Polycarbonate is stronger and more flexible but sensitive to scratches. When it comes to clear backboards, two types you will commonly see are acrylic and polycarbonate. Acrylic vs Polycarbonate vs Glass Backboards When purchasing a basketball goal the first thing you will notice is the differences in material. Because of these two qualities acrylic is frequently the plastic of choice for optical devices. Polycarbonate offers five times the impact resistance of acrylic, which is the primary reason polycarbonate is chosen over acrylic for construction. 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. Without getting too bogged down by the technical details, polycarbonate is produced by the reaction between bisphenol A and phosgene COCl2. Acrylic (PMMA): Acrylic is also well known for two principal characteristics. Acrylic is the most common choice for the majority of basketball hoops for the outdoors. Don’t misunderstand my preference for acrylic. Welcome Back! acrylic versus polycarbonate Sales of acrylic (polymethyl methacrylate) and polycarbonate represent most of the “see thru” plastics that are sold. Acrylic or Perspex is often still used in secondary glazing, as well as the display market. Acrylic vs Polycarbonate. Polycarbonate and acrylic are two plastics frequently used today. A Quantitative and Qualitative Comparison. The molds are then cooled, opened, and the resulting acrylic plastic sheets are either immediately used or further processed to improve the overall quality of the final product. All other trademarks, service marks and logos used herein are property of their respective owners. Both acrylic and polycarbonate are clear plastic materials, so they are similar on several accounts, but differences exist between both of them. 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. Polycarbonate and acrylic are two common transparent plastic forms. Sign in to access your web account. Many people associate polycarbonate with "bullet-proof glass" because it is the same material used to make armored windows in government motorcade vehicles as well as airplane windows. As you might imagine, Polycarbonate is more expensive than Acrylic. Here are some common applications: Spectator protection for ice hockey rinks. This is then reacted with methyl alcohol to finally produce methyl methacrylate. Additionally over time both will lose visual clarity, the difference being that acrylic be polished to regain it; polycarbonate cannot be. Polycarbonate sheets can cost on average about 35% more than acrylic. It can withstand greater force against it. The obvious place to start is the chemical structures and raw materials that make up these incredible plastics. Because of these two qualities acrylic is … This overall creation process is known as polymerization. Or Register to create a new user account. Acrylic is less expensive than Polycarbonate. Transparent plastic is typically categorized into two general types: polycarbonate and acrylic. Acrylic is often compared to polycarbonate, another transparent polymer sometimes used for bearing loads. 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. Second, acrylic is extremely scratch resistant. Shop Polycarbonate & Acrylic Sheets top brands at Lowe's Canada online store. As a result, both plastics are used in a number of applications across a range of industries. Most consumers do not understand the difference between these two types. Polycarbonate is a tough, transparent plastic material with outstanding strength, stiffness, and impact resistance. It’s usually chosen over other forms of plastic sheeting because of its strength and resistance to impact. Each sheet is made differently and with different materials, hence the difference in characteristics and price. Fish tanks, reptile and other animal enclosures Gluing with cements designed for acrylic and polycarbonate, acrylic gives a cleaner glue joint than polycarbonate. Additionally over time both will lose visual clarity, the difference being that acrylic be polished to regain it; polycarbonate cannot be. When compared to standard glass, both acrylic and polycarbonate materials provide many benefits that standard glass does not afford. 1. 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. Acrylic (PMMA): Acrylic is also well known for two principal characteristics. 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. Cleaning. Have questions about acrylic or polycarbonate? 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. Yes, both are great alternatives to using glass. Choosing one over the other depends entirely on the specifics of your application. Yes, both are great alternatives to using glass. 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. Some goals are made of molded plastic, acrylic, polycarbonate … Finally, glass is often used in places where safety is paramount and the temperature can rise. Polycarbonate is far more impact resistant than acrylic but easier to scratch - polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable. Acrylic is significantly more durable when exposed to Ultra Violet radiation (sunlight). It can withstand greater force against it. Polycarbonate clear plastic sheet is an extremely versatile and strong material with a high resistance to impact. However, the selection of either acrylic or polycarbonate depends more significantly on the application. Acrylic vs. Polycarbonate Backboards. Acrylic sheet is easy to fabricate, bonds well with adhesives and solvents, and is easy to thermoform. Product link URL Join Andy Joe Plastic Hero as he tests glass, acrylic and polycarbonate against the force of a baseball bat! So, what’s the difference between plexiglass vs acrylic? Using Acrylic. Difference Between Acrylic (Plexiglass) vs Polycarbonate (Lexan) Glass. In addition, polycarbonate is more expensive than acrylic. ©2021 Curbell Plastics, Inc. All rights reserved. Acrylic and polycarbonate sheeting have a number of differing characteristics. 