{"id":11784,"date":"2026-06-19T17:10:13","date_gmt":"2026-06-19T09:10:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cncmachiningshops.com\/?p=11784"},"modified":"2026-07-15T22:06:29","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T14:06:29","slug":"polish-polycarbonate-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cncmachiningshops.com\/fr\/polish-polycarbonate-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Polissage du polycarbonate : quelle m\u00e9thode permet d'obtenir la finition la plus transparente ?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-page-id=\"Oa1Sd4U2woPeNOxyvQ7cy7ven0g\" data-lark-html-role=\"root\" data-docx-has-block-data=\"true\">\n<blockquote><p><strong>Quick Answer:<\/strong> Polishing polycarbonate requires matching the method to the surface condition, not selecting a method based on the desired outcome alone. Four methods are available: sanding (removes deep scratches and tool marks by abrasive material removal, starting at 400 grit and progressing to 2,000 grit), buffing (smooths surfaces from Ra ~0.5 \u00b5m to Ra ~0.1\u20130.3 \u00b5m, suitable for edge finishing and light haze removal), chemical polishing (dissolves the surface layer uniformly, effective for complex internal geometry), and vapor polishing (controlled solvent vapor reflows the surface at the molecular level, reducing Ra below 0.05 \u00b5m and achieving light transmission above 90%). The critical decision rule is: if the surface roughness is above Ra ~1 \u00b5m (visible tool marks or scratches that can be felt with a fingernail), sanding must precede any polishing method \u2014 vapor polishing on an un-sanded surface will produce a glossy but still-cloudy result because the process only affects the outer few microns and cannot remove scratch geometry.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Why the Surface Condition Determines the Method<\/h2>\n<p>The most common mistake in polishing polycarbonate is choosing a method before evaluating the surface. Polishing methods differ in their mechanism \u2014 sanding removes material by abrasion, buffing smooths by light abrasion and heat, vapor polishing reflows the surface at the molecular level \u2014 and each operates within a specific surface roughness range. Applying a finishing method (vapor polishing, buffing) to a surface that requires preparation (sanding) produces a part that is glossy but still optically hazy, because the source of haze (scratch depth, tool mark geometry) has not been addressed.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Surface condition categories and their implications:<\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Surface Condition<\/th>\n<th>Typical Ra<\/th>\n<th>Visible Signs<\/th>\n<th>Required First Step<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Light haze only<\/td>\n<td>&lt; 0.5 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td>Slight cloudiness; no visible scratches<\/td>\n<td>Buffing or chemical polishing directly<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Fine scratches<\/td>\n<td>0.5\u20131.0 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td>Hairlines visible under reflected light; cannot feel with fingernail<\/td>\n<td>Light buffing; sanding with 1,200\u20132,000 grit if buffing insufficient<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Deep scratches<\/td>\n<td>1\u20133 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td>Grooves visible; can feel with fingernail<\/td>\n<td>Sanding from 400\u2013600 grit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>CNC tool marks<\/td>\n<td>1\u20133 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td>Tool path pattern, step-over lines visible<\/td>\n<td>Sanding from 400 grit; machined geometry must be removed before polishing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Laser-cut edges<\/td>\n<td>Varies<\/td>\n<td>Frosted or rough edge profile; bulk surface often acceptable<\/td>\n<td>Edge buffing; not full-surface sanding<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>The test that determines the starting step:<\/strong> Run a fingernail perpendicular across the surface. If the nail catches in the scratch, the depth exceeds what polishing alone can address \u2014 sanding is required. If the nail slides smoothly but the surface still appears hazy, polishing without sanding may be sufficient.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Method Comparison<\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Method<\/th>\n<th>Surface Roughness Achieved<\/th>\n<th>Scratch Removal<\/th>\n<th>Geometry Complexity<\/th>\n<th>Cost Level<\/th>\n<th>Best Application<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Sanding (400\u21922,000 grit)<\/td>\n<td>Ra ~0.1\u20130.5 \u00b5m (after 2,000 grit)<\/td>\n<td>Excellent (removes deep scratches)<\/td>\n<td>Flat and accessible surfaces<\/td>\n<td>Lowest<\/td>\n<td>Preparation step; deep scratch removal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Buffing<\/td>\n<td>Ra ~0.1\u20130.3 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td>Limited (light scratches only)<\/td>\n<td>Flat surfaces, edges<\/td>\n<td>Low\u2013medium<\/td>\n<td>Edge finishing; light haze removal; cosmetic parts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Chemical polishing<\/td>\n<td>Ra ~0.1\u20130.3 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td>Limited<\/td>\n<td>Complex geometry, internal channels<\/td>\n<td>Medium<\/td>\n<td>Inaccessible surfaces; restoration of complex parts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Vapor polishing<\/td>\n<td>Ra &lt; 0.05 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td>Minimal (surface reflow only)<\/td>\n<td>Flat to moderately complex<\/td>\n<td>High<\/td>\n<td>Optical-grade transparency on pre-smoothed surfaces<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Sanding: The Preparation Step<\/h2>\n<p>Sanding is not a finishing method \u2014 it is the preparation step that determines whether any subsequent polishing method can succeed. Sanding mechanically removes material by abrasive particles, making it the only method capable of correcting scratches deeper than approximately 1 \u00b5m or removing the geometric pattern of CNC tool marks.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The grit progression sequence:<\/strong> Beginning at a grit appropriate for the surface damage, each subsequent grit removes the scratch pattern from the previous step:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>400 grit: removes deep machining marks, scratches, and large tool path features. Leaves visible 400-grit scratch pattern.<\/li>\n<li>600\u2013800 grit: removes 400-grit scratches. Surface becomes clearer but still shows fine scratch pattern.<\/li>\n<li>1,200 grit: removes 800-grit scratches. Surface appears significantly clearer.<\/li>\n<li>1,500\u20132,000 grit: removes 1,200-grit scratches. Surface is nearly smooth with only very fine sanding marks.<\/li>\n<li>3,000+ grit (optional): approaching pre-polishing surface quality.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Skipping grit steps is the primary cause of persistent cloudiness after polishing:<\/strong> if a part sanded at 600 grit is taken directly to buffing without the 800\u20131,200 grit intermediate steps, the buffing compound cannot remove the 600-grit scratch pattern, and the final surface appears hazy despite appearing shiny under diffuse light.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Wet sanding<\/strong> \u2014 sanding with water or lubricant applied to the surface \u2014 reduces heat generation, prevents swarf from re-embedding in the polycarbonate surface, and produces a more consistent cut. Dry sanding polycarbonate is acceptable for coarse grits but becomes problematic at fine grits where heat generation can cause localized softening (~140\u2013150\u00b0C softening point for PC) and surface smearing.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Dimensional impact:<\/strong> Sanding removes measurable material. A full progression from 400 to 2,000 grit on a flat surface typically removes 0.010\u20130.050 mm of material, which must be considered for parts with dimensional tolerances. For precision components, leaving a sanding allowance in the machined dimension is good practice.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Buffing: Smoothing and Edge Finishing<\/h2>\n<p>Buffing uses a rotating wheel (cotton, flannel, or foam) with a polishing compound applied to the surface to reduce surface roughness by light abrasion and frictional heat. It is appropriate for surfaces already at Ra 0.5 \u00b5m or below, for edge finishing on laser-cut or CNC-cut edges, and as an intermediate step before vapor polishing.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Compound selection:<\/strong> Polishing compounds for polycarbonate are plastic-specific formulations with fine abrasive particles in a carrier. Metal polishing compounds typically use harder abrasives at larger particle sizes that produce swirl marks on PC. Using the wrong compound is a frequent cause of fine swirl marks that reduce clarity despite a glossy appearance.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Heat control is critical:<\/strong> Polycarbonate softens progressively above approximately 120\u00b0C and begins to deform above 140\u2013150\u00b0C. Buffing wheel friction generates heat at the contact surface. Common failure mode: sustained pressure at one location creates enough heat to smear the polycarbonate surface rather than polish it, producing a hazy, slightly distorted area that looks like a heat scar. Prevention: keep the wheel moving continuously, use moderate speed (typically 1,000\u20132,000 RPM for hand buffing wheels), and apply light, consistent pressure.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Edge finishing advantage:<\/strong> Buffing is the preferred method for polycarbonate edges because it provides localized control, can be applied to small areas without affecting the bulk surface, and maintains edge sharpness better than vapor polishing (which tends to round edges by flowing surface material uniformly). For display panels, machine guards, and housings where edge clarity and definition both matter, buffing is the correct finishing step for edges.