Optical-Grade Polycarbonate for Drone Camera and Gimbal Housing
A high-impact, optically transparent polycarbonate (PC) resin optimized for injection-molded drone camera housings, gimbal protective covers, optical lens retention rings, and transparent observation windows on payload bays.
Key Features
- ✓Izod impact 700 J/m — absorbs crash energy without shattering, protecting camera sensor and optics
- ✓88% light transmission with <1.5% haze — optical clarity equivalent to glass for lens covers
- ✓CTE 65 ppm/°C — minimal thermal focus shift across -40°C to +120°C drone operating range
- ✓UV-stabilized grade retains >85% transmission after 2,000h QUV — permanent outdoor installations
- ✓Thin-wall capability to 0.5 mm — lightweight housing designs without optical distortion
- ✓V-0 grade available for battery bay and ESC housing with full optical transparency
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| CTE | 65 ppm/°C (ASTM E831) |
| Density | 1.20 g/cm³ |
| Resin type | Bisphenol-A Polycarbonate (PC) |
| Flame rating | UL 94 V-2 (standard) / V-0 (FR grade) |
| Haze (3.2 mm) | <1.5% (ASTM D1003) |
| Flexural modulus | 2,300–2,500 MPa (ISO 178) |
| Tensile strength | 60–65 MPa (ISO 527) |
| Light transmission (3.2 mm) | 88% (ASTM D1003) |
| Izod impact strength (notched, 23°C) | 700 J/m (ASTM D256) |
| Heat deflection temperature (0.45 MPa) | 135°C (ASTM D648) |
FAQ
Polycarbonate is inherently softer than glass (pencil hardness ~2H vs 9H for glass) and will scratch under abrasive contact. For field scratch prevention: (1) Apply a 2–5 μm UV-curable hard coat (SiO2-based) during or after molding — commercially available PC hard coat systems raise pencil hardness to 4H–6H; (2) Store and transport drones with the camera facing up or use a foam-padded camera guard; (3) For inspection drones operated in sandy environments, consider adding a sacrificial PET or anti-scratch film on the outer lens surface. Scratched covers reduce image contrast even when mechanically intact — replace rather than buff deep scratches.