Chinese government pilot visor. In 2014, it became a provider of eye and face protection products. The company’s objective is to protect people from harm and to pursue safety.
Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company Inc., established in 1918 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a chemical manufacturer that makes basic and fine chemicals and functional materials. The company has two business divisions, namely basic chemicals and functional chemicals, and its product portfolio includes electronic industry cleaning agents, MMA derivatives, hydrogen peroxide, xylene separation products, and laminated materials for printed circuit boards. In 1981, the company took the first step towards geothermal power development, and today, it is involved in geothermal power projects in five locations, including the 50,000-kilowatt Sumikawa Geothermal Power Plant, where it commenced operations in 1995.
Röchling SE & Co. KG., started in 1822 and based in Mannheim, Germany, is a manufacturer of plastic products for the automotive, industrial, and medical industries. Its automotive division manufactures in over 40 locations and makes cell contacting systems, trunks, and underbody panels. Its industrial division supplies products such as tubes, rods, and sheets, which are used for technical applications. The medical division provides products such as customized pharmaceutical packaging and drug delivery solutions. The company is available in 92 locations in 25 countries and generated an annual combined sale of 2,603 million euros in 2022.
Oil-Rite Corporation was founded in 1933 and is based in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Oil-Rite is a designer and manufacturer of lubrication equipment used in industries as diverse as automotive, machining, and baking, as well as hydroelectric dams. Oil-Rite’s featured products include constant level lubricators, level gages, feed valves, and oil systems. Additional products include grease and oil dispensers, various valves, and sights. Oil-Rite also offers support including usage, lubrication levels, maintenance, and product selection for specific needs.
Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) is a Saudi Arabian manufacturer of chemicals and intermediates established in 1976 and based in Riyadh. The company produces various basic and performance chemicals, as well as intermediates, polymers, agri-nutrients, and specialty composites. They serve companies in the industrial sectors of roughly 50 countries, with a workforce of more than 31,000 employees. SABIC has secondary large facilities in Yanbu and Al-Jubail, and is a parent company of over 38 subsidiaries and affiliate operations in Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America.
Covestro, founded in Leverkusen, NRW, in 2015 is a manufacturer of polymer materials and their components. The company's product portfolio includes polycarbonate, polyurethane, coatings, adhesives and specialties. their products find applications in packaging, industrial applications, and electronics to enhance the performance and properties of polymer materials. They serve markets such as construction, sports and leisure, electronics, fashion, and health and cosmetics. The company provides services such as Product Selection Guidance, Engineering Support, New Product Design and Development and Custom Manufacturing.
Ultimaker, founded in 2011 and headquartered in the Netherlands, is a manufacturer and supplier in the field of desktop 3D printing. The company offers a wide variety of products including 3D printers, materials, extruders, and accessories. These products are utilized in industries such as engineering, architecture, custom art, and design. They enable users to transform digital designs into physical objects, making prototyping, production, and innovation more accessible. The company also offers technical support to meet clients’ needs.
LUXI GROUP CO., LTD., based in Liaocheng, Shandong, China, is a manufacturer and distributor of chemicals, chemical materials, and fertilizers. Its product range encompasses coal chemicals like methanol and melamine, salt chemicals such as caustic soda and benzyl chloride, and fluorosilicone chemicals like Teflon. The company has garnered numerous awards, including the "China Labor Award," for technological products, and contributions to the chemical industry, making them a player in China's chemical manufacturing landscape.
MakerBeam B.V., a Dutch company based in Utrecht, the Netherlands, is a manufacturer and supplier specializing in the production of aluminum profiles and related hardware. The company's product portfolio includes MakerBeams, MakerBeamXLs, and OpenBeams. These products find applications in a wide range of industries and applications, including mechanical engineering, medical devices, scientific research, electronics and robotics, and manufacturing and automation. The company maintains a catalog of countries where its products are available for purchase, including South Africa, the United States, Austria, Belgium, and Germany.
