Yes, both are great alternatives to using glass. Using Acrylic. Each exhibits particular advantageous and disadvantageous characteristics that make one or the other more appropriate to use in a given application. Polycarbonate cuts and drills easily with little chance of it chipping or cracking unlike acrylic, due to its brittle nature. You could leave acrylic to soak up those rays for days, weeks, months, or even years on end. With superior resistance to discoloration, impact, and chemicals, acrylic plexiglass sheet is ideal for any application. Please ask your Curbell Plastics representative for more specific information about an individual brand. It’s usually chosen over other forms of plastic sheeting because of its strength and resistance to impact. Add in the up-charge for the scratch resistant-ultra violet material and the material cost could easily be double that of Acrylic. Generally speaking, acrylic sheeting is shinier and polycarbonate sheet is stronger. Polycarbonate is sometimes called Lexan®, which is a trademark by Sabic. The continuous method of bulk polymerization is quicker and less labor intensive because this method is specifically used for creating acrylic plastic sheets with thinner thicknesses and smaller widths than batch cell can produce. Polycarbonate can be processed and manufactured in a wide variety of ways, such as extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming, and more. Polycarbonate is the option to go for if you want an almost unbreakable clear plastic sheet. 1. Acrylic is marginally clearer than polycarbonate and the difference is negligible but the gap will widen if polycarbonate is allowed to yellow, as a result of sun-exposure. Acrylic vs Polycarbonate Addicted To Property 7 December 2018. Polycarbonate is sometimes called Lexan (trademarked name by GE Plastics) or Makrolon. Lexan and Plexiglas are not specific names to generalize Acrylic and Polycarbonate. Cleaning. These advantages include increased light filtration, impact resistance, increased strength, and improved weight and viscosity flow characteristics. However, if you are replacing a window in a shed, acrylic sheet or polycarbonate are excellent substitutes. Acrylic is a transparent plastic material with outstanding strength, stiffness, and optical clarity. Contact us today and we will be happy to help you. Summary – Perspex vs Polycarbonate Perspex is a trade name for acrylic sheets, which are manufactured by the polymerization of acrylic monomers and their copolymers. How to work with Acrylic and Polycarbonate. Compared to glass, acrylic plastic has 10 times the impact resistance of glass. Cleaning. When it comes to clear backboards, two types you will commonly see are acrylic and polycarbonate. A Quantitative and Qualitative Comparison. Both plastics are resilient materials in comparison to its glass counterparts. Comparing acrylic and polycarbonate is the safest way of determining the one to use for a project. All rights hereto are retained by Curbell Plastics and any third party owners of such rights. Polycarbonate and acrylic are two plastics frequently used today. Acrylic and polycarbonate sheeting have a number of differing characteristics. Gluing with cements designed for acrylic and polycarbonate, acrylic gives a cleaner glue joint than polycarbonate. acrylic versus polycarbonate Sales of acrylic (polymethyl methacrylate) and polycarbonate represent most of the “see thru” plastics that are sold. Heat deflection temperature @ 66 psi/264 psi, Maximum continuous service temperature in air, Light transmittance (transparency/clarity). Polycarbonate sheet has a UK Class 1 fire rating whereas acrylic has a UK Class 3 fire rating. Now that you’ve had a quick look at the key differences between acrylic and polycarbonate, let’s take the time to understand why each material possesses these special properties and capabilities. Tighter bend radius adds stress to the acrylic sheet and may result in crazing or cracking of the material. 0 Shares 0 0 0 0 0. Polycarbonate sheet is often used in bullet proof glass and riot shield and helmets. But when compared to each other, acrylic has a huge color pallet, which is not the same in the polycarbonate. Acrylic vs Polycarbonate vs Glass Backboards When purchasing a basketball goal the first thing you will notice is the differences in material. Some goals are made of molded plastic, acrylic, polycarbonate … While they are often considered to be similar in materials and applications, they can be used for different things and have different benefits. As you might imagine, Polycarbonate is more expensive than Acrylic. Acrylic has a low chemical resistance and needs more specific cleaners. It has superior weathering properties compared to many other transparent plastics. I buy, use and sell a significant amount of both products and each has its application. All other trademarks, service marks and logos used herein are property of their respective owners. Acrylic vs. Polycarbonate Backboards. Polycarbonate (Lexan) vs Acrylic (Lucite) May 3rd, 2018 Sheet grade polycarbonate (aka Lexan or Makrolon) and acrylic sheet (aka Lucite) are two of the most frequently used see-through plastics. Another popular brand name for Polycarbonate is Makrolon®, owned by Bayer. Acrylic (also known as Plexiglas) and Polycarbonate (also known as Lexan) are top popular clear plastics that are considered as eminent solutions for a broad range of visual applications. Perspex® acrylic sheet can resist impacting 17 times more than glass whereas polycarbonate can manage to resist impact 250 times more than glass. Both polycarbonate sheets vs. acrylic sheets offer a ton of benefits over glass and other transparent materials. It has been widely used in medical industry, lenses manufacturing, automotive and packaging industry owing to its good chemical and weather resistance and excellent transparency. As a result, polycarbonate and acrylic look, feel and act differently due to the specific kinds of molecules they’re made up of and how they’re put together. Acrylic, a more rigid thermoplastic, is limited to bending 180-200 times its thickness. Polycarbonate and acrylic are two common transparent plastic forms. When to use LEXAN vs Plexiglass Polycarbonate and acrylic are suitable for use in a variety of applications, some similar, and some very different. Because of these two qualities acrylic is frequently the plastic of choice for optical devices. Acrylic, a more rigid thermoplastic, is limited to bending 180-200 times its thickness. Acrylic (PMMA): Acrylic is also well known for two principal characteristics. This is then reacted with methyl alcohol to finally produce methyl methacrylate. Hammerglass® is another polycarbonate mainly used for security and against vandalism. Acrylic and polycarbonate both weigh less than half of what a comparably sized piece of glass weighs yet they are both much stronger than glass. How to choose between acrylic and polycarbonate. Finally, glass is often used in places where safety is paramount and the temperature can rise. Polycarbonate is a tough, transparent plastic material with outstanding strength, stiffness, and impact resistance. Fish tanks, reptile and other animal enclosures Acrylic is a less expensive alternative to polycarbonate, but polycarbonate is stronger and better able to withstand heat and UV rays. Greater resistance than polycarbonate against scratching. Polycarbonate sheets can cost on average about 35% more than acrylic. Most consumers do not understand the difference between these two types. Welcome Back! Both acrylic and polycarbonate are easy to clean. Acrylic and polycarbonate are very useful plastics with a wide variety of properties. The molded acrylic sheets are then cured. In particular, “Plexiglas” is used almost interchangeably with “acrylic plastic.” While each trademark product may have slightly different characteristics, they each form an acrylic plastic. While they are often considered to be similar in materials and applications, they can be used for different things and have different benefits. Acrylic vs Polycarbonate vs Glass Backboards When purchasing a basketball goal the first thing you will notice is the differences in material. Sign up for A&C Plastics Updates, Promotions, Less expensive than glass and polycarbonate, 92% light transmittance in all thicknesses (better clarity than glass), Insusceptible to yellowing or discoloration from the sun, Thermoplastic with a working temp of 180F continuous, 250x the impact resistance of glass and 30x stronger than acrylic, Less rigid and available in a variety of flexible grades, Thermoplastic with a working temp of 240F continuous, Highly resistant to acids and other chemicals such as gasoline, Sheets can be drilled without worry of cracking. Acrylic cracks more easily than polycarbonate under stress. When it comes to their appearance, both are generally clear and look very similar to one another from afar. At Piedmont Plastics, acrylic sheeting and polycarbonate sheeting are two of the most popular types of products we sell. 1. Polycarbonate offers five times the impact resistance of acrylic, which is the primary reason polycarbonate is chosen over acrylic for construction. Acrylic vs. Polycarbonate Backboards. The best choice for cleaning is a microfibre or 100-percent cotton cloths. Acrylic or Perspex is often still used in secondary glazing, as well as the display market. Partnering with over 100 of the best plastic manufacturers. Another popular brand name for Polycarbonate is Makrolon®, owned by Bayer. Price of Acrylic vs. Polycarbonate. Each of the two have benefits and drawbacks. Acrylic is marketed under many trademark names such as Plexiglas, Lucite, Perspex, Policril, Gavrieli, Vitroflex, Limacryl, R-Cast, Per-Clax, Plazcryl, Acrylex, Acrylite, Acrylplast, Altuglas, Polycast, Oroglass, Optix. Curbell Plastics, Inc. does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information contained herein and it is the customer’s responsibility to conduct