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Vapor Polishing: Achieving Optical Clarity<\/h2>\n<p>Vapor polishing exposes the polycarbonate surface to controlled solvent vapor \u2014 typically dichloromethane or methylene chloride \u2014 in a sealed chamber. The solvent vapor condenses on the polycarbonate surface and slightly softens the outer layer (affecting the top few microns of material). Surface peaks flow into valleys under surface tension forces, eliminating micro-roughness. As the solvent evaporates, the surface re-solidifies in a smoother configuration.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Achievable surface quality:<\/strong> A properly prepared polycarbonate surface (pre-sanded and buffed to Ra ~0.3\u20130.5 \u00b5m) treated with vapor polishing typically achieves Ra below 0.05 \u00b5m and light transmission above 90%. CNC-machined polycarbonate at Ra 1.5\u20132.5 \u00b5m cannot reach this clarity by buffing alone; the same surface pre-sanded to Ra 0.3 \u00b5m and vapor polished achieves near-optical-glass clarity. A surface vapor polished without pre-sanding (starting Ra 1.5 \u00b5m) will achieve Ra ~0.8\u20131.0 \u00b5m after vapor exposure \u2014 improved but still visibly hazy because the scratch depth exceeded the process&#8217;s correction range.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The stress cracking risk:<\/strong> This is the most significant engineering limitation of vapor polishing for machined polycarbonate. Machining polycarbonate by milling or turning introduces residual stress in the surface layer from the cutting forces and thermal gradients of the operation. When the stressed surface is exposed to solvent vapor, the combination of residual stress and solvent swelling can produce crazing \u2014 a network of fine surface cracks or deeper fractures \u2014 particularly at:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sharp internal corners where stress concentrates (machined radii below approximately 0.5 mm are high risk)<\/li>\n<li>Thin sections below approximately 1.5\u20132.0 mm<\/li>\n<li>Areas near drilled or tapped holes where the material was deformed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Stress relief before vapor polishing:<\/strong> Annealing the machined polycarbonate before vapor polishing significantly reduces crazing risk. Oven annealing at approximately 120\u2013130\u00b0C (well below the deflection temperature under load of ~132\u00b0C at 1.82 MPa for standard PC) for 2\u20134 hours allows the internal stresses from machining to partially relax. The time-temperature relationship for PC stress relief is material-grade dependent; consult the material supplier&#8217;s recommendation for the specific grade. Sharp corners should be redesigned or machined to a minimum radius of 0.5\u20131.0 mm where possible.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Vapor polishing is a finishing step, not a repair step:<\/strong> The method cannot correct surface defects deeper than a few microns. Attempting to vapor polish a surface with visible scratches or tool marks will produce a smooth-textured glossy surface where the original scratches are still geometrically present and visible, often more noticeably so because the surrounding surface has become clearer.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Chemical Polishing<\/h2>\n<p>Chemical polishing immerses or swabs the polycarbonate surface with a controlled solvent solution that dissolves a thin, uniform layer of the surface, producing improvement in clarity similar to vapor polishing. Because the chemical reaction is driven by surface contact rather than vapor condensation, it reaches internal channels, blind features, and complex geometry that vapor polishing chambers may not uniformly expose.<\/p>\n<p>Chemical polishing is the preferred method for medical device housings, fluid handling components, and other parts with internal geometry that requires both clarity and cleanability. Process control is more complex than mechanical methods \u2014 solvent concentration, immersion time, and temperature all affect the depth of material removal \u2014 and requires appropriate chemical handling facilities and waste disposal procedures.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Process Sequences for Different Applications<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Standard sequence for CNC machined optical-grade polycarbonate:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Inspect surface: identify scratch depth and tool mark geometry<\/li>\n<li>Sand: 400 \u2192 600 \u2192 800 \u2192 1,200 \u2192 1,500 \u2192 2,000 grit (wet sanding preferred)<\/li>\n<li>Buff: plastic-specific compound, moderate speed, controlled heat<\/li>\n<li>Anneal: 120\u2013130\u00b0C for 2\u20134 hours (required if vapor polishing will follow)<\/li>\n<li>Vapor polish: controlled exposure; verify no crazing on test piece first<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Light haze restoration (no deep scratches):<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Clean surface (IPA wipe, lint-free cloth)<\/li>\n<li>Buff directly with fine-grade compound<\/li>\n<li>Vapor polish if optical grade required<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Edge finishing (laser-cut or CNC-cut edges, bulk surface acceptable):<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Buff edges with localized technique<\/li>\n<li>Do not vapor polish if edge sharpness must be maintained<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Complex