Polycarbonate is manufactured as a crystal clear and colourless, amorphous engineering thermoplastic notable for its high impact resistance (which remains high down to -40C). It has reasonably good temperature resistance, good dimensional stability and low creep but somewhat limited chemical resistance and is prone to environmental stress cracking. It also has poor fatigue and wear properties.

Applications include glazing, safety shields, lenses, casings and housings, light fittings, kitchenware (microwaveable), medical apparatus (sterilisable) and CD's (the discs).