PC-MF vs PC-Optical
Polymer · grade comparison
PC-MF and PC-Optical are both polymer grades. PC-Optical is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 67 MPa (9.72 ksi) against 62 MPa (8.99 ksi) for PC-MF, about 8% more. PC-Optical is the more ductile: elongation 115% versus 10% for PC-MF. PC-Optical is lighter (1.2 g/cm³ vs 1.35 g/cm³ for PC-MF) and PC-MF is stiffer (3.8 GPa vs 2.4 GPa). On the shop floor, PC-Optical welds better (very good vs good) and PC-MF sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than PC-Optical (premium, $$$).
PC-MFChoose it when cost is the deciding factor.
PC-OpticalChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
PC-MF 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.
Density
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Same in both: Glass Transition (Tg) 147°C297 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.15% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 0.35%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Limiting Oxygen Index
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 120°C248 °F · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F · Vicat Softening Point (B50) 146°C295 °F · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 140°C284 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: 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.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Machinability 62 / 100
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
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: 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-MF | PC-Optical |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PC-MF vs PC-Optical — frequently asked
Is PC-Optical stronger than PC-MF?
Yes. PC-Optical has a typical tensile strength of 67 MPa (9.72 ksi) against 62 MPa (8.99 ksi) for PC-MF — about 8% more.
Which is cheaper, PC-MF or PC-Optical?
PC-MF is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while PC-Optical is premium ($$$). 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-MF or PC-Optical?
PC-Optical. Its weldability rates very good (75/100) against good (65/100) for PC-MF.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PC-MF 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.