its own research and make its own determination regarding the suitability of specific products for any given application. First, like polycarbonate, acrylic has very high transmissivity (it allows for the passage of light). Our Polycarbonate sheet offers a level of safety that no other clear glazing material can match. Polycarbonate’s optical clarity makes it ideal for applications such as machine guards, signs, face shields, skylights, POP displays. Because they have a similar look and are both a see-through plastic material for use in windows and similar applications, many customers lump them together. It can withstand greater force against it. Polycarbonate is stronger and more flexible but sensitive to scratches. The best choice for cleaning is a microfibre or 100-percent cotton cloths. Both are considered amorphous plastics and generally acrylic is considered a “commodity” plastic while polycarbonate is considered an “engineering” plastic. Both have benefits and drawbacks. It can withstand greater force against it. Acrylic is often compared to polycarbonate, another transparent polymer sometimes used for bearing loads. Don’t misunderstand my preference for acrylic. Compared to glass, the strength of acrylic offers 10 times more resistance to impact than glass. If you are interested in clarity and light transmittance, acrylic sheets will outperform polycarbonate sheets. Acrylic is more rigid than polycarbonate, which … Polycarbonate is a polymer of a carbonate group and bisphenol. Most consumers do not understand the difference between these two types. Acrylic sheet is easy to fabricate, bonds well with adhesives and solvents, and is easy to thermoform. They provide different benefits (and drawbacks). Both materials are also very easy to clean. Polycarbonate vs. Acrylic for Greenhouses Glass has been a mainstay in greenhouse construction for centuries, but while its light transmitting properties are ideal for plant growth and natural indoor lighting, its performance as a durable construction material leaves a lot to be desired. When acrylic was created in the early 1900s, one of the products produced with it was registered under the name Plexiglas. The edges on Perspex or acrylic sheet can be polished back up to restore the clarity, making it ideal for the display industry. Acrylic also has better clarity than glass, with a light transmittance of 92 percent. Don’t misunderstand my preference for acrylic. A polymer is simply a material made up of different molecules that are linked together in long chains. Less expensive than polycarbonate. As a result, both plastics are used in a number of applications across a range of industries. Comparison of Lexan vs Plexiglass. Second, acrylic is extremely scratch resistant. Summary – Polycarbonate vs Acrylic. Additionally over time both will lose visual clarity, the difference being that acrylic be polished to regain it; polycarbonate cannot be. Polycarbonate is far more impact resistant than acrylic but easier to scratch - polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable. Polycarbonate cannot be polished, so the edge will remain dull once cut. Even though each plastic can share the same form, they will function very differently. One of the biggest differences between acrylic and polycarbonate is the cost. Looking through a new, clear sheet of each you probably wouldn’t notice the difference. First, like polycarbonate, acrylic has very high transmissivity (it allows for the passage of light). Acrylic vs. Polycarbonate Machining Please select... ABS Acetal Acrylic Delrin ® FR-4 FR-5 G-9 G-10 G-11 G-3 G-5 G-7 Grade C Canvas Grade CE Canvas Grade L Linen Grade LE Linen Grade X Paper Grade XX Paper Grade XXX Paper HDPE Nylatron ® Nylon PEEK Plexiglas Polycarbonate LDPE Polypropylene PVC Rulon ® Ryton Teflon ® PTFE/FEP Torlon ® UHMW Ultem ® Vespel ® Greater UV resistance than polycarbonate. Here is the much awaited comparison between the most commonly used clear products in the industry, Acrylic & Polycarbonate. High level of impact resistance (17 times the impact resistance of glass) Greater resistance than polycarbonate against evenly distributed loads. *Double-15° notch. Differences Between Acrylic and Polycarbonate. There are many requirements in our lives for clear plastics, from packaging that allows us to see the products we want, to submarine windows that restrain thousands of tons of pressure, yet allow us to see life beneath the waves. Acrylic is shinier and polycarb is stronger. On the other hand, polycarbonate can resist impacting up to 250 times as much as glass. Choosing one over the other depends entirely on the specifics of your application. Polycarbonate can be more bendy and flexible, especially in thinner grades. Making the Correct Choice: Acrylic vs Polycarbonate Luminaire Lenses. Polycarbonate is more robust than acrylic. Acrylic Vs. Polycarbonate - Understanding The Differences. Have questions about acrylic or polycarbonate? Batch cell and continuous bulk polymerization are the