In this lesson we will compare and contrast the physical and mechanical properties of each, as well as the uses of each. Quick links to our most popular materials to make buying online easy. Although easy to fabricate, unlike cast and extruded acrylic sheet material, the edges of polycarbonate cannot be polished. Polycarbonate is more robust than 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. Polycarbonate is a tough, transparent plastic material with outstanding strength, stiffness, and impact resistance. It won’t begin to lose that strength and durability that it has today! 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. Both acrylic and polycarbonate are easy to clean. When it comes to clear backboards, two types you will commonly see are acrylic and polycarbonate. Methyl methacrylate is typically created by reacting acetone with sodium cyanide to produce acetone cyanohydrin. It is 250 times stronger and just as clear as glass. Shop Polycarbonate & Acrylic Sheets top brands at Lowe's Canada online store. How to choose between acrylic and polycarbonate. Acrylic has a low chemical resistance and needs more specific cleaners. Today, a number of manufacturers create plexiglass acrylic products sold under brand names including Acrylite, Crylux, Lucite and Perspex. Also, be sure to check out our complete acrylic and polycarbonate product lines. Reference: 1. Acrylic sheet is easy to fabricate, bonds well with adhesives and solvents, and is easy to thermoform. Now that you know what both Plexiglass and Lexan are made of and when they are often used for, let’s compare the two. You could leave acrylic to soak up those rays for days, weeks, months, or even years on end. Please ask your Curbell Plastics representative for more specific information about an individual brand. Now that you know what both Plexiglass and Lexan are made of and when they are often used for, let’s compare the two. With superior resistance to discoloration, impact, and chemicals, acrylic plexiglass sheet is ideal for any application. It can withstand greater force against it. 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. Price of Acrylic vs. Polycarbonate. Product link URL Join Andy Joe Plastic Hero as he tests glass, acrylic and polycarbonate against the force of a baseball bat! Compared to glass, acrylic plastic has 10 times the impact resistance of glass. All other trademarks, service marks and logos used herein are property of their respective owners. Greater UV resistance than polycarbonate. Gluing with cements designed for acrylic and polycarbonate, acrylic gives a cleaner glue joint than polycarbonate. So finding a reliable plastics distributor that can provide both types of sheets to you in order to meet all of these different needs. Gluing with cements designed for acrylic and polycarbonate, acrylic gives a cleaner glue joint than polycarbonate. 0. First, like polycarbonate, acrylic has very high transmissivity (it allows for the passage of light). ©2021 Curbell Plastics, Inc. To begin with, they are both strong and durable plastic materials. Polycarbonate sheet has a UK Class 1 fire rating whereas acrylic has a UK Class 3 fire rating. When compared to standard glass, both acrylic and polycarbonate materials provide many benefits that standard glass does not afford. Polycarbonate sheet is often used in bullet proof glass and riot shield and helmets. I buy, use and sell a significant amount of both products and each has its application. Polycarbonate can be processed and manufactured in a wide variety of ways, such as extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming, and more. It has superior weathering properties compared to many other transparent plastics. First, like polycarbonate, acrylic has very high transmissivity (it allows for the passage of light). When shopping for a basketball backboard you will discover many different materials that basketball backboards are made of. Below, we break down the pros and cons of each and provide some common applications for each type of plastic. 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. Here is the much awaited comparison between the most commonly used clear products in the industry, Acrylic & Polycarbonate. 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. It can also be drilled and heat bent. Partnering with over 100 of the best plastic manufacturers. To begin the process, raw resin (polycarbonate pellets) is fed into an extruder and melted to the desired temperature. Polycarbonate is yet another type of thermoplastic polymer used in manufacturing. One of the biggest differences between acrylic and polycarbonate is the cost. Generally speaking, acrylic sheeting is shinier and polycarbonate sheet is stronger. Acrylic is more rigid than polycarbonate, which … Here are some common applications: Spectator protection for ice hockey rinks. High level of impact resistance (17 times the impact resistance of glass) Greater resistance than polycarbonate against evenly distributed loads. Acrylic or Perspex is often still used in secondary glazing, as well as the display market. Polycarbonate has 250 times the impact resistance of glass. Most consumers do not understand the difference between these two types. On the other hand, polycarbonate can resist impacting up to 250 times as much as glass. 