PC-Optical vs PC-Si
Polymer · grade comparison
PC-Optical and PC-Si are both polymer grades. PC-Optical is the stronger of the two: yield strength 63 MPa (9.14 ksi) against 58 MPa (8.41 ksi) for PC-Si, about 9% more; tensile strength follows at 67 MPa (9.72 ksi) vs 60 MPa (8.7 ksi). PC-Optical is stiffer (2.4 GPa vs 2.2 GPa). On the shop floor, PC-Optical forms better (very good vs good).
PC-OpticalChoose it when strength drives the design.
PC-Optical vs PC-Si: 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
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell M
Hardness, Rockwell R
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.38 · Shear Strength 40 MPa5.8 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Same in both: Water Absorption (24 h) 0.15% · 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)
Min Service Temperature
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
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Strength
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m3.94×10²¹ µΩ·in · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 2.9 · 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).
UV / Weathering Resistance
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 75 / 100
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)
Same in both: Embodied Water 250 L/kg30 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 0%
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-Optical | PC-Si |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PC-Optical vs PC-Si — frequently asked
Is PC-Optical stronger than PC-Si?
Yes. PC-Optical has a typical yield strength of 63 MPa (9.14 ksi) against 58 MPa (8.41 ksi) for PC-Si — about 9% more. Tensile strength is 67 MPa (9.72 ksi) vs 60 MPa (8.7 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PC-Optical or PC-Si?
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-Optical or PC-Si?
PC-Optical. Its weldability rates very good (75/100) against very good (70/100) for PC-Si.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PC-Optical and PC-Si 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.