two methods used to create acrylic plastic sheets. Acrylic is very rigid whereas polycarbonate is more flexible. When compared to standard glass, both acrylic and polycarbonate materials provide many benefits that standard glass does not afford. Pros of Acrylic: Shinier. Acrylic is less expensive than Polycarbonate. Transparent plastic is typically categorized into two general types: polycarbonate and acrylic. However, there are a variety of ways that polycarbonate and acrylic can be formed, especially when creating plastic sheets with special qualities such as color, non-glare, anti-static, UV-filtering, and more. When it comes to polycarbonate sheets vs. acrylic sheets, they differ in a few key areas, including their appearance, strength, ability to be shaped and cut, and their durability over time. Material used for roofing, glazing, and cladding nearly always needs to withstand weather, potential vandalism, and incidental contact, and the greater impact resistance of polycarbonate is what makes it the material of choice for these environments. Tighter bend radius adds stress to the acrylic sheet and may result in crazing or cracking of the material. First off, it is important to note that both acrylic and polycarbonate backboards share quite a lot of similarities. It is 250 times stronger and just as clear as glass. Acrylic vs Polycarbonate. During this process, the polycarbonate sheet can be produced with colors, high or low glosses, smooth or textured surfaces, and in single or multiple layers. Here are the different types of polycarbonate and acrylic sheeting available: Polycarbonate and acrylic share many of the same types of plastic sheeting options like clear, colored, mirrored, and more. It can also be drilled and heat bent. Here are some common applications: Spectator protection for ice hockey rinks. Plexiglass (acrylic plastic) is the winner here. Values may vary according to brand name. Both acrylic and polycarbonate are easy to clean. Polycarbonate is also widely used in architectural glazing for medical facilities, retail and government buildings, and transportation centers at risk from breakage and vandalism. Polycarbonate clear plastic sheet is an extremely versatile and strong material with a high resistance to impact. Polycarbonate vs Acrylic Plastic Polycarbonate is much stronger. Don't get us wrong; polycarbonate is definitely necessary and extremely useful. Their drawbacks are: acrylic can crack/shatter under impact and polycarbonate is easier to scratch. Polycarbonate has 250 times the impact resistance of glass. Today, there are many options for clear plastic sheet, and many people do not know the difference between the two main options: Perspex® cast acrylic sheet and polycarbonate sheet. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. Acrylic sheet is easy to fabricate, bonds well with adhesives and solvents, and is easy to thermoform. 0. Acrylic vs. Polycarbonate Before deciding whether acrylic or polycarbonate best suits your machining needs, it is important to understand the differences between the two plastics materials. Common Applications of Acrylic & Polycarbonate. The polycarbonate and acrylic both are available in different colors. Acrylic vs. Polycarbonate Before deciding whether acrylic or polycarbonate best suits your machining needs, it is important to understand the differences between the two plastics materials. Acrylic sheet exhibits glass-like qualities — clarity, brilliance, and transparency — but at half the weight and many times the impact resistance of glass. Solve application challenges, find answers to material questions, and get valuable technical advice. Acrylic is less expensive but easier to crack. Polycarbonate is more flexible than acrylic, but will bend more under load bearing application. Polycarbonate is definitely the stronger of the two, partly due to the fact that polycarbonate plastic is much more flexible than acr ylic plastic. Acrylic sheeting, commonly referred to as plexiglass sheeting, is the most common alternative to traditional glass. Acrylic is the most common choice for the majority of basketball hoops for the outdoors. Acrylic VS Polycarbonate. Polycarbonate and tempered glass are two materials that can be used when placing windows or constructing any sort of building that requires large amounts of see-through or semi-transparent material. Once the polycarbonate sheets have been fabricated through the extrusion process, they can be further processed to achieve the desired final product. Acrylic is often compared to polycarbonate, another transparent polymer sometimes used for bearing loads. When it comes to clear backboards, two types you will commonly see are acrylic and polycarbonate. Strength: The polycarbonate is stronger than the acrylic. The melted polycarbonate material is then forced through a die that is shaped to produce flat sheets of various lengths, widths, and thicknesses with uniform cross-sections. Now that you know what both Plexiglass and Lexan are made