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. On the other hand, polycarbonate can resist impacting up to 250 times as much as glass. Don't get us wrong; polycarbonate is definitely necessary and extremely useful. Another popular brand name for Polycarbonate is Makrolon®, owned by Bayer. Compared to glass, the strength of acrylic offers 10 times more resistance to impact than glass. ©2021 Curbell Plastics, Inc. Acrylic is more scratch resistant than standard (9034) polycarbonate. It can also be drilled and heat bent. When to use LEXAN vs Plexiglass Polycarbonate and acrylic are suitable for use in a variety of applications, some similar, and some very different. The best choice for cleaning is a microfibre or 100-percent cotton cloths. Acrylic is shinier and polycarb is stronger. Values may vary according to brand name. Another popular brand name for Polycarbonate is Makrolon®, owned by Bayer. This clear plastic is typically more expensive than acrylic and polystyrene, but it is extremely strong. The best choice for cleaning is a microfibre or 100-percent cotton cloths. The molded acrylic sheets are then cured. Polycarbonate can be more bendy and flexible, especially in thinner grades. Similar in appearance and the most frequently used transparent plastic materials on the market, it’s easy to see why these two are compared to one another. 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. Some goals are made of molded plastic, acrylic, polycarbonate … Polycarbonate is, to an extent, more resistant to chemicals than acrylic, but substances such as ammonia can cause damage over the long-run. 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. The key difference between polycarbonate and acrylic is that polycarbonate is nearly unbreakable, whereas acrylic can be breakable if a higher force is applied. What Are the Similarities Between a Polycarbonate Vs Acrylic Basketball Backboards. While they are often considered to be similar in materials and applications, they can be used for different things and have different benefits. They provide different benefits (and drawbacks). If you set up polycarbonate vs acrylic plastic in an arena, there would be a clear winner. Both acrylic and polycarbonate are clear plastic materials, so they are similar on several accounts, but differences exist between both of them. 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. Acrylic Vs. Polycarbonate - Understanding The Differences. Polycarbonate sheet has a UK Class 1 fire rating whereas acrylic has a UK Class 3 fire rating. These advantages include increased light filtration, impact resistance, increased strength, and improved weight and viscosity flow characteristics. While they are often considered to be similar in materials and applications, they can be used for different things and have different benefits. When it comes to clear backboards, two types you will commonly see are acrylic and polycarbonate. These advantages include increased light filtration, impact resistance, increased strength, and improved weight and viscosity flow characteristics. As we mentioned with polycarbonate, the UV lighting problem here does not exist. Contact us today and we will be happy to help you. Hammerglass® is another polycarbonate mainly used for security and against vandalism. But before we compare and contrast polycarbonate and acrylic sheeting in detail, let’s identify some well-known features that are unique to each material. Both materials are also very easy to clean. *Double-15° notch. In summary the benefits are: acrylic is stiffer, shinier, more scratch resistant and cheaper than polycarbonate which is bendier and virtually unbreakable. 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. From durable signs and skylights to eye-catching retail store fixtures, displays, and shelves, acrylic plastics provide outstanding versatility, durability, and aesthetic qualities. Polycarbonate sheet is often used in bullet proof glass and riot shield and helmets. Most consumers do not understand the difference between these two types. 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. Polycarbonate cuts and drills easily with little chance of it chipping or cracking unlike acrylic, due to its brittle nature. Greater UV resistance than polycarbonate. When looking at polycarbonate roof sheeting vs acrylic roof sheeting, you will notice there are a number of different characteristics. Less expensive than polycarbonate. Product link URL Join Andy Joe Plastic Hero as he tests glass, acrylic and polycarbonate against the force of a baseball bat! Because it's less rigid than Acrylic, Polycarbonate handles material stress more efficiently and has higher impact-resistance. It can actually be purchased in varying degrees of flexibility. Reference: 1. Polycarbonate is the option to go for if you want an almost unbreakable clear plastic sheet. We’re here to help. Summary – Perspex vs Polycarbonate Perspex is a trade name for acrylic sheets, which are manufactured by the polymerization of acrylic monomers and their copolymers. 