Acrylic vs. Polycarbonate

What is the Difference Between Polycarbonate and Acrylic?

Top choices between clear or near clear plastics,

Both



Acrylic has roughly 17 times the impact resistance. Polycarbonate is the stronger material at 250 times the impact resistance of standard glass.

Polycarbonate offers much more resilience than acrylic, making it ideal for highly demanding applications like bullet-resistant windows. Acrylic has a high gloss finish and is more transparent, making it ideal for display cases. Acrylic is also easier to crack, while polycarbonate is easier to scratch.

Acrylic is also less expensive than polycarbonate and unlike polycarbonate, acrylics can be heated and molded to shape, then heated again while retaining its quality appearance.

Pros and Cons of Acrylic and Polycarbonate

  Acrylic or Plexiglass Sheeting Polycarbonate Sheeting Pros

• Easier to machine than polycarbonate
• Can be polished, both for scratches and clean edges
• Better glue bonding
• Shinier
• Less expensive than polycarbonate by as much as 35%

• Greater strength than acrylic
• More flexible than acrylic; can be shaped at room temperature
• Can be exposed to high temperatures and is non-flammable
• Highly resistant to chemicals
• Can be drilled without cracking
• Lighter in weight than comparable acrylic

Cons

• More rigid
• More likely to crack during drilling or upon impact
• More likely to chip
• Should not be exposed to open flames

• Scratches easily
• Cannot be polished
• Can be dented easily
• More translucent than transparent as compared to acrylic

How to Choose Between Polycarbonate and Acrylic

To find the right material for your project, it's important to take time to compare the two plastics side by side. This can give you a better idea of which one is best for your specific project. However, depending on what you are using acrylic or polycarbonate for, selecting the right plastic should be an easy decision.

Top choices between clear or near clear plastics, acrylic plexiglass sheet and polycarbonate panel are often considered as solutions for a broad range of optical applications. How do they compare?Both Acrylic and Polycarbonate are half the weight of comparably sized glass by volume. For what you lose in weight, you gain in strength with either product. Both are synthetic glass, and each offers tremendous flexibility.Acrylic has roughly 17 times the impact resistance. Polycarbonate is the stronger material at 250 times the impact resistance of standard glass.Polycarbonate offers much more resilience than acrylic, making it ideal for highly demanding applications like bullet-resistant windows. Acrylic has a high gloss finish and is more transparent, making it ideal for display cases. Acrylic is also easier to crack, while polycarbonate is easier to scratch.Acrylic is also less expensive than polycarbonate and unlike polycarbonate, acrylics can be heated and molded to shape, then heated again while retaining its quality appearance.To find the right material for your project, it's important to take time to compare the two plastics side by side. This can give you a better idea of which one is best for your specific project. However, depending on what you are using acrylic or polycarbonate for, selecting the right plastic should be an easy decision.

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To help choose the right material for your sheet, rod, or tube, here are a few ideal applications for each plastic:

Acrylic Plastic Applications

Windows and glass substitutes

Insulations

Craft projects

Retail displays

Polycarbonate Plastic Applications

Bullet-resistant windows

Clear molds for casting

Models for high-heat applications

Additional Polycarbonate and Acrylic Resources

No two kinds of wood are exactly the same, nor two metals, and so it goes for clear plastic materials. Many people may mistakenly assume that plastic is plastic and can be used interchangeably in various applications, but that isn&#;t the case! Plastic is a generic term for a large group of semi-synthetic or synthetic materials. Plastic, due to the nature of monomers and the length of polymer chains, has numerous types and uses. The available options for see-through plastics include polycarbonate, acrylic, PETG, and PVC. These materials have become an indispensable part of modern society and are frequently recycled. 

The demand for clear plastic has drastically increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for plastic barriers in schools, restaurants, grocery stores, entertainment venues, and many other places to help stop the spread of the virus. Not knowing the differences between the most commonly used materials could result in significant problems for your project and prevent you from making the most out of your materials. 

Why Know the Difference?  

There are a variety of brands, attributes, production techniques, ingredients, and additives for all see-through plastics. With so many alternatives offered, it is no surprise that there is some confusion. Here are the benefits of recognizing the distinctions in materials: 

• Save Cash

  . Understanding the options and what specific material will work best can save you from costly replacement or down time on your project. 

• Reduce Risk of Cracking or Breaking.

  Some plastics are stronger than others. Choosing the correct material and fabrication for your project conditions could save it from crazing or cracking while in use. 

• Extend Material Life.

  Certain see-throughs can stand up to temperature highs and lows, UV exposure, and chemical contact. Don&#;t make the mistake of buying a material that can&#;t take the heat.  

See-Through Plastics At Cope 

At Cope Plastics, we stock many product options that offer the characteristics needed for your specific application: 

Polycarbonate

• Polycarbonate

  (PC) is a synthetic plastic that is tough, durable, lightweight, and significantly stronger than plate glass and acrylic plastic. 

• Benefits

  : At the same thickness, polycarbonate is 30 times stronger than acrylic and over 200 times stronger than glass. Often considered &#;unbreakable&#; in most applications, it has the best resistance to breakage due to its high impact strength. It also has the highest maximum service temperature. Coatings can improve flame resistance. Exhibits great machinability and can be easily thermoformed. 

• Negative Features or Disadvantages

  : This material needs protection for UV stability. Softness renders polycarbonate very susceptible to scratching unless coated. This material is also the highest cost in comparison to other clear plastic materials. 