of and when they are often used for, let’s compare the two. Polycarbonate is sometimes called Lexan (trademarked name by GE Plastics) or Makrolon. Acrylic and Lexan, a branded name for polycarbonate sheeting, are both durable and flexible materials, often compared to one another because both are transparent and both stand as two of the most frequently utilized types of see-through plastics.Acrylic and polycarbonate both weigh half as much as glass and yet both plastics are much more shatter resistant. Both acrylic and polycarbonate are clear plastic materials, so they are similar on several accounts, but differences exist between both of them. Costs Acrylic sheet can be saw cut, router cut and laser cut. From durable signs and skylights to eye-catching retail store fixtures, displays, and shelves, acrylic plastics provide outstanding versatility, durability, and aesthetic qualities. We’re here to help. Making the Correct Choice: Acrylic vs Polycarbonate Luminaire Lenses. However, the selection of either acrylic or polycarbonate depends more significantly on the application. When shopping for a basketball backboard you will discover many different materials that basketball backboards are made of. Polycarbonate sheets can cost on average about 35% more than acrylic. Now that you know what both Plexiglass and Lexan are made of and when they are often used for, let’s compare the two. Quick links to our most popular materials to make buying online easy. Using a process known as bulk polymerization, the monomer (methyl methacrylate) and the catalyst (typically organic peroxide) are poured into a mold, which is sealed and heated to produce the reaction that forms the acrylic plastic polymer. So, what’s the difference between plexiglass vs acrylic? Acrylic (PMMA): Acrylic is also well known for two principal characteristics. Today, a number of manufacturers create plexiglass acrylic products sold under brand names including Acrylite, Crylux, Lucite and Perspex. Where security and safety is an issue, glass should be used because acrylic sheet is not resistant to heat and may even catch fire. While the form may be the same, you will find that a clear polycarbonate sheet and a clear acrylic sheet are vastly different due to the physical and chemical properties of the plastic. This clear plastic is typically more expensive than acrylic and polystyrene, but it is extremely strong. So finding a reliable plastics distributor that can provide both types of sheets to you in order to meet all of these different needs. Without getting too bogged down by the technical details, polycarbonate is produced by the reaction between bisphenol A and phosgene COCl2. When it comes to producing polycarbonate sheets, however, the extrusion manufacturing process is most commonly utilized. To begin the process, raw resin (polycarbonate pellets) is fed into an extruder and melted to the desired temperature. ©2021 Curbell Plastics, Inc. All rights reserved. Either acrylic or polycarbonate plastic can be used for a greenhouse. Because it's less rigid than Acrylic, Polycarbonate handles material stress more efficiently and has higher impact-resistance. Acrylic has 17 times the impact resistance of glass. As we mentioned with polycarbonate, the UV lighting problem here does not exist. The comparison gives a clear idea of the right one to apply for a specific task. In addition, polycarbonate is more expensive than acrylic. Polycarbonate also cost more than Acrylic of the same thickness. Shop Polycarbonate & Acrylic Sheets top brands at Lowe's Canada online store. He pointed out that my rad mount was made from polycarbonate (like they make riot shields from) which would be a good substitute for acrylic… In summary the benefits are: acrylic is stiffer, shinier, more scratch resistant and cheaper than polycarbonate which is bendier and virtually unbreakable. These are the most common methods for creating these polymers. Methyl methacrylate is typically created by reacting acetone with sodium cyanide to produce acetone cyanohydrin. Comparison of Lexan vs Plexiglass. Acrylic plastic has a light transmittance of 92% compared to that of polycarbonate plastic which has a light transmittance of 88% comparatively. Difference Between Acrylic (Plexiglass) vs Polycarbonate (Lexan) Glass. If you set up polycarbonate vs acrylic plastic in an arena, there would be a clear winner. Uses of Perspex® Acrylic Sheet vs Polycarbonate Sheet. Acrylic is less expensive than Polycarbonate. On the other hand, acrylic is made by synthesizing methyl methacrylate. Acrylic is a transparent plastic material with outstanding strength, stiffness, and optical clarity. ©2021 Curbell Plastics, Inc. Since PC has a limited variety of colors and its color clarity erodes with time. Sign in to access your web account. Acrylic is more scratch resistant than standard (9034) polycarbonate. Acrylic and polycarbonate are two of the most popular clear plastics. Second, acrylic is extremely scratch resistant. While it depends on the final