🧩 PC-FR – Flame Retardant Polycarbonate
(Technical material with enhanced fire resistance, designed for applications requiring electrical, thermal, and mechanical protection. Frequently used in car parts, electronic housings, and components where fire safety is essential.)
🔹 What is PC-FR
PC-FR (Flame Retardant Polycarbonate) is a version of polycarbonate modified with flame-retardant additives, which reduce flame propagation and smoke emission.
The additives can be halogenated or non-halogen (eco-friendly), and the composition is optimized to reach UL94 V-0 or V-2 ratings, depending on the part’s thickness. PC-FR maintains good mechanical strength and rigidity but can be slightly more brittle than standard PC.
🔧 Composition
- Polycarbonate (PC): 75–85 %
- Flame Retardant Additives: 10–20 %
- Thermal / UV Stabilizers: 1–5 %
- Density: 1.22–1.25 g/cm³
- Melting Point: ≈ 230–250 °C
- Flame Rating: UL94 V-0 / V-2 (depending on type).
🚗 Where PC-FR is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Electrical Systems | Fuse box covers, control housings, connector brackets | Excellent insulation and fire resistance |
| Automotive Lighting | LED diffusers, lamp holders | Thermal stability and fire safety |
| Technical Interior | Module housings, outlets, connectors | High thermal and electrical resistance |
| Electronic Equip. | Covers, panels, PCB covers | Self-extinguishing, no excessive smoke |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Optimal Temperature | Observations |
| Hot Air | 280 – 310 °C | Strict control; avoid local overheating |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | 270 – 300 °C | Firm, clean joint, no burn marks |
| Manual Extrusion | 270 – 300 °C | Good for thick technical parts |
🔩 What to Weld PC-FR With (Material Compatibility)
Based on polycarbonate, PC-FR behaves similarly to standard PC, with slight melting differences due to FR additives.
✅ Compatible with:
- PC-FR ↔ PC / PC+ABS / PC+PBT / PC+FR – excellent bond.
- PC-FR ↔ ABS / ABS+PC / ASA+PC / SAN+ABS – partially compatible.
❌ Incompatible with:
- PP, PE, PA, PVC, PS, TPO – different melting points, high shrinkage.
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation:
Use PC-FR or PC+ABS FR rods at 285–300 °C. Avoid overheating — flames can blacken the weld zone. For clean finishes, apply controlled hot air at the end and optional optical polish.
🏭 Manufacturers and Trade Names
- Covestro: Makrolon® FR
- SABIC: Lexan® FR
- Trinseo: CALIBRE™ FR
- LG Chem: LUPOY® FR
🧠 How to Identify PC-FR
- Engraved marking: >PC-FR<, >FR-PC<, >Makrolon FR<.
- Color slightly yellowish or matte grey (sometimes technical black).
- Melts with difficulty, flame extinguishes immediately after removing the fire source.
- ReplastMD practical test: if the part does not burn continuously but self-extinguishes rapidly → confirmed PC-FR.
🛠️ PC-FR Welding at ReplastMD:
At ReplastMD (Chisinau, Ciocana sector), we perform professional PC-FR welding for electrical housings, flame-retardant technical covers, and structural anti-fire parts.