Chi Mei Wonderlite PC – 115U Hot Sale PC Resin
Chi Mei Wonderlite PC-115U is a UV-stabilized, low-viscosity polycarbonate (PC) resin manufactured by Chi Mei Corporation using a non-phosgene trans-esterification process.
Physical Properties
- Density: As per ISO 1183, the material’s density is 1.20 g/cc (0.0434 lb/in³), ideal for rigid, high-strength applications requiring structural integrity.
- Linear Mold Shrinkage: Per ISO 294-4, shrinkage ranges 0.0050–0.0070 cm/cm (0.0050–0.0070 in/in), crucial for accurate mold design in manufacturing processes.
- Melt Flow: Under ISO 1133 (Melt Volume Rate), the flow rate is 15 g/10 min at 300 °C with 1.20 kg load, balancing processing ease and component durability.
Polymer Properties:
- Base Material: Polycarbonate (PC)
- Material Properties:Based on available data, Wonderlite PC-115U offers the following key properties, which are critical for design applications:
- Transparency: Excellent optical clarity, suitable for transparent molded products.
- Impact Resistance: Ultra-high impact strength, ensuring durability in demanding environments.
- Viscosity: Low viscosity, facilitating easier processing during injection molding.
- UV Stability: Enhanced resistance to weathering, making it ideal for outdoor applications.
- Heat Resistance: High thermal stability, suitable for applications exposed to elevated temperatures.
- Dimensional Stability: Maintains shape and structural integrity under varying conditions.
- Regulatory Compliance: Complies with FDA, TSCA, RoHS, SVHC, and UL 94 V-2 flame rating.
- Processing Method: Optimized for injection molding, with good flowability for complex geometries.
Applications:
Wonderlite PC-115U is suitable for a wide range of applications due to its robust material properties. Below are key design applications with specific considerations:
- Outdoor Applications: Traffic signs, outdoor lighting fixtures, and protective covers.
- Stationery Products: External pen tubing, transparent rulers, and other stationery components.
- Toys and Consumer Goods: Transparent toy components, protective casings, and decorative elements.
- Transparent Molded Products: Lenses, display covers, and medical device housings.
Processing Guidelines
To achieve optimal performance with Wonderlite PC-115U, follow these injection molding recommendations:
- Drying: Pre-dry the resin at 120°C for 3–4 hours to remove moisture, preventing defects like bubbles or splay.
- Melt Temperature: Set between 260–300°C to ensure good flow while avoiding thermal degradation.
- Mold Temperature: Maintain at 80–120°C to optimize surface finish and minimize residual stresses.
- Injection Speed: Use moderate to high injection speeds for thin-walled parts to ensure complete mold filling.
- Cooling Time: Adjust based on part thickness (typically 10–30 seconds for 1–3 mm walls) to prevent warpage.
- Ventilation: Ensure proper mold venting to avoid trapped gases, which can cause burn marks or incomplete filling.
Note: Always consult the Chi Mei Corporation processing recommendation datasheet for specific parameters.
Design Constraints
- Stress Cracking: Avoid sharp corners and notches in designs, as polycarbonate is susceptible to stress cracking under high stress or chemical exposure.
- Chemical Resistance: PC-115U has limited resistance to certain solvents (e.g., acetone, benzene). Avoid applications involving prolonged exposure to such chemicals.
- Cost: Polycarbonate is more expensive than alternatives like ABS or PMMA. Optimize part thickness and geometry to balance cost and performance.
- UV Exposure Limits: While UV-stabilized, prolonged exposure to extreme UV conditions may still cause gradual degradation. Consider additional protective coatings for critical applications.
Sustainability and Manufacturing
- Eco-Friendly Production: PC-115U is produced via a non-phosgene melt process, reducing environmental impact by eliminating toxic chemicals and minimizing wastewater.
- Recyclability: Polycarbonate is recyclable, but designs should facilitate disassembly to support recycling processes.
- Energy Efficiency: The material’s high flowability allows for lower melt temperatures, reducing energy consumption during molding.
Recommendations for Prototyping and Testing
- Prototyping: Use 3D-printed molds or soft tooling for initial prototypes to test fit and function, followed by steel molds for production.
- Testing: Conduct environmental stress cracking tests (ASTM D1693) and UV exposure tests (ASTM G154) to validate performance in outdoor applications.
- Simulation: Use mold flow analysis software (e.g., Moldflow) to optimize gate placement, cooling channels, and cycle times for complex parts.
Sourcing and Additional Information
- Suppliers: PC-115U is available through multiple distributors globally. Contact Chi Mei Corporation or visit their e-commerce platform for sourcing details.
- Technical Data: Detailed mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties are available through Material Data Center or UL Prospector (registration required).
- Verification: Always verify material properties and processing conditions with Chi Mei Corporation to ensure suitability for your application.