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. What Are the Similarities Between a Polycarbonate Vs Acrylic Basketball Backboards. Polycarbonate’s optical clarity makes it ideal for applications such as machine guards, signs, face shields, skylights, POP displays. When looking at polycarbonate roof sheeting vs acrylic roof sheeting, you will notice there are a number of different characteristics. Some goals are made of molded plastic, acrylic, polycarbonate … Don't get us wrong; polycarbonate is definitely necessary and extremely useful. 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. Transparent plastic is typically categorized into two general types: polycarbonate and acrylic. The best choice for cleaning is a microfibre or 100-percent cotton cloths. They have similar properties, as well as different advantages and disadvantages. We’re here to help. Yes, both are great alternatives to using glass. Acrylic is more scratch resistant than standard (9034) polycarbonate. As a result, both plastics are used in a number of applications across a range of industries. Yes, both are great alternatives to using glass. Because of these two qualities acrylic is … As we mentioned with polycarbonate, the UV lighting problem here does not exist. Our Polycarbonate sheet offers a level of safety that no other clear glazing material can match. Acrylic is significantly more durable when exposed to Ultra Violet radiation (sunlight). 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. Polycarbonate is far more impact resistant than acrylic but easier to scratch - polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable. Both plastics are resilient materials in comparison to its glass counterparts. Add in the up-charge for the scratch resistant-ultra violet material and the material cost could easily be double that of 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. Some goals are made of molded plastic, acrylic, polycarbonate … Acrylic sheeting, commonly referred to as plexiglass sheeting, is the most common alternative to traditional glass. Acrylic Vs. Polycarbonate - Understanding The Differences. Product link URL Join Andy Joe Plastic Hero as he tests glass, acrylic and polycarbonate against the force of a baseball bat! Acrylic VS Polycarbonate. This overall creation process is known as polymerization. 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. Polycarbonate is definitely the stronger of the two, partly due to the fact that polycarbonate plastic is much more flexible than acr ylic plastic. Solve application challenges, find answers to material questions, and get valuable technical advice. 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 and polycarbonate are very useful plastics with a wide variety of properties. When it comes to producing polycarbonate sheets, however, the extrusion manufacturing process is most commonly utilized. Heat deflection temperature @ 66 psi/264 psi, Maximum continuous service temperature in air, Light transmittance (transparency/clarity). Acrylic is a less expensive alternative to polycarbonate, but polycarbonate is stronger and better able to withstand heat and UV rays. Sign in to access your web account. 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. Both acrylic and polycarbonate are clear plastic materials, so they are similar on several accounts, but differences exist between both of them. Polycarbonate is a polymer of a carbonate group and bisphenol. 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. Acrylic is less expensive than Polycarbonate. Tighter bend radius adds stress to the acrylic sheet and may result in crazing or cracking of the material. 1. Polycarbonate is sometimes called Lexan (trademarked name by GE Plastics) or Makrolon. Polycarbonate is, to an extent, more resistant to chemicals than acrylic, but substances such as ammonia can cause damage over the long-run. Polycarbonate and acrylic are two plastics frequently used today. Or Register to create a new user account. All statements, technical information and recommendations contained in this publication are for informational purposes only. Polycarbonate sheets can cost on average about 35% more than acrylic. These are the most common methods for creating these polymers. Values may vary according to brand name. Perspex® acrylic sheet can resist impacting 17 times more than glass whereas polycarbonate can manage to resist impact 250 times more than glass. 