🧩 PC+PMMA – Polycarbonate + Acrylate (PMMA)
(Transparent hybrid material, rigid and with high optical gloss. Combines the mechanical strength and thermal stability of polycarbonate with the clarity and aesthetic appearance of acrylic. Used in headlights, taillights, and decorative parts with a premium optical effect.)
🔹 What is PC+PMMA
PC+PMMA is a transparent technical blend obtained by combining polycarbonate (PC) with PMMA (acrylate – polymethyl methacrylate).
The purpose of this combination is to unite the clarity and aesthetic gloss of PMMA with the impact resistance and thermal stability of PC. The result is a material with excellent transparency (up to 90%), good scratch resistance, and long-term optical durability, ideal for visible exterior components.
🔧 Composition
- Polycarbonate (PC): 60–80 %
- PMMA (Acrylate): 20–40 %
- UV / Optical Additives: 1–3 %
- Density: 1.17–1.20 g/cm³
- Softening Point: ≈ 145–155 °C
- UV Resistance: Excellent (due to the acrylic layer).
- Transparency: 85–90 %, with high optical gloss.
🚗 Where PC+PMMA is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Headlights & Taillights | Lenses, covers, diffusers | High clarity, impact and UV resistance |
| Exterior Decorative | Glossy frames, transparent caps | Hard surface, glass-like gloss |
| Car Interior | Decorative panels, backlit buttons | Premium look, stable gloss |
| Technical Lighting | Light guides, LED housings | Transparency and optical durability |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Optimal Temperature | Observations |
| Hot Air | 260 – 280 °C | Weldable, but pay attention to the surface |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | 250 – 270 °C | Clean joint, no bubbles |
| Manual Extrusion | 250 – 270 °C | For long cracks, transparent parts |
🔩 What to Weld PC+PMMA With (Material Compatibility)
As a combination of a technical and an optical polymer, PC+PMMA has limited compatibility but good weldability with similar blends.
✅ Compatible with:
- PC+PMMA ↔ PC / PMMA / PC+ABS / PC+ASA – good bond.
- PC+PMMA ↔ SAN / ABS+PMMA / ASA+PMMA – partially compatible.
❌ Incompatible with:
- PP, PE, PA, PVC, PS, TPO – completely different melting points.
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation:
Use PC+PMMA rods or transparent PC rods at 265–280 °C. Heat gradually to avoid forming micro-bubbles in the weld zone. For a glossy finish, apply a short hot air pass or optical polish after cooling.
🏭 Manufacturers and Trade Names
- SABIC: Lexan® SLX
- Covestro: Makrolon® DP / AR
- LG Chem: LUPOY® PMMA-PC
- Trinseo: CALIBRE™ Optical Blend
🧠 How to Identify PC+PMMA
- Engraved marking: >PC+PMMA<, >PMMA/PC<, >Lexan SLX<.
- Transparent material, very glossy, hard.
- At the cut: clear, glassy edge.
- Softens at ≈ 260 °C without bubbles if heating is uniform.
- Does not easily turn matte under UV or moderate hot air.
🛠️ PC+PMMA Welding at ReplastMD:
At our ReplastMD service center (Chisinau, Ciocana sector), we perform professional PC+PMMA welding for headlight lenses, LED housings, and optical panels, ensuring an invisible joint and restored optical gloss.