Haze & Light Transmission of Polycarbonate
Haze refers to the amount of light which is allowed (or not allowed) or scattered when viewing through polycarbonate. While polycarbonate can be made optically clear, an effect can be manufactured into polycarbonate that allows for the desire of a haze or frosted look when viewing through the windows of the graphic overlay on certain products. Some of these products include automotive dashboards, consumer electronics, and other backlit applications (Some call this a diffused look or a diffuser). Light can be diffused without any hot spots with percentages ranging from 2% to 90%.
Some considerations to remember, while polycarbonate is a widely used material for graphic overlays, nameplates, and faceplates there are some situations where it may not be the best choice. Polycarbonate is good in all the situations below, but polyester would be a better choice (and more costly) if the situation is extreme. When a switch will be actuated (pushed) often, and a very long life is needed, polycarbonate might crack over time. Polyester provides a much longer flex life without cracking than polycarbonate
- Extreme chemical resistance
- Extreme abrasion resistance
- Long outdoor life needed
