Various methods can be used for the axial stretching of polycarbonate films. This article compares uniaxially stretched films, produced on a stretching line by the short-gap method, with planar-stretched films that were produced on a stretching frame. The process affects the mechanical properties in the stretching direction as well as transversely. Because the stretching technologies differ primarily in the contraction of the film width, an analysis of the mechanical properties in the transverse direction is of particular interest. (C) 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers