Overview
EN ISO 11963:2019 - Plastics - Polycarbonate sheets - Types, dimensions and characteristics specifies requirements for solid, flat extruded polycarbonate (PC) sheets used in general applications. It applies to sheets made of poly(p,p′-isopropylidene-diphenyl carbonate), in thicknesses ≥ 1.5 mm, and covers colourless or coloured, transparent, translucent or opaque products, including sheets with one- or two-sided weather-protective layers. This European adoption by CEN aligns ISO 11963:2019 with national standards across member countries.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Material and composition
- Preferred PC type and allowance for additives, colourants and stabilizers (total mass content up to 5%).
- Protective surface layers (e.g., coatings or co-extrusions) are permitted; their composition and application methods are not prescribed.
- Dimensions and tolerances
- Requirements and measurement conditions for length, width, thickness and deviation from rectangular shape.
- Shrinkage (dimension change at elevated temperature) is specified and an annex details the test procedure.
- Physical and performance characteristics
- Mechanical properties (tensile, impact), thermal properties (Vicat, deflection under load), and optical properties (luminous transmittance) are addressed.
- Weathering behaviour: natural and artificial weathering test guidance; updated humidity guidance in artificial-weathering testing (relative humidity considerations revised in this edition).
- Other aspects
- Appearance, masking (surface protection during delivery), reaction to fire, suitability for food contact, and rules for retest/rejection.
- Test methods
- Normative references include established ISO test standards (see Related Standards).
Practical applications and users
EN ISO 11963:2019 is essential for:
- Manufacturers of extruded polycarbonate sheets for quality control and product specification.
- Product designers and engineers specifying glazing, covers, signage, machine guards, and architectural glazing where PC sheets are used.
- Architects and specifiers who require consistent dimensional and performance criteria.
- Testing laboratories and conformity assessors implementing the referenced test methods.
- Purchasing and procurement teams who need standardized acceptance criteria for polycarbonate sheet deliveries.
Using EN ISO 11963:2019 helps ensure consistent material quality, predictable performance under mechanical, thermal and weathering conditions, and clear commercial specifications.
Related standards
Normative references cited in the standard include (among others):
Keywords: EN ISO 11963:2019, polycarbonate sheets, PC sheets, dimensions, characteristics, extruded polycarbonate, weathering, mechanical properties, ISO standard.