PC-SABIC Lexan 3412
Achieving metal-like structural stiffness and exceptionally low thermal expansion in high-precision electrical and automotive housings without adding excessive weight requires a specialized composite, which SABIC’s Lexan 3412 delivers. This 20% glass fiber reinforced polycarbonate (PC-GF20) grade provides an impressive tensile modulus of 5,500 MPa and a heat deflection temperature (HDT) of 135°C, ensuring extreme dimensional stability under continuous mechanical load. Jucheng Precision, operating under IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 quality systems, specializes in high-precision injection molding of Lexan 3412. Utilizing 5-axis CNC-machined S136 stainless steel tooling and pressurized cooling, we control its anisotropic shrinkage (0.25%-0.45%) and prevent float fiber defects, delivering structurally flawless components verified by Zeiss CMM.
Lexan 3412 Glass-Filled Mechanical Modulus & Thermal Tolerance Grid
LEXAN™ Resin 3412 is a 20% glass fiber reinforced, amorphous polycarbonate resin engineered by SABIC, certified to deliver outstanding strength, continuous dimensional stability, and low thermal expansion under ISO/ASTM standards:
| Engineering Property | Typical Value (DAM / ISO) | Structural Component Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Rigidity | Tensile Modulus 5,500 MPa / Strength 90 MPa | Provides metal-matching modulus and creep resistance, preventing component deformation under continuous structural loads. |
| Heat Deflection (HDT) | 135 °C (DAM @ 1.80 MPa) | Retains mechanical properties and shape under continuous thermal load in high-heat electronic environments. |
| Anisotropic Shrinkage | Mold Shrinkage 0.25% – 0.45% | Minimal shrinkage difference parallel and normal to flow prevents part twisting or warpage on wide-span flat plates. |
Heavy-Duty Structural Process Configurations for Lexan 3412
With its high stiffness and excellent melt flow of the base polymer, Lexan 3412 fills complex structural cavities consistently:
| Molding Technology Class | Process Compatibility & Operational Details |
|---|---|
| Precision Electrical Brackets | Excellent. Fully optimized for structural electricity meter brackets, relay bases, circuit breakers, and electrical switch frames. |
| Automotive Structural Housing | Excellent. Perfect for high-strength sensor housings, headlight bezel assemblies, rearview mirror brackets, and door handle plates. |
| High-Voltage Connector Blocks | Excellent. High tensile strength and modulus are ideal for encapsulating metal brass terminal pins and dynamic connector plates. |
PC-SABIC Lexan 3412 Tooling & Glass Fiber Processing Guide
Molding an amorphous standard composite like Lexan 3412 requires strict moisture control and optimized gating to prevent abrasive tool wear and warpage:
Hardened S136 Tooling (Abrasive Wear Prevention)
20% short glass fibers act as an abrasive medium under high injection speeds. Jucheng’s tooling division prevents cavity erosion by constructing molds with premium S136 stainless tool steel hardened to 48–52 HRC and machined on our 5-axis CNCs, ensuring long-term parting line precision and flash-free parts.
Eliminating Floating Fibers (Surface Quality)
If the mold temperature is cold, the polymer matrix freezes too fast, allowing fibers to rise to the skin layer (causing a rough, whitish surface). We utilize dynamic high mold temperatures (80°C–115°C / 176°F–239°F) to keep the surface matrix resinous and glossy.
Desiccant Drying Protocol (Hydrolysis Prevention)
PC is highly sensitive to moisture at high melt temperatures. Wet molding results in rapid hydrolytic chain cleavage, causing severe splay, gas bubbles, and a major drop in impact strength. We desiccant dry Lexan 3412 resin at 120°C (248°F) for 3–4 hours, keeping moisture below 0.02%.
Melt & Mold Temperature Control
Processing barrel temperatures are maintained between 280°C and 310°C (536°F to 590°F) to ensure homogeneous melting. Mold temperatures are kept at 80°C to 110°C (176°F to 230°F) using pressurized water heaters to maximize mechanical toughness and gloss.
Key Application Fields for PC-SABIC Lexan 3412
- Automotive Electrical & Structures (IATF 16949): High-voltage EV battery connectors, sensor housings, headlight bezel assemblies, rearview mirror brackets, and accelerator pedals.
- Smart-Grids & Electrical Infrastructure: Industrial circuit breakers, heavy-duty relay sockets, terminal blocks, smart power meters, and din-rail covers.
- Consumer & Safety Products: Protective face shields, surveillance camera domes, safety helmets, clear cups, and structural drone components.
Properties
| Density | 1.34 - 1.35 g/cm³ |
| Melt Volume-Flow Rate (MVR) (300°C/1.2kg) | 6 cm³/10min |
| Tensile Modulus | 5,500 MPa |
| Tensile Stress at Yield | 90 MPa |
| Tensile Strain at Yield | 3 % |
| Nominal Tensile Strain at Break | 10 % |
| Flexural Strength | 140 MPa |
| Flexural Modulus | 5,300 MPa |
| Izod Notched Impact Strength (23°C) | 100 J/m |
| Vicat Softening Point | 145 °C |
| Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT @ 1.80 MPa) | 135 °C |
| Linear Mold Shrinkage (Flow Direction) | 0.25 % |
| Linear Mold Shrinkage (Cross Direction) | 0.45 % |
| Maximum Part Size | 1000 x 800 mm |
| Minimum Part Size | 1 x 1 mm |