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. The edges on Perspex or acrylic sheet can be polished back up to restore the clarity, making it ideal for the display industry. Difference Between Acrylic (Plexiglass) vs Polycarbonate (Lexan) Glass. From durable signs and skylights to eye-catching retail store fixtures, displays, and shelves, acrylic plastics provide outstanding versatility, durability, and aesthetic qualities. Acrylic sheet is easy to fabricate, bonds well with adhesives and solvents, and is easy to thermoform. ©2021 Curbell Plastics, Inc. All rights reserved. While it depends on the final product and volume, Polycarbonate is generally 30-40% more expensive than Acrylic. Summary – Perspex vs Polycarbonate Perspex is a trade name for acrylic sheets, which are manufactured by the polymerization of acrylic monomers and their copolymers. 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. Another popular brand name for Polycarbonate is Makrolon®, owned by Bayer. Thinner acrylic sheets can be cured in 10 to 12 hours, but thicker sheets may require several days of cure time. When acrylic was created in the early 1900s, one of the products produced with it was registered under the name Plexiglas. Acrylic vs Polycarbonate vs Glass Backboards When purchasing a basketball goal the first thing you will notice is the differences in material. Additionally over time both will lose visual clarity, the difference being that acrylic be polished to regain it; polycarbonate cannot be. How to work with Acrylic and Polycarbonate. Looking through a new, clear sheet of each you probably wouldn’t notice the difference. Even though each plastic can share the same form, they will function very differently. Acrylic sheet exhibits glass-like qualities — clarity, brilliance, and transparency — but at half the weight and many times the impact resistance of glass. 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. It can actually be purchased in varying degrees of flexibility. Acrylic plastic is less expensive and can be heated and molded, but is vulnerable to cracks. Making the Correct Choice: Acrylic vs Polycarbonate Luminaire Lenses. Acrylic is less expensive but easier to crack. Uses of Perspex® Acrylic Sheet vs Polycarbonate Sheet. Acrylic is a transparent plastic material with outstanding strength, stiffness, and optical clarity. All rights hereto are retained by Curbell Plastics and any third party owners of such rights. 1. Making the Correct Choice: Acrylic vs Polycarbonate Luminaire Lenses. Acrylic sheet can be saw cut, router cut and laser cut. Differences Between Acrylic and Polycarbonate. In addition, polycarbonate is more expensive than acrylic. Plexiglass (acrylic plastic) is the winner here. 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. Because of these two qualities acrylic is frequently the plastic of choice for optical devices. Acrylic is very rigid whereas polycarbonate is more flexible. 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. When compared to standard glass, both acrylic and polycarbonate materials provide many benefits that standard glass does not afford. Comparing acrylic and polycarbonate is the safest way of determining the one to use for a project. Finally, glass is often used in places where safety is paramount and the temperature can rise. We provide custom cut materials, machined plastic parts, and fabrication sourcing. 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. Cleaning. Acrylic has 17 times the impact resistance of glass. Second, acrylic is extremely scratch resistant. Acrylic is the most common choice for the majority of basketball hoops for the outdoors. Acrylic vs. Polycarbonate Backboards. Polycarbonate clear plastic sheet is an extremely versatile and strong material with a high resistance to impact. The polycarbonate and acrylic both are available in different colors. 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… Learn more about how to choose between polycarbonate vs. acrylic. Don’t misunderstand my preference for acrylic. Acrylic and polycarbonate sheeting have a number of differing characteristics. acrylic versus polycarbonate Sales of acrylic (polymethyl methacrylate) and polycarbonate represent most of the “see thru” plastics that are sold. Batch cell and continuous bulk polymerization are the two methods used to create acrylic plastic sheets. Acrylic, a more rigid thermoplastic, is limited to bending 180-200 times its thickness. 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. Contact us today and we will be happy to help you. Lexan and Plexiglas are not specific names to generalize Acrylic and Polycarbonate. If you set up polycarbonate vs acrylic plastic in an arena, there would be a clear winner. Polycarbonate is sometimes called Lexan®, which is a trademark by Sabic. Since PC has a limited variety of colors and its color clarity erodes with time. 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