PC-FR vs PC-Optical
Polymer · grade comparison
PC-FR and PC-Optical are both polymer grades. Both yield at about 62 MPa — strength does not separate them. PC-Optical is the more ductile: elongation 115% versus 100% for PC-FR. On the shop floor, PC-Optical welds better (very good vs good).
PC-OpticalChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
PC-FR vs PC-Optical: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 2.4 GPa0.34 Msi · Compressive Strength 80 MPa11.6 ksi · Compressive Modulus 2.3 GPa0.33 Msi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 2.6 MPa·√m2.4 ksi·√in · Hardness, Rockwell M 72 HRM · Hardness, Rockwell R 120 HRR
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Light Transmission
Same in both: Glass Transition (Tg) 147°C297 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.15% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 0.35% · Refractive Index 1.586
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Specific Heat Capacity
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 0.2 W/m·K0.12 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 67 µm/m·K37.2 µin/in·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 120°C248 °F · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F · Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa 128°C262 °F · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 140°C284 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m3.94×10²¹ µΩ·in · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.01 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·cm · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 250 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
UV / Weathering Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Mold Shrinkage 0.6%
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 0.1 mm²/s · Thermal Shock Resistance Index 0
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every polymer grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | PC-FR | PC-Optical |
|---|---|---|
| 3D printing | Yes | — |
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
| Conductive Coating | Yes | — |
| Dyeing (Nylon) | Yes | — |
| EMI Shielding Coating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Primer Coating | Yes | — |
| Soft Touch Coating | Yes | — |
| Tinted Coating | Yes | — |
| UV Coating | Yes | — |
| Vacuum Metallization | Yes | — |
| Waterproof Coating | Yes | — |
PC-FR vs PC-Optical — frequently asked
What is the difference between PC-FR and PC-Optical?
PC-FR and PC-Optical are both polymer grades. Both yield at about 62 MPa — strength does not separate them. PC-Optical is the more ductile: elongation 115% versus 100% for PC-FR.
Which is cheaper, PC-FR or PC-Optical?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$, premium); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, PC-FR or PC-Optical?
PC-Optical. Its weldability rates very good (75/100) against good (60/100) for PC-FR.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PC-FR and PC-Optical side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.