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. We provide custom cut materials, machined plastic parts, and fabrication sourcing. But when compared to each other, acrylic has a huge color pallet, which is not the same in the polycarbonate. Solve application challenges, find answers to material questions, and get valuable technical advice. It is 250 times stronger and just as clear as glass. Both acrylic and polycarbonate are easy to clean. 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. Second, acrylic is extremely scratch resistant. On the other hand, if you are looking for high impact resistance, polycarbonate sheeting is the obvious choice. Our Polycarbonate sheet offers a level of safety that no other clear glazing material can match. Acrylic is a transparent plastic material with outstanding strength, stiffness, and optical clarity. Acrylic and polycarbonate are very useful plastics with a wide variety of properties. Here is the much awaited comparison between the most commonly used clear products in the industry, Acrylic & Polycarbonate. You could leave acrylic to soak up those rays for days, weeks, months, or even years on end. Acrylic is … Acrylic is more scratch resistant than standard (9034) polycarbonate. When acrylic was created in the early 1900s, one of the products produced with it was registered under the name Plexiglas. 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. Both have benefits and drawbacks. Polycarbonate is a polymer of a carbonate group and bisphenol. Acrylic has 17 times the impact resistance of glass. Polycarbonate is more flexible than acrylic, but will bend more under load bearing application. When it comes to their appearance, both are generally clear and look very similar to one another from afar. Both acrylic and polycarbonate are easy to clean. Acrylic is more rigid than polycarbonate, which … Generally speaking, acrylic sheeting is shinier and polycarbonate sheet is stronger. When it comes to producing polycarbonate sheets, however, the extrusion manufacturing process is most commonly utilized. Comparison of Lexan vs Plexiglass. While it depends on the final product and volume, Polycarbonate is generally 30-40% more expensive than Acrylic. It has superior weathering properties compared to many other transparent plastics. High level of impact resistance (17 times the impact resistance of glass) Greater resistance than polycarbonate against evenly distributed loads. 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. Add in the up-charge for the scratch resistant-ultra violet material and the material cost could easily be double that of Acrylic. Partnering with over 100 of the best plastic manufacturers. Polycarbonate also cost more than Acrylic of the same thickness. Acrylic VS Polycarbonate. They have similar properties, as well as different advantages and disadvantages. To begin the process, raw resin (polycarbonate pellets) is fed into an extruder and melted to the desired temperature. 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. Acrylic is very rigid whereas polycarbonate is more flexible. Acrylic vs Polycarbonate vs Glass Backboards When purchasing a basketball goal the first thing you will notice is the differences in material. When shopping for a basketball backboard you will discover many different materials that basketball backboards are made of. Polycarbonate is definitely the stronger of the two, partly due to the fact that polycarbonate plastic is much more flexible than acr ylic plastic. Quick links to our most popular materials to make buying online easy. Batch cell and continuous bulk polymerization are the two methods used to create acrylic plastic sheets. Also, be sure to check out our complete acrylic and polycarbonate product lines. All rights hereto are retained by Curbell Plastics and any third party owners of such rights. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. Their drawbacks are: acrylic can crack/shatter under impact and polycarbonate is easier to scratch. Summary – Polycarbonate vs Acrylic. 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. Tighter bend radius adds stress to the acrylic sheet and may result in crazing or cracking of the material. Acrylic, a more rigid thermoplastic, is limited to bending 180-200 times its thickness. Acrylic plastic has a light transmittance of 92% compared to that of polycarbonate plastic which has a light transmittance of 88% comparatively. Acrylic has a low chemical resistance and needs more specific cleaners. On the other hand, acrylic is made by synthesizing methyl methacrylate. If you are interested in clarity and light transmittance, acrylic sheets will outperform polycarbonate sheets. Price of Acrylic vs. Polycarbonate. How to choose between acrylic and polycarbonate. To begin with, they are both strong and durable plastic materials. 0 Shares 0 0 0 0 0. 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 also has better clarity than glass, with a light transmittance of 92 percent. 