geometry (internal channels, inaccessible surfaces):<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Sand accessible surfaces<\/li>\n<li>Apply chemical polishing to reach internal features<\/li>\n<li>Selective vapor polish on critical areas if available<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Common Mistakes That Prevent a Clear Finish<\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Mistake<\/th>\n<th>Result<\/th>\n<th>Prevention<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Skipping grit steps in sanding progression<\/td>\n<td>Coarser scratch pattern persists under glossy surface<\/td>\n<td>Use full progression: 400\u2192600\u2192800\u21921,200\u21921,500\u21922,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Vapor polishing without pre-sanding when Ra &gt; 1 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td>Shiny but hazy; scratch geometry still visible<\/td>\n<td>Sand to Ra &lt; 0.5 \u00b5m before vapor polishing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Overheating during buffing<\/td>\n<td>Surface smears; hazy, slightly deformed areas<\/td>\n<td>Keep wheel moving; use moderate speed; light pressure<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Using metal polishing compound on PC<\/td>\n<td>Swirl marks; inconsistent clarity<\/td>\n<td>Use plastic-specific polishing compound<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Vapor polishing machined PC without stress relief<\/td>\n<td>Crazing at corners or thin sections (may appear 24\u201348 hours later)<\/td>\n<td>Anneal at 120\u2013130\u00b0C for 2\u20134 hours before vapor polishing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Not cleaning between sanding steps<\/td>\n<td>Abrasive particles from previous grit re-scratch surface<\/td>\n<td>Rinse with water and wipe with IPA between each grit step<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The surface condition determines the starting process, not the target finish<\/strong>: if the surface roughness is above Ra ~1 \u00b5m, sanding must precede any polishing method. Applying vapor polishing or buffing to an un-prepared surface produces a glossy but still-hazy result because the scratch depth exceeds the correction range of polishing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Vapor polishing achieves Ra below 0.05 \u00b5m and light transmission above 90%<\/strong>, making it the only method capable of optical-grade clarity on polycarbonate \u2014 but only on surfaces pre-smoothed to Ra ~0.3\u20130.5 \u00b5m. It is a finishing step, not a repair method.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The sanding grit progression is the most critical step in achieving a clear final result<\/strong>: each grit must remove the scratch pattern from the previous grit before advancing. Skipping steps leaves coarser scratches that no subsequent polishing can remove.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Residual stress from CNC machining is the primary risk factor for vapor polishing<\/strong>: polycarbonate machined with sharp internal corners, thin sections, or significant cutting force accumulates surface stress that reacts with solvent vapor to produce crazing. Annealing at 120\u2013130\u00b0C for 2\u20134 hours before vapor polishing significantly reduces this risk.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Buffing is the correct method for edge finishing<\/strong> because it maintains edge sharpness and geometric definition that vapor polishing would round by flowing surface material equally in all directions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Polishing removes or refines surface defects but cannot improve bulk clarity<\/strong> (internal haze from material degradation, moisture absorption, or UV damage). If polycarbonate appears hazy from within the material rather than at the surface, surface polishing will not improve transparency.<\/li>\n<li><strong>For CNC machining suppliers and OEM design teams<\/strong>: specify the transparency requirement and surface roughness target on the drawing, not the polishing method. A specification of &#8220;Ra \u2264 0.2 \u00b5m, light transmission \u2265 85% per ASTM D1003&#8221; gives the machining and finishing supplier the information needed to select the appropriate process sequence. Specifying only &#8220;vapor polished&#8221; without a roughness or transmission target does not confirm whether the required clarity has been achieved.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<h3>What is the best way to polish polycarbonate for optical clarity?<\/h3>\n<p>For maximum optical clarity \u2014 Ra below 0.05 \u00b5m and light transmission above 90% \u2014 the correct process is sanding followed by vapor polishing. The surface must be sanded through a full grit progression (400 through 2,000 grit, wet preferred) and buffed to Ra approximately 0.3\u20130.5 \u00b5m before vapor polishing. If the part was CNC machined, annealing at 120\u2013130\u00b0C for 2\u20134 hours before vapor polishing is necessary to relieve machining stresses and prevent crazing. Vapor polishing applied directly to an un-sanded surface with Ra above ~1 \u00b5m will not achieve optical clarity \u2014 the scratch geometry is deeper than the process&#8217;s correction range.