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How To Measure and Cut-To-Size Policy | Close it

Cut-To-Size Items are Non-Returnable!

As per our Shipping and Returns Policy, custom cuts and fabricated parts are non-returnable. If you need an over- or undersized item, note it under \"Comments\" during Checkout. Cut-to-size orders have an acceptable cut tolerance of 1/8" (0.125"), so clarify if the adjustment is to be made on the (+) or (-) side of the saw blade. Please review our full return and shipping policy here.

Measure Twice, Cut Once

Since custom cuts and fabricated parts are non-refundable, be very careful while measuring your dimensions. As each cut is nominal, even the slightest miscalculation could be costly.

How to Use a Measuring Tape

Extend your tape measure several inches to find the 1 and 2 inch markers. In between the inch markers you’ll find 16 equally spaced tick marks.

Measure by counting the increments beyond the nearest inch. As the increments decrease, so does the length of the mark. For example, 1/2\" has a bigger mark than 1/4\" which has a bigger mark than 1/8\". The smallest mark follows at 1/16\". Please be aware that some measuring tapes may have even smaller increments.

Features of a Measuring Tape: Sliding End Hook

The sliding end hook is designed for two different types of measurements. An outside measurement (where the hook of the tape hangs over an edge), requires the hook to slide out a bit to account for the thickness of the material. When making an inside measurement (where the hook will push up against a surface), the clip slides in, again, accounting for its thickness. The measuring tape self-adjusts to guarantee an accurate measurement (as far as the tape is concerned).


Polycarbonate Sheet - Natural Machine Grade

Polycarbonate Sheet - Natural Machine Grade

Machine Grade Polycarbonate | Thick Gauge & Slab | Stocking: Lexan®, Makrolon®

SKU: POLNM SH

Price for .25 x 24 x 48" Plate Qty: 1

$408.49


ESTIMATED SHIPPING TO 93001: $29.00
* Prices are subject to change every 6 days
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Description

Stress-Relieved for Precision Machining & Dimensional Stability

Interstate Plastics provides high-performance Machine Grade polycarbonate for applications requiring heavy-duty durability and tight tolerances. Unlike standard glazing sheet, Machine Grade polycarbonate is an engineering thermoplastic designed with low internal stress.

While this stress-relieving process results in a slight haze or frosted appearance, it ensures the material remains dimensionally stable during intense machining and fabrication. It offers the same legendary impact resistance as standard polycarbonate but in thicker gauges suitable for structural components.

Looking for online cut-to-size options, thinner gauges, or standard window glazing?
Check out our General Purpose (GP) Polycarbonate.

Cut-to-size is available for certain Machine Grade thicknesses.
Please call (888) 768-5759 for pricing.

Why Choose Machine Grade?

This material is the preferred choice for engineers and machinists. While it trades optical transparency for mechanical reliability, it is specifically manufactured to hold its shape during complex fabrication. It is the correct choice if you need:

  • Dimensional Stability: Low internal stress allows for complex machining without warping or bowing, critical for manifolds and precision parts.
  • Extreme Durability: Maintains high stiffness and impact resistance over a wide temperature range (-40°F to 240°F).
  • Superior Machinability: Can be drilled, tapped, milled, and cut without the cracking or chipping often seen in acrylic or lower-grade plastics.
  • Structural Integrity: Available in thick gauges (up to 4") ideal for heavy-duty machine guards, sight glasses, and insulators.
  • Electrical Insulation: Excellent dielectric strength makes it ideal for electrical components and hardware.

Machine Grade Polycarbonate vs. Acrylic

When machining parts, the difference is critical:

  • Choose Machine Grade Polycarbonate for parts that must withstand impact, vibration, or mechanical stress. It will yield under extreme pressure rather than shattering, making it the "fail-safe" option for heavy-duty industrial components.
  • Choose Acrylic only if optical brilliance is the sole priority and the part will not be subjected to impact or mechanical stress. Acrylic is prone to cracking during drilling and machining.

Read Polycarbonate vs. Acrylic Guide â?º

Fabrication & Machining

Machine Grade polycarbonate is "tool-friendly." Its ductility allows for aggressive machining speeds and feeds. It creates long, continuous chips rather than dust, and allows for cold-bending in thinner gauges without structural failure.

View Polycarbonate Fabrication Guide â?º

Need a Sample? Validate the material before you machine. Try our sample packs:

Trusted Since 1980

Interstate Plastics is a leader in high-performance engineering plastics. We source our Machine Grade polycarbonate from industry leadersâ??stocking proven brands like Lexan® and Makrolon®â??to ensure consistent stress relief and gauge tolerance, ensuring your machined parts meet specification every time.

Watch: What is Polycarbonate?

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Product Reviews

Specifications

Material: POLYCARBONATE
Specific Gravity (g/cc): 1.2
Water Absorption: 0.4% @ Saturation
Tensile Strength: 10500 psi
Tensile Modulus: 320 ksi
Flexural Modulus: 350 ksi
Flexural Strength: 13000 psi
Elongation: 100% @ Break
Izod Impact Strength: 1.5 ft-lb/in.
Hardness: M75, R126, 80 (Shore D)
Compressive Strength: 11500 psi
Compressive Modulus: 300 ksi
Continuous Operating Temp: 250°F
Heat Deflection Temp: 290°F @ 264 psi
UL94 Flammability: HB
Dielectric Constant: 3.17
Dissipation Factor: 0.0009

Frequently Asked Questions



What is Interstate Advanced Materials's Shipping Policy?
Shipping will vary based on whether your order contains custom or cut-to-size products. Details about shipping can be found here.

Is your site secure?
Yes, we implement a variety of security measures to maintain the safety of your personal information. Your information is protected both online and offline.



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WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Bisphenol A, CAS 80-05-7 , which are known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Disclaimer: Interstate Advanced Materials makes no representations about any of its products that are modified in any way after they leave its possession, nor do its representations apply when any of its products are improperly used or stored. Each customer of Interstate Advanced Materials bears full responsibility for making its own determination as to the suitability of each material, product, recommendation or advice provided by Interstate Advanced Materials. Each customer of Interstate Advanced Materials must identify and perform all tests and analyses necessary to assure that its finished parts incorporating materials from Interstate Advanced Materials will be safe and suitable for use under end-use conditions.