Polish Polycarbonate: Подробное руководство

Polycarbonate is a commonly used plastic that is used in a wide range of applications. However, when using it in different applications, the need to polish it is significant so that the optical clarity and aesthetics improve.

If you need to know more about polish polycarbonate, read the guide below.

What is Polish Polycarbonate？

Polycarbonate polishing is a process that helps make the surface of polycarbonate smooth. This process helps in restoring the shine of the material. The polycarbonate ends up being discolored or dull or develops some scratches. Hence, polishing helps solve these issues.

Benefits of Polished Polycarbonate

There are multiple benefits of polished polycarbonate, and some of these are as follows:

• The surface of polycarbonate components, which are polished, offers more light to pass through. Hence, applications that require high transparency may use it.
• Polished polycarbonate has a smooth surface, which makes it scratch-resistant and improves its lifespan.
• Polishing helps to shed the polycarbonate surface from the chemicals and other pollutants that lead to discoloration. Hence, the ability of polycarbonate to retain its color is improved.
• Polycarbonate surfaces that are polished appear to be highly appealing, and applications where aesthetics are essential are used.

How to Polish Polycarbonate?

There are different methods to polish polycarbonate, and some of these are discussed below.

Sanding

Sanding is a method that is used to improve the surface finish of the поликарбонат component. It helps in removing the scratches from the surface, making it smooth. The process uses an abrasive nature and removes the defects from the surface. The process uses sandpaper, which has a coarse grit; it can be either a dry process or a wet process.

How Polycarbonate Sanding is Done?

The process of polycarbonate sanding is conducted using the steps given below.

1. Collect all the sandpapers of different grades, gloves, goggles, wiping cloths, and water.
2. Prepare the component of the polycarbonate by wetting it a bit, but do not use too much water.
3. Start to sand the component and start with the low grit. Move the sandpaper in a circular direction and remove the scratches.
4. Keep on spraying water on the surface to avoid debris from building up.
5. Keep on using a sanding tool to get a smooth surface.
6. Gradually change the grit of the sandpaper from coarse to fine, and also keep on reducing the pressure of the sanding.

Pros of Sanding Polycarbonate

• The process of sanding is very simple and cheap.
• It works for big and small surfaces.
• It can remove imperfections and scratches from the surface.

Cons of Sanding Polycarbonate

• It is a time-consuming task and requires effort.
• The damage to the surface is possible if it is not done properly.
• It needs expertise so that a uniform finish is achieved.

Полировка паром

Vapor polishing is a process that involves the use of solvent vapors that dissolve the polycarbonate surface. It creates a glossy and smooth finish. The component of polycarbonate that has to be polished is exposed to the vapor for a very short time so that the surface is evenly polished.

Vapor Polishing Polycarbonate Processes

The process of vapor polishing on polycarbonate comprises the following steps, and these are as follows:

• Collect the essential materials like a chemical solvent, gloves, masks, and heating equipment.
• Clean the surface of the polycarbonate so that it can be prepared before polishing.
• Heat the solvent in a kettle till it reaches its melting point.
• The heated solvent vapor is then applied to the surface of polycarbonate.
• As the vapor melts on the surface, the surface will become glossy and smooth.

Pros of Vapor Polishing Polycarbonate

• It creates a mirror-like finish with high gloss.
• The process is faster compared to buffing and sanding.
• It doesn't produce any starches on the surface.

Cons of Vapor Polishing Polycarbonate

• It needs specialized handling and vapor polishing equipment.
• The fumes of solvent are toxic, and hence, a well-ventilated environment is needed.
• The process is costly compared to other methods.

Buffing

Buffing is a method that consists of using abrasive components followed by a buff wheel that rotates. It helps create a smooth and glossy surface finish. The process consists of attaining a high-gloss finish on the sheet of polycarbonate.

How Buffing of Polycarbonate is Done?

The process of buffing on polycarbonate is done in the following steps:

• The process requires protective clothing, buffer, fine-grit sandpaper, and loose abrasive.
• Start by sanding the component of polycarbonate so that any deep scratches can be removed.
• Buff the component with the help of a buffing machine; make sure not to keep the component in a single place, as it damages the mop.
• Make sure you have a tight grip on the compound during the buffing process, and be careful about your safety.

Pros of Buffing Polycarbonate

• It helps to create high-gloss components.
• It removes the imperfections and scratches.
• A smooth and uniform finish is attained.
• It is an affordable process.

Cons of Buffing Polycarbonate

• The process of buffing is messy.
• It cannot be used for repairing the polycarbonate components that are extremely damaged.
• It can create new scratches if the buffing process is not conducted properly.

Chemical Polishing

Chemical polishing consists of immersing the polycarbonate part in the chemical solution, which smoothes the imperfections on the components. This process is suitable for such parts that are composed of complex shapes. The solution used for chemical polishing includes solvents, acids, and some other chemicals.

Chemical Polishing Polycarbonate Processes

The steps for chemical polishing are the following:

• The process requires sandpaper, chemical polish, and protective clothing.
• The component is first finished with sanding so that any scratches can be removed. It is then cleaned with a wet cloth so that any debris can be removed.
• The chemical polish is then applied for the passivation, and it helps to smooth the surface and even polish it.
• Once the chemical polish is cured, the surface of the component is kept under water so that the cracking is prevented after polishing.

Pros of Chemical Polishing

• Chemical polishing helps to achieve a highly glossy surface.
• It doesn't need manual work.
• It works well with complex shapes.

Cons of Chemical Polishing

• It needs special handling and equipment.
• The process is expensive.
• It has chemicals that are highly toxic.
• If the process of chemical polishing is not properly done, the component can be destroyed.

How to Maintain Polished Polycarbonate Parts?

Polycarbonate polished components require maintenance, and the different ways to maintain them are as follows:

Routine Cleaning

To maintain the aesthetic appearance of the polycarbonate polished component, timely cleaning is crucial. After some intervals, make sure to clean the part, and for this, you can use a mild solution of soap. Rinse the soap with water and then use a lint-free piece of cloth to clean it.

Preventing Scratches and Damage

In order to prevent any damage and scratches on the polished polycarbonate surface, make sure to exercise care when handling. These components should be stored with protective covers, and do not place them on surfaces that are abrasive and rough.

Long-term Care for a Polished Finish

Polycarbonate degrades over time and develops a yellow color due to UV exposure. A UV-resistant coating can protect polycarbonate from discoloration, wear, and tear damage.

Get Polishing Services for Your Plastic Parts at DEK

Мы в DEK offer polishing services for your polycarbonate components. We have highly specialized equipment and tools with a skilled team that offers polishing on the surface of polycarbonate parts. So, for your next project, get in touch with us, and we will provide you with well-finished components.

Заключение

As the guide above offers you a detailed insight into the process of polycarbonate polishing and the pros and cons, choosing the right option can be great. So, you can choose the process that is suitable for your project, the nature of your components, and the budget.

Вопросы и ответы

Which plastic can be vapor polished?

Vapor polishing is used in different types of plastics like ABS, acrylic, polysulfone, and polycarbonate.

How long does vapor polishing take?

It takes a few seconds for vapor polishing to take place.

What should you not use on polycarbonate?

On polycarbonate, it is suggested not to use harsh cleaners as they can lead to discoloration.