New Polycarbonate Fabrication Guide Debuts as Interstate Plastics Expands Materials Education

Clear polycarbonate sheet being bent on a press brake.

Interstate Plastics released an application-focused polycarbonate fabrication guide to help professionals design, machine, form, and finish with confidence.

We created this guide so engineers and fabricators can move faster with fewer surprises. This resource distills what teams need to know to achieve clean edges, strong bonds, and finished parts.”

— Christopher Isar

SACRAMENTO, CA, UNITED STATES, October 22, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Interstate Plastics has released a new polycarbonate fabrication guide designed for engineers, fabricators, and specifiers who need fast, practical direction on machining, forming, finishing, and installing polycarbonate in demanding applications. The guide is part of Interstate Plastics’ ongoing commitment to materials expertise and education and follows the company’s recent recognition with the 2025 IAPD Education Circle of Champions Award. Professionals can access the guide now to streamline projects, reduce rework, and improve outcomes.

View the guide at: https://www.interstateplastics.com/polycarbonate-fabrication

The guide compiles best practices for common processes and shop scenarios: selecting the right polycarbonate grade for optical clarity or impact performance; cut-to-size planning; CNC routing and drilling parameters; cold-bend vs. thermoforming guidelines; heat bending; edge finishing and polishing; solvent and mechanical fastening considerations; gasketing and sealing; cleaning and maintenance; and avoiding stress crazing through proper handling, annealing, and chemical compatibility. It also provides practical fit-and-finish notes—hole sizing for thermal movement, recommended minimum bend radii, and when to specify AR (hard-coat) or UV-stable options.

Application focus spans core segments that rely on polycarbonate’s durability and transparency: machine guards and enclosures in manufacturing; security glazing and protective panels for schools, retail, and public facilities; retail fixtures and displays; architectural uses such as canopies and skylights; transportation interiors; cleanrooms and food processing barriers where clarity, impact strength, and chemical resistance are critical. Each section maps process choices to end-use needs so teams can move from concept to finished part with fewer iterations.

For project teams balancing cost, lead time, and performance, the guide explains where tighter tolerances matter, when to spec flame-rated or FDA-compliant grades, and how to plan for secondary operations like printing, bonding, and mounting. Readers will also find finish quality tips—chip-free edges, haze control, and protective masking practices—plus safety reminders aligned with common shop standards.

The new guide complements Interstate Plastics’ sourcing and support capabilities, including cut-to-size, CNC machining, forming, and kitting, backed by nationwide inventory and knowledgeable material specialists. Engineers and fabricators can reference the guide during quoting and prototyping to validate material choices, set realistic tolerances, and prevent downstream issues on the production floor.

To discuss application details or request assistance on a current project, contact a material expert at (888) 768-5759 or visit the guide page to get started.

Interstate Plastics is a full-line distributor of high-performance sheet, rod, tube, plate, and bar, and proudly serves many diverse industries, including OEM, semiconductor, food processing, POP display, government, agriculture, automotive, and many others. With 10 locations nationwide and an online sales and support team, Interstate Plastics provides full sheets and pallets, cut-to-size service, complex CNC, welding solutions, and full machining capabilities.

Interstate Plastics is known for selling high-quality products, providing excellent customer service, and providing superior technical support. Excellence in all facets of the customer experience has been the cornerstone of Interstate Plastics for over 45 years.

Stephen Sowinski
Interstate Advanced Materials
+1 800-742-3444
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