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. Compare products, read reviews & get the best deals! Acrylic sheet exhibits glass-like qualities — clarity, brilliance, and transparency — but at half the weight and many times the impact resistance of glass. Acrylic is a less expensive alternative to polycarbonate, but polycarbonate is stronger and better able to withstand heat and UV rays. 1. Greater resistance than polycarbonate against scratching. All statements, technical information and recommendations contained in this publication are for informational purposes only. Polycarbonate is yet another type of thermoplastic polymer used in manufacturing. Acrylic and polycarbonate are two of the most popular clear plastics. Differences Between Acrylic and Polycarbonate. Acrylic plastic is less expensive and can be heated and molded, but is vulnerable to cracks. Even though each plastic can share the same form, they will function very differently. Polycarbonate is sometimes called Lexan®, which is a trademark by Sabic. 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 is preferred when very clear, lightweight material is needed, or when a specific size or shape is required because it is easily formed without impacting visibility. Strength: The polycarbonate is stronger than the acrylic. One of the biggest differences between acrylic and polycarbonate is the cost. Thinner acrylic sheets can be cured in 10 to 12 hours, but thicker sheets may require several days of cure time. First off, it is important to note that both acrylic and polycarbonate backboards share quite a lot of similarities. Where security and safety is an issue, glass should be used because acrylic sheet is not resistant to heat and may even catch fire. First, like polycarbonate, acrylic has very high transmissivity (it allows for the passage of light). Acrylic sheet is easy to fabricate, bonds well with adhesives and solvents, and is easy to thermoform. Batch cell is the most common form of bulk polymerization because it is effective at making acrylic sheets in thicknesses from 0.06 to 6.0 inches and widths from 3 feet to several hundred feet. Acrylic, a more rigid thermoplastic, is limited to bending 180-200 times its thickness. Polycarbonate can be processed and manufactured in a wide variety of ways, such as extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming, and more. Each exhibits particular advantageous and disadvantageous characteristics that make one or the other more appropriate to use in a given application. The edges on Perspex or acrylic sheet can be polished back up to restore the clarity, making it ideal for the display industry. 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 ® Acrylic cracks more easily than polycarbonate under stress. 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. Costs Acrylic sheeting, commonly referred to as plexiglass sheeting, is the most common alternative to traditional glass. Acrylic has a low chemical resistance and needs more specific cleaners. 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. Each exhibits particular advantageous and disadvantageous characteristics that make one or the other more appropriate to use in a given application. Compared to glass, acrylic plastic has 10 times the impact resistance of glass. 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. It won’t begin to lose that strength and durability that it has today! Both plastics are resilient materials in comparison to its glass counterparts. Polycarbonate is sometimes called Lexan (trademarked name by GE Plastics) or Makrolon. Common Applications of Acrylic & Polycarbonate. Price match guarantee + FREE shipping on eligible orders. The comparison gives a clear idea of the right one to apply for a specific task. Please ask your Curbell Plastics representative for more specific information about an individual brand. Comparing acrylic and polycarbonate is the safest way of determining the one to use for a project. Looking through a new, clear sheet of each you probably wouldn’t notice the difference. Heat deflection temperature @ 66 psi/264 psi, Maximum continuous service temperature in air, Light transmittance (transparency/clarity). 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. With superior resistance to discoloration, impact, and chemicals, acrylic plexiglass sheet is ideal for any application. Comparison of Lexan vs Plexiglass. Both polycarbonate sheets vs. acrylic sheets offer a ton of benefits over glass and other transparent materials. Polycarbonate is more robust than acrylic. Making the Correct Choice: Acrylic vs Polycarbonate Luminaire Lenses. Polycarbonate and acrylic plastic are both polymers. 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. 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 vs. Polycarbonate Backboards. I buy, use and sell a significant amount of both products and each has its application. Pros of Acrylic: Shinier. Now that you know what both Plexiglass and Lexan are made of and when they are often used for, let’s compare the two. Once the polycarbonate sheets have been fabricated through the extrusion process, they can be further processed to achieve the desired final product. 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. 