Acrylic is very rigid whereas polycarbonate is more flexible. Acrylic vs. Polycarbonate. Polycarbonate Mirrors. The Benefits of Acrylic Panels . Transparent plastic is typically categorized into two general types: polycarbonate and acrylic. Their drawbacks are: acrylic can crack/shatter under impact and polycarbonate is easier to scratch. On the other hand, acrylic is made by synthesizing methyl methacrylate. Before we can properly analyze Plexiglass vs Lexan, their benefits and drawbacks. 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. Hammerglass® is another polycarbonate mainly used for security and against vandalism. Polycarbonate has a glass transition temperature of about 147 °C (297 °F), so it softens gradually above this point and … So, what’s the difference between plexiglass vs acrylic? Today, a number of manufacturers create plexiglass acrylic products sold under brand names including Acrylite, Crylux, Lucite and Perspex. Both acrylic and polycarbonate are easy to clean. Explore what to consider when choosing between the two. When shopping for a basketball backboard you will discover many different materials that basketball backboards are made of. Polycarbonate VS Acrylic: Custom Material Comparison – Acrylic Strength Although acrylic has absolutely nothing on polycarbonate when it comes to strength characteristics, at a small scale, I’d argue it’s actually totally fine for use in key chains and other items where yes, it can break but at a quarter inch in thickness and more, it’s actually pretty resilient. Acrylic has a low chemical resistance and needs more specific cleaners. Acrylic is more scratch resistant than standard (9034) polycarbonate. Summary. Acrylic is a transparent plastic mаtеrіаl wіth outstanding strength, ѕtіffnеѕѕ, and орtісаl сlаrіtу. 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. Remember, if it's plastic it’s at ACME PLASTICS. Polycarbonate is the option to go for if you want an almost unbreakable clear plastic sheet. The monomers of plastic are either natural or synthetic. Acrylic is known as one of the closest materials to polycarbonate and the two are often compared, however, the question is, what are the benefits of one over the other and is one simply a better option? Acrylic is also easier to crack, while polycarbonate is easier to scratch. Some goals are made of molded plastic, acrylic, polycarbonate … Acrylic is often compared to polycarbonate, another transparent polymer sometimes used for bearing loads. As you might imagine, Polycarbonate is more expensive than Acrylic. Acrylic and polycarbonate are two of the most popular clear plastics. Acrylic Mirrors are easy to work with; they can be cut with a knife, scriber or jigsaw and may also be drilled with care. These advantages include increased light filtration, impact resistance, increased strength, and improved weight and viscosity flow characteristics. Acrylic and polycarbonate are very useful plastics with a wide variety of properties. Why block the beautiful scenery along the highway because you want to install a sound barrier? 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. … Polycarbonate has 250 times the impact resistance of glass. When it comes to clear backboards, two types you will commonly see are acrylic and polycarbonate. First, we must understand manufacturing of both, like, what materials they are made of, what they are mostly used for, how they may be similar, and how they differentiate? Although both polycarbonate panels and acrylic panels share some beneficial traits with each other, these polymers are still quite different from each other—making them ideal for different situations. Both acrylic and polycarbonate are easy to clean. Available in matte or glossy finishes, PVC laminates are thin, and can be bent without breaking. Contact us today and we will be happy to help you. Before deciding whether acrylic or polycarbonate best suits your machining needs, it is important to understand the differences between the two plastics materials. Polycarbonates are transparent (over 79% light transmissions) and over 200 times stronger than reinforced glass.All polycarbonates are protected from both ultraviolet radiation and scratch.So polycarbonate now is a good choice for highway sound barrier. Polycarbonate. Also, be sure to check out our complete acrylic and polycarbonate product lines. They mostly suit the … Both have benefits and drawbacks. Polycarbonate is definitely the stronger of the two, partly due to the fact that … 0. … It's more crispier. Read on to discover which type of window would be best for your needs. Product link URL Join Andy Joe Plastic Hero as he tests glass, acrylic and polycarbonate against the force of a baseball bat! To begin with, they are both strong and durable plastic materials. Gluing with cements designed for acrylic and polycarbonate, acrylic gives a cleaner glue joint than polycarbonate. Plexiglass is often also referred to as acrylic. Most consumers do not understand the difference between these two types. Acrylic (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC) are very similar plastics in the sense that both have high clarity, meaning the material is see-through like glass. The benefits listed above for polycarbonate are a strong selling point however, Acrylic offers even more in the way of flexibility and choice. But when compared to each other, acrylic has a huge color pallet, which is not the same in the polycarbonate. Light & Clarity. Molded plastic is usually found on cheap kiddie hoops, glass is usually found on higher-end hoops, and steel is usually found commercial hoops in public parks. 0. Acrylic cracks more easily than polycarbonate under stress. This is then reacted with methyl alcohol to finally produce methyl methacrylate. Polycarbonate is generally more expensive than acrylic plexiglass. What is Acrylic Plastic and What is it Used For? Polycarbonate is a polymer of a carbonate group and bisphenol. Damage resistance: Because both acrylic and polycarbonate are types of plastic they both boast impressive levels of resistance to forceful impacts and can hold their own against the majority of alternative materials. Explore what to consider when choosing between the two. Sign Up for Our Newsletter to Receive Special Offers, Acrylic UV-Filtering OP3 Frame Grade Clear Sheet, Acrylic UV-Filtering OP3 Non-Glare P99 Frame Grade Clear Sheet, Acrylic Non-Glare P99 Frame Grade Clear Sheet, Twinwall and Multiwall Polycarbonate Sheets, Comparing the Physical Properties of Plastic, Polishing, Beveling & Rounding Acrylic Edges, Polycarbonate & Acrylic Greenhouse Panels. Plastics frequently used today plastics distributor that can provide both types of sheets you! 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