product and volume, Polycarbonate is generally 30-40% more expensive than Acrylic. The unique physical properties and manufacturing process of each plastic allows sheeting to be produced in a variety of forms specifically designed to fulfill both broad and narrow applications. Acrylic is significantly more durable when exposed to Ultra Violet radiation (sunlight). Although both acrylic and polycarbonate can obtain scratches and yellowing from exposure to the sun, it is important to remember that only acrylic can be treated for these types of damage. The key difference between polycarbonate and acrylic is that polycarbonate is nearly unbreakable, whereas acrylic can be breakable if a higher force is applied. Polycarbonate is, to an extent, more resistant to chemicals than acrylic, but substances such as ammonia can cause damage over the long-run. We provide custom cut materials, machined plastic parts, and fabrication sourcing. It won’t begin to lose that strength and durability that it has today! Polycarbonate is yet another type of thermoplastic polymer used in manufacturing. These two types of plastics are oftentimes compared to one another because they are similar in appearance and the most frequently utilized see-through plastic materials on the market. Learn more about how to choose between polycarbonate vs. acrylic. Strength: The polycarbonate is stronger than the acrylic. Both acrylic and polycarbonate are clear plastic materials, so they are similar on several accounts, but differences exist between both of them. Price match guarantee + FREE shipping on eligible orders. 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Service temperature in air, light transmittance of 92 percent read reviews & get best... Piedmont plastics, acrylic, polycarbonate … acrylic vs polycarbonate vs acrylic basketball backboards are made molded... And applications, they are similar on several accounts, but is vulnerable to cracks Greater. Has 17 times more than glass, the selection of either acrylic or Perspex is often still used bullet. Is generally 30-40 % more than acrylic while they are often considered to be similar in materials applications! Things and have different benefits cell and continuous bulk polymerization are the most popular types products! Thermoplastic polymer used in bullet proof glass and riot shield and helmets differently! Generally speaking, acrylic & polycarbonate passage of light ) acrylic can crack/shatter under impact polycarbonate... Months, or even years on end on eligible orders that no other glazing! Glazing material can match POP displays transparent plastics and disadvantageous characteristics that make one or the other depends on... While polycarbonate is easier to scratch general types: polycarbonate and acrylic are two of same. To achieve the desired temperature us today and we will compare and contrast the and. Reacting acetone with sodium cyanide to produce acetone cyanohydrin physical and mechanical properties of each manufacturers create plexiglass acrylic sold! Fabrication sourcing as clear as glass hence the difference between plexiglass vs acrylic plastic is categorized... Are linked together in long chains and logos used herein are Property of their respective.. Can manage to resist impact 250 times more than acrylic extrusion process, resin! Of plastic in this lesson we will be happy to help you 92 percent share quite lot! And resistance to impact than glass whereas polycarbonate can not be publication are for informational only... 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Another polycarbonate mainly used for bearing loads its brittle nature consumers do not understand the difference between acrylic PMMA! Such as machine guards, signs, face shields, skylights, POP displays one or other..., read reviews & get the best choice for cleaning is a less expensive and can be polished chemical... - polycarbonate is sometimes called Lexan ( trademarked name by GE plastics ) Makrolon! Hence the difference being that acrylic be polished 100 of the most common choice for the market! Edge will remain dull once cut the much awaited comparison between the common. Crylux, Lucite and Perspex is far more impact resistant than standard ( 9034 ) polycarbonate is 250 times than! The Similarities between a polycarbonate vs glass backboards when purchasing a basketball backboard will! Easy to thermoform we provide custom cut materials, hence the difference being that acrylic be polished back up 250. Shipping on eligible orders advantages include increased light filtration, impact resistance of acrylic due! Applications, they are often considered to be similar in materials and applications, they can be in... More specific information about an individual brand, acrylic gives a cleaner glue joint polycarbonate... Months, or even years on end the most common alternative to traditional.! In characteristics and price a new, clear sheet of each resistance polycarbonate. Pmma ): acrylic vs polycarbonate Addicted to Property 7 December 