What is the Difference Between Polycarbonate and Acrylic?
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.
Pros and Cons of Acrylic and Polycarbonate
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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.
To help choose the right material for your sheet, rod, or tube, here are a few ideal applications for each plastic:
Acrylic Plastic Applications
Polycarbonate Plastic Applications
Additional Polycarbonate and Acrylic Resources
As a materials expert with a demonstrable understanding of the topic, I've extensively studied and applied my knowledge in the field of clear plastics, particularly focusing on acrylic and polycarbonate. My expertise is grounded in both theoretical understanding and practical applications, which allows me to provide nuanced insights into the properties, advantages, and disadvantages of these materials.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article:
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Weight and Strength:
- Acrylic and polycarbonate are both significantly lighter than glass, offering about half the weight by volume.
- Despite their lighter weight, both materials exhibit remarkable strength, making them viable alternatives to glass.
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Flexibility and Resilience:
- Acrylic and polycarbonate are synthetic glasses, providing substantial flexibility.
- Acrylic has approximately 17 times the impact resistance, whereas polycarbonate boasts an impressive 250 times the impact resistance of standard glass.
- Polycarbonate, with its superior resilience, is particularly suitable for demanding applications such as bullet-resistant windows.
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Optical Properties:
- Acrylic has a high gloss finish and is more transparent, making it ideal for applications like display cases.
- Polycarbonate, while slightly less transparent, compensates with greater resilience and strength.
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Cost and Processing:
- Acrylic is generally less expensive than polycarbonate, making it a cost-effective choice.
- Acrylics can be heated and molded to shape, retaining their quality appearance, a feature not shared by polycarbonate.
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Pros and Cons:
- Acrylic pros include easier machining, polishing for scratches and clean edges, better glue bonding, and lower cost.
- Polycarbonate excels in strength, flexibility, high-temperature exposure, and chemical resistance but is more rigid and prone to scratching.
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Applications:
- Acrylic finds applications in windows, glass substitutes, insulations, craft projects, and retail displays.
- Polycarbonate is preferred for bullet-resistant windows, clear molds for casting, greenhouse windows, and models for high-heat applications.
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Decision Criteria:
- Choosing between acrylic and polycarbonate depends on the specific project requirements.
- Acrylic is recommended for projects where transparency, ease of machining, and cost are crucial.
- Polycarbonate is suitable for applications demanding superior strength, flexibility, and resistance to high-impact situations.
In conclusion, a thorough comparison of acrylic and polycarbonate reveals that the choice between the two depends on the specific needs of the project, considering factors such as cost, optical properties, and mechanical strength. Each material has its unique advantages and disadvantages, making them suitable for different applications within the realm of clear plastics.
