PC-HT vs PC-Optical
Polymer · grade comparison
PC-HT and PC-Optical are both polymer grades. PC-HT is the stronger of the two: yield strength 68 MPa (9.86 ksi) against 63 MPa (9.14 ksi) for PC-Optical, about 8% more. In exchange, PC-Optical is the more ductile: elongation 115% versus 90% for PC-HT. PC-HT runs hotter in service (140°C vs 120°C continuous). On the shop floor, PC-Optical sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than PC-HT (high, $$$$).
PC-HTChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
PC-OpticalChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when cost is the deciding factor.
PC-HT 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell M
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.38 · Hardness, Rockwell R 120 HRR
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Same in both: Density 1.2 g/cm³0.04 lb/in³ · Water Absorption (Saturation) 0.35%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 0.2 W/m·K0.12 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
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 · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω · 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
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 0%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 2 MN·m/kg · 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-HT | PC-Optical |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PC-HT vs PC-Optical — frequently asked
Is PC-HT stronger than PC-Optical?
Yes. PC-HT has a typical yield strength of 68 MPa (9.86 ksi) against 63 MPa (9.14 ksi) for PC-Optical — about 8% more. Tensile strength is 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) vs 67 MPa (9.72 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PC-HT or PC-Optical?
PC-Optical is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while PC-HT is high ($$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which welds better, PC-HT or PC-Optical?
PC-Optical. Its weldability rates very good (75/100) against very good (70/100) for PC-HT.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PC-HT 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.