• Common Applications:

  Some applications include exhibits, POP displays, signage, skylights, and windows. Today, polycarbonate is often used for medical face shields, temporary partitions, lightweight lenses, and eye protection. 

• Common Brands

  : Some common brands of polycarbonate include

   

  PALSUN

  ®

  ,

  TUFFAK

  , and Lexan.

Acrylic (PolyMethyl Methacrylate) 

• Acrylic (PMMA)

  is a transparent and rigid thermoplastic material widely used as a shatterproof replacement for glass. 

• Benefits:

  It is optically clear, UV stable, and exhibits glass-like quality at half the weight with up to 10 times the impact resistance. Easily shaped, glued, and polished. Very scratch resistance versus PC due to hardness&#;also a versatile and cost-effective material.  

• Negative Features or Disadvantages:

  Exceptionally hard and clear, but the hardness results in brittleness compared to other plastic materials like polycarbonate. 

• Common Application:

  Some common acrylic applications include automotive trim, protective cases, lenses, light fixtures, signage, and POP displays. Recently, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, acrylic has been used for safety partitions, desktop barriers, and other shields and sneeze guards. 

• Common Brands:

  Some common brands of Acrylic include

  Plexiglas

  ®

  You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Songmei.

  ,

  Excelon

  ,

  Futurplast

  ,

  OPTIX

  , and

  Polycast

  . 

Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) 

• Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG)

  is a thermoplastic polyester that is durable, virtually unbreakable, affordable, and well-suited for fabrication techniques. 

• Benefits:

  A strong and cost-effective material when compared to either acrylic or polycarbonate. Thermoformable, vacuum-formable, and can tolerate a lot of pressure without cracking. It fabricates easily, and damage resistance is far higher than acrylic.

• Negative Features and Disadvantages:

  PETG has a softer exterior, which can lead to negative effects such as stickiness when cutting. Bendable and more impact resistant, PETG is a less dense material with lower scratch resistance, similar to PC. 

• Common Applications:

   The applications of this material include POP displays, store fixtures, interior images, and exhibits. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, PETG plastics have been used for medical face masks and plastic protective barriers in schools, offices, restaurants, and other public spaces. 

• Common Brands:

  Common brands of PETG include

  SPECTAR

  &#;

  and

  VIVAK

  .

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

  is a high-strength thermoplastic material that is economical and versatile. It is the world&#;s third-largest thermoplastic material by volume after polyethylene and polypropylene. 

• Benefits:

  This durable material can withstand many harsh chemicals and does not conduct electricity. Both rigid and flexible forms of PVC are abrasion-resistant and lightweight with good mechanical strength and high toughness. Fire and mold resistant, PVC can be easily thermoformed, shaped, and cut in a variety of styles. PVC can be machined to tight tolerances and multiple finishes.

• Negative Features and Disadvantages:

  PVC has poor heat stability and low continuous service temperature. The lightweight nature of the material can also be a disadvantage as it is more prone to cracking and not recommended for outdoor applications. Can release toxic chlorine fumes when burned. 

• Common Applications:

  Typical applications for PVC are booths, enclosures, containers, corrosion control equipment, and desktop partitions. Ideal for industrial applications like barriers, wet-process guards, and safety glazing. 

Quick Reference Chart of Clear Plastics

PVC (Clear/Rigid) PETG Polycarbonate PMMA (Acrylic) Cutting/Fabricating Can cut, weld, and bend into molds and fittings Easy to form and die-cut; can be sticky More likely to scratch or mar More likely to chip or craze Strength/Durability 1.0 ft-lbs./in. 1.7 ft-lbs./in. Break-resistant Scratch-resistant Clarity Not Bad Good Better Best. Can also be polished. Stiffness/Flexibility Rigid
481,000 psi Thermoformable
310,000 psi Easily Molded
345,000 psi Rigid
480,000 psi Chemical Resistance Resistant to many alcohols, fats, oils, aromatic free petrol, and common corroding agents including inorganic acids, alkalis, and salt. May not be used with esters, ketones, ethers, or chlorinated hydrocarbons. Can be sterilized with radiation or compatible chemicals, but cannot be autoclaved. &#;Fair&#; rating of chemical resistance. When coated, can be resistant to highly aggressive chemicals at room temperature including mineral and organic acids and oxidizing agents, but decreases with increased temperatures. &#;Good&#; chemical resistance to most detergents, inorganic chemicals, hydrocarbons, fats and lipids, and acids at room temperature, but not alcohol or methylene chloride. UV Resistance

Yellows over time when exposed 

to sunlight.

May change color over long periods of time. Yellows over time when exposed to sunlight (without additives) Will not yellow Temperature Resistance Low Lowest High Medium Tensile/Pull Strength 7,500 psi 7,700 psi 9,500 psi 10,000 psi Insulation/Dielectric Strength Low Lowest High Medium Cost $$ $$ $$$ $ Masking Options Plastic/Film Plastic/Film Plastic/Film or Paper Plastic/Film or Paper Forms Available Sheet & Tube Sheet Sheet, Rod, & Tube Sheet, Rod, & Tube Recycled Into Flooring, piping, decking, fencing, paneling, gutters Food packaging & synthetic fibers (carpet/microfiber) Electronics housings/cases Nail polish, paint, colored acrylic material

Finding the Right Material For You 

The process of choosing the right material for your application is complex and critical to the success of your project. To find the ideal material for your application, you can also use our simple and easy online Graphic Material Selector or contact a Cope material expert directly. Reach our team at 1-800-851- or .

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Polycarbonate Solid Sheet Suppliers.