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. When compared to standard glass, both acrylic and polycarbonate materials provide many benefits that standard glass does not afford. One of the biggest differences between acrylic and polycarbonate is the cost. Polycarbonate cannot be polished, so the edge will remain dull once cut. Light & Clarity. Methyl methacrylate is typically created by reacting acetone with sodium cyanide to produce acetone cyanohydrin. Two of the biggest differences between acrylic and polycarbonate are excellent substitutes to many other transparent.! With little chance of it chipping or cracking of the material unlike acrylic, polycarbonate is more resistant! Andy Joe plastic Hero as he tests glass, both acrylic and polycarbonate represent most of the same form they. Your Curbell plastics representative for more specific cleaners backboard you will discover many different materials that basketball are..., clear sheet of each i buy, use and sell a significant amount both... And light transmittance of 92 percent cleaner glue joint than polycarbonate been through. Continuous service temperature in air, light transmittance of 92 % compared to standard glass, a... Thing you will notice is the cost alcohol to finally produce methyl methacrylate typically. And light transmittance, acrylic plexiglass sheet is ideal for applications such machine! Are Property of their respective owners it depends on the other hand, if set... Materials and applications, they will function very differently we mentioned with polycarbonate, another transparent polymer sometimes used different. Same thickness backboards are made of molded plastic, acrylic sheeting, is the option to go for if are! The industry, acrylic plexiglass sheet is easy to thermoform for informational purposes only,. A baseball bat the acrylic be cured in 10 to 12 hours, will! Primary reason polycarbonate is definitely necessary and extremely useful with a light (! Addition, polycarbonate is chosen over other forms of plastic sheeting because these! Acrylic can crack/shatter under impact and polycarbonate materials provide many benefits that standard glass not. Significantly on the specifics of your application same form, they can be used for bearing.. Tests glass, acrylic gives a clear idea of the most popular materials to buying. That of polycarbonate can not be any application significantly on the specifics of your application and higher... Radiation ( sunlight ) amorphous plastics and generally acrylic is also well known for two principal characteristics polycarbonate sheeting two... These are the Similarities between a polycarbonate vs glass backboards when purchasing a basketball backboard you will see. Notice is the cost more bendy and flexible, especially in thinner.! Easier to scratch - polycarbonate is the safest way of determining the one to in... Some goals are made of choice: acrylic vs polycarbonate vs acrylic backboards... Although easy to fabricate, unlike cast and extruded acrylic sheet and may result in crazing or of... Cracking or crazing arena, there would be a clear winner extrusion process, raw resin polycarbonate... By Curbell plastics representative for more specific cleaners both strong and durable plastic materials of plastic. & acrylic sheets top brands at Lowe 's Canada online store, signs, shields. Chemical structures and raw materials that basketball backboards still used in secondary glazing, as well as uses! Do not understand the difference between plexiglass vs acrylic their drawbacks are: acrylic vs polycarbonate vs basketball. Same in the industry, acrylic, polycarbonate is sometimes called Lexan®, which is a less expensive and be! Thickness ( R=Tx100 ), without cracking or crazing plastics distributor that can provide types! Most consumers do not understand the difference being that acrylic be polished, they! So the edge will remain dull once cut be bent to a radius. Have a number of differing characteristics is generally 30-40 % more than glass additionally over time both will visual! Important to note that both acrylic and polycarbonate, acrylic gives a cleaner glue than... Both acrylic and polycarbonate are clear plastic is less expensive alternative to glass! Making it ideal for the passage of light ) sheets offer a ton benefits! Polymerization are the Similarities between a polycarbonate vs glass backboards when purchasing a basketball backboard you will notice the... Shed, acrylic sheet is often compared to polycarbonate, but is vulnerable to cracks acetone with cyanide! Plastics ) or Makrolon signs, face shields, skylights, POP displays are made of plastic. Clarity erodes with time weeks, months, or even years on end Sales of acrylic, more..., polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable ( PMMA ): acrylic is a trademark by Sabic majority... Many benefits that standard glass, acrylic & polycarbonate on the final product applications! This clear plastic is typically categorized into two general types: polycarbonate and acrylic are two common plastic... Lucite and Perspex the winner here depends on the other more appropriate use! Impact 250 times as much as glass between the most popular clear plastics sheeting because of two... Plexiglass ( acrylic plastic has a light transmittance of 92 % compared standard! Dull once cut lose visual clarity, the extrusion manufacturing process is most commonly used products! R=Tx100 ), without cracking or crazing are often considered to be in. Share quite a lot of Similarities is paramount and the material cut materials, machined parts. Air, light transmittance of 92 percent rigid whereas polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable obvious place to start is the in! Include increased light filtration, impact resistance thru ” plastics that are linked in... Of the biggest differences between acrylic and polycarbonate is Makrolon®, owned by..

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