PC-ISO (polycarbonate-ISO): a biocompatible engineering-grade thermoplastic
PC-ISO (polycarbonate-ISO), an industrial thermoplastic, which in its raw state, is biocompatible (ISO 10993 USP Class VI)* and can be gamma or EtO sterilized. PC-ISO is commonly used in food and drug packaging and medical device manufacturing because of the material’s strength and medical compatibility. When combined with the Solaxis environment, PC-ISO gives you parts that can be used for conceptual modeling, functional prototyping, and production parts.
| Standard lead time | About 4 working days, depending on part size, quantity, number of components and finishing degrees. |
|---|---|
| Standard accuracy | ±0.012 in (± 0.3 mm) - may vary depending on geometry. |
| Layer thickness | 0.007 in (0.178 mm) to 0.013 in (0.330 mm) |
| Minimum wall thickness | 0.039 in - 1 mm |
| Maximum build dimensions | Dimensions are unlimited as components may be composed of several sub-parts. The maximum build envelope is 3 x 2 x 3 ft (914 x 610 x 914 mm). |
| Surface structure | Unfinished parts typically have a rough surface but all kinds of fine finishes are possible. FDM/FFF parts can be smoothed, painted and coated. |
| Measure | Value | Test method |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength ultimate | 8 300 psi | 57 MPa | ASTM D638 |
| Tensile modulus | 289 800 psi | 2 000 MPa | ASTM D638 |
| Elongation at break | 4% | ASTM D638 |
| Heat deflection temperature (HDT) at 66 psi | 271 °F | 133 °C | ASTM D648 |
| Heat deflection temperature (HDT) at 264 psi | 260 °F | 127 °C | ASTM D648 |
| Density | 1.2 g/cm3 | ASTM D792 |
We are committed to enlightening you in your choices. Here is a tool to help you compare the different layers thickness.
Note that we also offer the finishing service, to meet all your specific needs.
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We strongly recommend to our customers a good preparation of digital 3D files. This preparation will ensure the quality and optimal 3D printing of your files.
If your file has multiple assembled parts that contain overlaps, it is important to unify into a single solid file. If you are working with surface files and shells, it is important to transform the surface models into a solid format.
The quality of 3D files is very important. We prefer to work with parametric models. This allows us to optimize the resolution when creating .STL files for the best results.
If you decide to transform a parameterized file yourself into an .STL file, you must ensure that you have enough resolution to keep most of the characteristics. Otherwise, there is a risk of losing important functions of your 3D model.
We accept file formats: Solidworks, Catia, STEP, IGES, Parasolid (X_T, X_B), and .STL high resolution.
All processes have manufacturing limits. With 3D printing, the wall thickness has a direct impact on the selection of layer thicknesses. A simple rule to follow is to make sure you have wall thicknesses 4 times greater than the layer thicknesses.
The selection of layer thicknesses will influence three important aspects of a 3D printed part.
All manufacturing processes have a variation. When programming 3D files for 3D printing we make sure to manage the shrinking effects inherent in thermoplastics. We have a multitude of controls that reduce variation and provide exemplary repeatability with all of our technological processes.
Depending on the geometry of the parts, the tolerances vary around:
When producing multiple parts, it is possible to make changes to 3D files to achieve better accuracy.
Orientation orthogonal to the XY fabrication plane is important to maximize the accuracy of the part. We obtain greater precision in the X and Y axes.