Brett Martin Ltd. was established in 1958 and is headquartered in Newtownabbey, County Antrim, England, as a manufacturer and supplier of plastic products. The product portfolio of the company consists of Drain Pipe and Fittings, Sewer, Marlon Clickfix, Marlon ST Solar Control, and Marlon ST Opaque, among others. The products provide flexible solutions for various industries, including drainage systems, roofing, cladding, and architectural projects, meeting diverse needs and ensuring efficient wastewater management, weather protection, and aesthetics in buildings. The company serves the construction, architectural, roofing, drainage, and wastewater management industries.
Piedmont Plastics, a company established in 1968, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, is a distributor and supplier of plastic sheet, rod, tube, and film products. The company provides various products such as cast acrylic, aluminum composite material, HDPE, marine grade PVC foam sheet, and many more. These products are used for various applications such as signage, oil and gas, graphics, food processing, marine, and others. It also offers services such as cut to size, fabrication, film conversion, and sustainability and is loyal to excellence and customer satisfaction.
UVPLASTIC MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., established in 2003 and headquartered in Suzhou City, China, operates as a manufacturer and supplier specializing in polycarbonate sheets and plexiglass/acrylic sheets. The company offers a diverse range of products, including a polycarbonate roofing panel kit, a polycarbonate facade system, a glamping bubble tent, plastic injection molding, multi-wall polycarbonate, and more. It provides polycarbonate with surface enhancement through coating technologies, including anti-fog, non-glare, anti-static, and hard coating surface. It serves various sectors, including architecture & construction, medical, security, electronic, and industrial fabrication.
Filament2Print, established in 2013, is a supplier of filaments, resins, 3D printers and accessories for 3D printing headquartered in Nigrán, Pontevedra, Spain. The company offers 3D scanners, pellets & coloring, powders, and filament, industrial, resin, and powder 3D printers as well as engineering, standard, medicine & tank resins. It also offers accessories such as laser cutters, anti-warping products, epoxy resins, 3D parts solvents, and lubricants. The company supplies products from various brands including colorFabb, UPM Formi 3D, Scan Dimension, Mass Portal, and HARZ Labs.
Logiforms, started in 2001 and situated in Vancouver, Canada, is a supplier of a large collection of digital forms and PDF files. The company provides insurance quote forms, bankruptcy application forms, time-off request forms, and employee review forms. It also offers credit history forms, patient enrollment forms, course scheduling forms, and PDF invoices. Its insurance quote forms could automate quotes and calculate premiums on the fly. It has over 21 million forms processed and 40,000 user accounts.
TAP Plastics is a distributor of fiberglass materials and sheet acrylics, founded in 1952 and headquartered in San Leandro, California, USA. The company is the ultimate destination for DIY enthusiasts who enjoy home improvement projects. They offer a range of products including chemcast acrylic sheets, light panels, polycarbonate, window films, and illusion films. In addition to custom plastic panels, they also offer a wide range of rods, tubes, adhesives, casting products, and signage supplies to support the customers in every DIY endeavor. Their HDPE products are designed for commercial cutting board surfaces as well as a range of marine applications.
Arpadis Benelux, headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium, has been a distributor of specialty chemicals and polymers since 1999 Its product range includes epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, acrylic resins, polyester resins, and more. These products are used for producing various coatings, paints, adhesives, sealants, and composites for different industries such as automotive, construction, marine, and aerospace. The company is established through its European subsidiaries and offices in The Benelux, Germany, France, UK, and Portugal.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Plaskolite, Inc. |
9.7%
|
2 | APSX LLC. |
9.5%
|
3 | Interstate Plastics |
7.7%
|
4 | ACME PLASTICS. |
4.3%
|
5 | Pexco LLC |
3.7%
|
6 | Emco Industrial Plastics, Inc. |
3.7%
|
7 | MatWeb, LLC |
3.4%
|
8 | Hangzhou Qianxi Crafts Ltd |
3.4%
|
9 | Excelite Plastic Co.,Ltd |
3.2%
|
10 | MakerGear, LLC |
3.2%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the polycarbonate page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 13 | 43.3% |
China | 4 | 13.3% |
Japan | 4 | 13.3% |
India | 2 | 6.7% |
Germany | 1 | 3.3% |
United Kingdom | 1 | 3.3% |
Netherlands | 1 | 3.3% |
Australia | 1 | 3.3% |
Taiwan | 1 | 3.3% |
Spain | 1 | 3.3% |
Canada | 1 | 3.3% |