Strong & Durable
Slim, rigid material that provides a durable, protective hard-shell defense.
Suitable for structural back panels, decorative shell cases and lightweight protection.
Polycarbonate (PC)
Explore PC material options for phone cases, designed to provide a slim and durable hard-shell structure, with clear, vibrant and decorative surface capabilities.
MATERIAL OVERVIEW
Slim, Durable and Decorative Hard Shell Material
We offer strong and lightweight PC materials known for their slim, hard-shell structure and vibrant decorative capabilities. Polycarbonate cases provide durable protection, a glass-like finish, and clear, frosted and customizable print surfaces.
Vibrant & Customizable
Supports decorative prints and graphics with sharp color reproduction and cleaner surfaces.
Suitable for marble effects, full-color graphics, logo applications and private-label collections.
Clear & Frosted Options
Available in clear glossy, matte frosted, and decorative variations for broader design direction.
Suitable for minimal hard-shell cases, clean presentation styles and refined accessory ranges.
MATERIAL SELECTION GUIDE
Choosing PC for Custom Phone Cases
What is PC used for in custom phone cases?
PC is used for slim, rigid hard-shell cases and structural back panels. Its cleaner surface supports clear, frosted and decorative case designs where a firm shape and lightweight structure are important.
PC vs TPU: what is the difference?
PC provides a rigid hard shell and structural support, while TPU provides a flexible, shock-absorbing body or frame. In hybrid cases, PC can form the back panel while TPU creates the more flexible frame and edges.
What printing and decorative finishes can be applied to PC?
PC supports clear and frosted finishes, full-color printing, patterns, logo applications and decorative effects such as marble and IMD. These options suit branded collections that need a clean hard-shell surface for graphics and surface treatments.
When should a brand choose PC?
A brand should choose PC when the project needs a slim, rigid hard-shell structure, a structural back panel or a print-friendly surface. PC also works well in hybrid cases that pair a firm shell with a flexible TPU frame.
TPU vs PC for Custom Phone Cases
| Attribute | TPU | PC |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Flexible and pliable for soft case bodies, bumpers and protective edges. | Rigid and shape-holding for slim hard shells and structural panels. |
| Typical phone-case role | Shock-absorbing body, bumper or frame for adaptable case structures. | Hard-shell body or structural back panel for a firmer case shape. |
| Surface and decoration | Clear, matte, frosted and tinted finishes, plus logo printing and patterns. | Clear and frosted finishes, full-color printing, graphics and decorative effects. |
| Hybrid use | Can form the flexible frame and edges around a firmer PC structure. | Can form the structural back or shell within a TPU + PC construction. |
See This Material in Products
Finish & Decoration Options
Clear
Crystal-clear finish for clean, minimal and lightweight case designs.
Frosted
Soft matte surface with a refined appearance and reduced fingerprints.
Printing
Supports full-color graphics, patterns and private-label branding.
Decorative Effects
Suitable for marble, IMD and other customized surface treatments.
Typical PC Applications
Clear Case
Suitable for minimal hard-shell cases, clean presentation styles and refined accessory ranges.
Frosted Case
Available in clear glossy, matte frosted, and decorative variations for broader design direction.
Printed Case
Supports decorative prints and graphics with sharp color reproduction and cleaner surfaces.
Decorative Shell
Suitable for marble effects, full-color graphics, logo applications and private-label collections.