Overview - ISO 11963:2019 (Polycarbonate sheets)
ISO 11963:2019 specifies requirements for solid, flat extruded polycarbonate (PC) sheets for general applications. It applies to sheets made of poly(p,p′-isopropylidene‑diphenyl carbonate) that can be colourless or coloured, transparent, translucent or opaque, and may include a weather‑protective layer on one or both surfaces. The standard covers only sheets with thicknesses ≥ 1.5 mm and is intended for manufacturers, test laboratories, specifiers and purchasers who need consistent dimensional, mechanical, thermal and optical performance.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope & composition
- Applies to solid, flat extruded PC sheets (specific polymer type identified).
- Additives, colourants and stabilizers allowed up to 5% mass; protective layers (e.g., UV‑absorber enriched coatings) are permitted.
- Appearance & handling
- Surface protection (masking) on delivery required (plastic film or paper).
- Optical defect criteria and colour homogeneity to be agreed between parties.
- Dimensions & tolerances
- Measurements preferably at 23 °C ± 2 °C; length/width tolerances increase with sheet size and are specified in the standard.
- Thickness tolerances: for 1.5 ≤ d ≤ 5 mm: ±10 %; for d > 5 mm: ±5 %.
- Shrinkage limits: specified by thickness (e.g., stricter limits for thicker sheets).
- Basic properties
- Defines required mechanical, thermal and optical properties for transparent, colourless grades; other grades negotiable.
- Typical values are provided (e.g., density ~1.2 g/cm3, refractive index ≈ 1.59).
- Testing & conformity
- Detailed test methods and conditioning procedures are referenced (sampling, specimen preparation, colour measurement, dimensional checks, mechanical/thermal/optical tests, weathering).
- References include ISO test methods such as ISO 527‑2, ISO 75, ISO 4892 series and ISO 13468‑1.
- Additional clauses
- Weathering behaviour, reaction to fire and use in contact with food are addressed and/or require agreement between parties.
- Retest and rejection procedures included.
Applications and who uses ISO 11963:2019
- Manufacturers and extruders of PC sheets - for quality control and specification.
- Product designers, architects and engineers - when specifying glazing, roofing, signage, machine guards, or transparent components.
- Procurement and QA teams - to ensure delivered sheets meet agreed tolerances and performance.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies - for standardized sampling and testing procedures.
Related standards (examples)
- ISO 527‑2 (tensile properties), ISO 75‑1/2 (deflection under load), ISO 4892 (weathering tests), ISO 13468‑1 (luminous transmittance). These referenced methods support conformity assessment under ISO 11963:2019.
Keywords: ISO 11963:2019, polycarbonate sheets, PC sheets, sheet tolerances, extruded polycarbonate, UV protective layer, weathering, test methods.