<\/p>\n<h3>Does vapor polishing remove scratches from polycarbonate?<\/h3>\n<p>Vapor polishing does not remove scratches in the conventional sense \u2014 it reflows the surface material by solvent action, smoothing surface peaks into valleys. This is effective for micro-roughness below approximately 1 \u00b5m Ra. For scratches deeper than approximately 1 \u00b5m (visible to the eye under reflected light or detectable by fingernail), the scratch geometry exceeds what the reflow process can fill. After vapor polishing, deep scratches may appear smoother in texture but remain geometrically present and visible, sometimes more noticeably because the surrounding surface has become clearer. Sanding to remove the scratch material must precede vapor polishing.<\/p>\n<h3>Why does polycarbonate look cloudy after polishing?<\/h3>\n<p>Cloudiness after polishing is caused by one of three conditions. First, the surface preparation was incomplete \u2014 deep scratches or tool marks were not removed by sanding before polishing, so the scratch geometry remains visible despite the surface being glossy. Second, incorrect polishing technique was used \u2014 overheating during buffing produces surface smearing rather than polishing, and using metal-specific polishing compounds leaves swirl marks. Third, contamination \u2014 abrasive particles from a previous sanding step not cleaned off before the next step scratch the surface during polishing. In all three cases the solution is in the preparation sequence, not in additional polishing.<\/p>\n<h3>How do I prevent stress cracking when vapor polishing CNC machined polycarbonate?<\/h3>\n<p>Stress cracking (crazing) in vapor polishing results from the combination of residual machining stress in the polycarbonate surface and solvent swelling during the vapor polishing process. Prevention requires two actions: first, anneal the machined part at 120\u2013130\u00b0C for 2\u20134 hours before vapor polishing to allow residual stress to partially relax. Second, design and machine the part with internal corner radii of at least 0.5\u20131.0 mm rather than sharp right-angle corners, as sharp corners concentrate stress and are the most common location for crazing initiation. If crazing appears in a test piece despite annealing, the machining process may need to be adjusted to reduce cutting force and heat generation.<\/p>\n<h3>When is sanding required before polishing polycarbonate?<\/h3>\n<p>Sanding is required before any polishing method when the surface roughness exceeds approximately Ra 1 \u00b5m \u2014 the threshold above which buffing and vapor polishing cannot adequately correct the surface condition. Practical indicators: visible tool marks or machining patterns on the surface; scratches that can be detected by running a fingernail across them; CNC-machined surfaces without a fine finish pass. Sanding is not required when the surface has only light haze or fine handling marks (below Ra 0.5 \u00b5m), which buffing or chemical polishing can address directly. The practical test is the fingernail test \u2014 if the nail catches in the defect, sanding is required.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><em>Written by the CMS engineering team with 15+ years of CNC machining and surface finishing experience producing transparent polycarbonate components \u2014 covers, windows, light guides, medical device housings, and precision optical components \u2014 with sanding, buffing, vapor polishing, and chemical polishing finishing operations. Technical references: GE Plastics (now SABIC) Lexan Polycarbonate Design Guide (machining and finishing chapter), Bayer MaterialScience Makrolon Polycarbonate Processing Guide, ASTM D1003 (Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics), Rosato D.V. \u2014 Plastics Processing Data Handbook (surface finishing chapter).<\/em><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Sourcing CNC Machined Transparent Polycarbonate Components?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>At CMS, we produce CNC machined polycarbonate components with integrated finishing \u2014 sanding, buffing, and vapor polishing coordination \u2014 specifying the correct process sequence for the required transparency level on each part.<\/p>\n<p>[Request a polycarbonate machining and finishing specification review \u2192]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Polish polycarbonate: sanding, buffing vs vapor polishing \u2014 surface condition guide, Ra targets, stress cracking prevention &#038; optical clarity process sequence.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11858,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[165],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11784","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-surface-treatment-guide"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.5 (Yoast SEO v28.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Polish Polycarbonate: Which Method Gives the Best Finish?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Polish polycarbonate: sanding, buffing vs vapor polishing \u2014 surface condition guide, Ra targets, stress cracking prevention &amp; optical clarity process sequence.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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