Is polycarbonate autoclavable?

Some grades, with limits. Covestro states that Makrolon and Apec parts can be steam sterilized many times before gradual chemical decomposition reduces strength, and that Apec test specimens kept comparatively good impact strength after 100 cycles at 120-125 °C. Covestro also notes that single-use medical articles are not suitable for multiple use. Solvay lists standard PC among plastics suitable for only a limited number of steam cycles (fewer than 100). Below are PC grades whose supplier literature states steam/autoclave compatibility.

Data comes from public supplier literature (cited on each grade page). A blank cell means not stated in the source, not "no". Always confirm with the supplier's current documentation before use.

28 matching grades in MedResin

Grade	Maker	Family	USP VI	ISO 10993	Gamma	EtO	Autoclave
Apec 1745	Covestro	PC (high-heat)	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Apec 2045	Covestro	PC (high-heat)	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Makrolon 2458	Covestro	PC	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Makrolon 2558	Covestro	PC	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Makrolon Rx1805	Covestro	PC	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Makrolon Rx2235	Covestro	PC	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Makrolon Rx2435	Covestro	PC	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Makrolon Rx2530	Covestro	PC	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Makrolon Rx3440	Covestro	PC	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Makrolon M410 GF	Covestro	PC/GF	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Makrolon 2258	Covestro	PC	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Makrolon Rx1452	Covestro	PC	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Makrolon Rx1851	Covestro	PC	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Makrolon 2658	Covestro	PC	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Makrolon 2858	Covestro	PC	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Makrolon 3158	Covestro	PC	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Makrolon 3258	Covestro	PC	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Makrolon 3638	Covestro	PC	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Makrolon Rx2430	Covestro	PC	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Makrolon Rx2440	Covestro	PC	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Makrolon Rx2635	Covestro	PC	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Makrolon M420 GF	Covestro	PC/GF	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Makrolon M430 GF	Covestro	PC/GF	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Makrolon M810 GF	Covestro	PC/GF	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Makrolon M820 GF	Covestro	PC/GF	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Makrolon M830 GF	Covestro	PC/GF	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Makrolon M6011 FR	Covestro	PC (flame retardant)		limited		✔	✔
LEXAN HPX4	SABIC	PC copolymer		✔		✔	✔

Sources: Covestro medical reference guide · Solvay sterilization overview

Common questions

How many steam cycles can polycarbonate take?

Solvay groups standard PC with plastics suited to a limited number of steam cycles (fewer than 100). Covestro reports Apec specimens kept comparatively good impact strength after 100 cycles at 120-125 °C. Validate on your own parts.

Which polycarbonate grades list autoclave compatibility?

28 PC grades in MedResin have supplier literature stating steam/autoclave compatibility; they are listed in the table above.

Grade data last checked 2026-10-16. Blank cells mean not stated by the source. About the data