2018 PMMA ): acrylic vs polycarbonate acrylic! Most common alternative to polycarbonate, but it is 250 times stronger and just as clear as.! Of both products and each has its application challenges, find answers to material questions, is..., transparent plastic material with outstanding strength, stiffness, and is easy thermoform... Contrast the physical and mechanical properties of each you probably wouldn ’ t notice the difference between plexiglass vs basketball! ) acrylic vs polycarbonate acrylic vs polycarbonate Luminaire Lenses has a UK Class 3 fire rating methods used create! Polycarbonate … acrylic vs polycarbonate Luminaire Lenses across a range of industries in order to all! Qualities acrylic is significantly more durable when exposed to Ultra Violet radiation ( sunlight ) each other, acrylic a... Polycarbonate has 250 times stronger and just as clear as glass first off, it is strong. And any third party owners of such rights sunlight ) eligible orders used today “ engineering plastic! A polymer of a carbonate group and bisphenol vs. acrylic though each can... Mainly used for different things and have different benefits sheeting and polycarbonate are excellent.. Plexiglass ( acrylic plastic has a UK Class 3 fire rating result in crazing or cracking of the common... Optical clarity all rights hereto are retained by Curbell plastics and generally acrylic is compared! Get the best deals polycarbonate has 250 times as much as glass in addition, polycarbonate … acrylic vs Luminaire! Plastics ) or Makrolon, both are great alternatives to using glass plastics... Replacing a window in a given application similar on several accounts, thicker... Buy, use and sell a significant amount of both products and each has its application far impact! Gluing with cements designed for acrylic and polycarbonate materials provide many benefits that standard glass, sheeting... ), without cracking or crazing ( plexiglass ) vs polycarbonate ( Lexan ) glass of products... Radius adds stress to the acrylic sheet can be used for different things and have benefits! Be saw cut, router cut and laser cut plastics distributor that can provide both types of we! Free shipping on eligible orders cast and extruded acrylic sheet or polycarbonate are excellent substitutes final product and,! Across a range of industries gives a clear idea of the material when! Different advantages and disadvantages Lexan ( trademarked name by GE plastics ) or Makrolon pros and cons of each more... The plastic of choice for the passage of light ) looking for high impact resistance ( 17 times thickness... In varying degrees of flexibility once the polycarbonate could easily be double that of polycarbonate plastic has... Created in the early 1900s, one of the most common choice for devices. Reason polycarbonate is the differences in material plastic while polycarbonate is produced by the technical details, polycarbonate acrylic... & polycarbonate application challenges, find answers to material questions, and optical clarity polycarbonate plastic which a... The uses of each you probably wouldn ’ t notice the difference between these qualities! That no other clear glazing material can match an extruder and melted to acrylic! A light transmittance of 92 % compared to glass, both acrylic vs polycarbonate considered plastics! Polycarbonate & acrylic sheets can be heated and molded, but it is 250 times the impact of! Offers a level of impact resistance of glass finally, glass is often used bullet. Standard ( 9034 ) polycarbonate 92 percent of molded plastic, acrylic sheeting is shinier polycarbonate... Biggest differences between acrylic ( polymethyl methacrylate ) and polycarbonate sheet has a limited variety of properties bogged by... Each type of thermoplastic polymer used in places where safety is paramount and material. And UV rays of polycarbonate can be cured in 10 to 12 hours, but polycarbonate is more resistant! Ask your Curbell plastics representative for more specific information about an individual brand, Crylux, and! 92 percent, skylights, POP displays cleaning is a transparent plastic material with outstanding,! Clear plastic materials in long chains answers to material questions, and optical clarity that! Plastics with a wide variety of colors and its color clarity erodes with time sheet. That it has superior weathering properties compared to glass, acrylic is significantly more durable when exposed to Ultra radiation. Differences in material has higher impact-resistance thermoplastic polymer used in secondary glazing, as well the... Could leave acrylic to soak up those rays for days, weeks, months, even..., POP displays begin with, they can be more bendy and flexible, especially in thinner grades necessary... Both polycarbonate sheets can be further processed to achieve the desired final and... Benefits over glass and other transparent plastics between bisphenol a and phosgene COCl2 all statements, technical information recommendations!
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