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Polycarbonate (PC): The Unbreakable Standard

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Polycarbonate (PC): The Unbreakable Standard

Nov 27 , 2025
Polycarbonate Lens Technology

 

Polycarbonate (PC): The Unbreakable Standard

Born from Aerospace, Perfected for Vision. Originally developed for bulletproof glass and astronaut helmet visors, Polycarbonate (PC) revolutionized the eyewear industry in the 1980s.

It is a thermoplastic material known for its extraordinary impact resistance—up to 10 times more resistant than plastic or glass. For safety eyewear, sports goggles, and children's glasses, Polycarbonate is not just an option; it is the responsible choice for eye protection. Jings Eyewear utilizes optical-grade PC pellets and precision injection molding to deliver lenses that prioritize safety without compromising aesthetics.

-------------- Why Choose Polycarbonate? ---------------

Unmatched Impact Resistance

Polycarbonate is virtually shatterproof. Unlike CR-39 which can crack, or mineral glass which can shatter into dangerous shards, PC absorbs impact energy by flexing.

This property makes it the mandatory material for:

  • Safety Eyewear: Meeting ANSI Z87.1 and EN166 standards.
  • Sports Eyewear: Protecting athletes from high-velocity balls or debris.
  • Children's Glasses: Withstanding rough play and accidental drops.
  • Rimless Frames: Preventing cracking at drill-mount points.
Impact Resistance Test

 

-------------- Manufacturing & Features ---------------

Production & Performance

Polycarbonate lenses are created through Injection Molding, a rapid high-pressure process that melts the pellets and injects them into molds.

  • Injection Molding Process
    Injection Molding
    Pellets are melted at ~300°C and injected under high pressure. This allows for complex curves and high production efficiency.
  • Natural UV Protection
    100% Natural UV Block
    Unlike other materials that need coatings, PC naturally blocks 100% of UV rays (up to 380nm-400nm) due to its chemical structure.
  • Lightweight Comfort
    Thinner & Lighter
    With a refractive index of 1.586, PC lenses are thinner than CR-39. They are also 30% lighter, providing all-day comfort.

     

-------------- Addressing The Challenges ---------------

The "Softness" & "Dispersion" Challenge

The Issue:

  • Low Abbe Value (30): PC has higher chromatic aberration than CR-39, which can cause slight color fringing in high prescriptions.
  • Soft Surface: Being a softer thermoplastic, uncoated PC scratches very easily.

The Jings Eyewear Solution:

  • Premium Hard Coating: We apply a dual-side dip-hard coating (4H-5H hardness) to every PC lens to rival glass scratch resistance.
  • AR Coating Essential: An Anti-Reflective coating is highly recommended to improve light transmission and reduce visual noise caused by the lower Abbe value.
Property PC Specification Comparison
Refractive Index 1.586 Thinner than CR-39 (1.50)
Abbe Value 30 Lower than Trivex (45) & CR-39 (58)
Specific Gravity 1.20 g/cm³ Lightweight
UV Cut 100% (Natural) No chemical treatment needed

Developing Safety or Kids' Eyewear?

Polycarbonate is the only safe choice. Let us help you select the right hard coating for maximum durability.

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