--- title: "Polycarbonate 101: What it is and Why it Works." description: Polycarbonate (LEXAN®) is cost-effective and durable solution for elements like LED windows & touch controls, labels, and overlays! image: https://www.mcloone.com/hubfs/AutoMeter%20-%202.png --- ** 1-800-624-6641 [![mcloone_logo_nobox.png](https://www.mcloone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/mcloone_logo_nobox.png?width=285&name=mcloone_logo_nobox.png "mcloone_logo_nobox.png")](https://www.mcloone.com) - [Recent Posts](https://www.mcloone.com/blog) - [NAMEPLATES](https://blog.mcloone.com/tag/nameplates#topic#topic) - [ID PLATES](https://blog.mcloone.com/tag/id-plates#topic#topic) - [LABELS & OVERLAYS](https://blog.mcloone.com/tag/labels-and-overlays#topic#topic) # Polycarbonate 101: What it is and Why it Works. ![](https://www.mcloone.com/hubfs/AutoMeter%20-%202.png) - ** - ** - ** Product identification can take many forms and many materials. While metal nameplates are very common and for a very good reason, certain applications call for something with a little more flexibility. That's where polycarbonate comes in!  Whether it's used for a graphic overlay, a crucial safety label, or for decorative branding, polycarbonate is a reliable choice for environments where lighted indicators, keypads, or control panels are included in the design. It's frequently used in industries like medical, food service, and manufacturing; especially when a lightweight, formable solution is needed. Let's take a closer look at[ what makes polycarbonate a great option for labels and overlays](https://www.mcloone.com/overlays-and-labels): ##### Lightweight & Cost-Effective Polycarbonate (often known by the brand name LEXAN®) offers an economical alternative for applications that include functional elements like LED windows or touch-sensitive buttons. It's also lightweight, making it easy to fabricate and die cut into custom shapes and sizes.  - ![Blue Polycarbonate Label with a Window](https://www.mcloone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pro%5BprtionAir%20-%202.png?width=1600&height=1066&name=Pro%5BprtionAir%20-%202.png) If you'd like to read more about embossing on a polycarbonate overlay or label, click here to read this blog.  ##### Built for Everyday Use One key advantage of polycarbonate is that the graphics are printed using a technique called second surface printing (printing on the back side of the material) helping protect them from scratches, cleaning chemicals, and general wear. This creates an ideal label for indoor equipment where labels or overlays need to remain clear and intact over time.  ##### Customization Ready From full-color graphics to transparent windows, backlit displays or even domed and embossed elements, polycarbonate allows for so much customization. Selective adhesive application can also keep keypads and display areas free from interference, helping maintain both function and appearance. - ![Embossed Buttons on a Polycarbonate Overlay with a Window](https://www.mcloone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/EmbossedButtons_Labels2.jpg?width=2400&height=1600&name=EmbossedButtons_Labels2.jpg) ##### Flexible Supply Formats Depending on what's needed, polycarbonate parts can be provided as individual die cut pieces, strips of multiples, or even kitted sets to streamline assembly and inventory management. Material finishes range from high gloss clear to textured velvet, with thicknesses available from .005" to .030". - ![Polycarbonate Labels with a Unique Shape, Supplied in a Strip](https://www.mcloone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Kestral%20-%20Strip.png?width=1600&height=1066&name=Kestral%20-%20Strip.png) - ![Polycarbonate Label Kit, Labels Provided on a Sheet for Streamlined Assembly](https://www.mcloone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/KitAssembly.jpg?width=1600&height=1066&name=KitAssembly.jpg) ### In Summary Polycarbonate is a very versatile material that supports a wide range of functional and decorative requirements, especially where clarity, flexibility, and durability matter most. If you have any questions or would like to [chat with our Customer Care team](https://www.mcloone.com/contact-us), reach out. We can help steer you in the right direction! - ![Nameplate, ID Plate, Label, and Decal Substrate Guide eBook, Free Download](https://www.mcloone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SubstrateGuide.webp?width=1600&height=900&name=SubstrateGuide.webp)   Tags: [Labels and Overlays](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/labels-and-overlays), [Nameplates](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/nameplates) ### Related Articles** ## [Color Approval: How Lighting, Substrates, and Environments Affect Color Accuracy](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/color-approval-lighting-substrates-environments) *( read )* Topics: [Process](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/process), [Nameplates](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/nameplates), [Processes](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/processes), [ID Plates](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/id-plates) ## [Why Product Identification Fails (and How to Prevent it)](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/why-product-identification-fails) *( read )* Topics: [Quality](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/quality), [Embossing](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/embossing), [Process](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/process), [Nameplates](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/nameplates), [Processes](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/processes), [Adhesive](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/adhesive), [ID Plates](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/id-plates) ## [From the Inside Out: How Culture Drives Results](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/from-the-inside-out-2-second-leans) *( read )* Topics: [Quality](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/quality), [Embossing](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/embossing), [Process](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/process), [Nameplates](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/nameplates), [Processes](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/processes), [Adhesive](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/adhesive), [ID Plates](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/id-plates) --- ## Ready for a quote? 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