Guide
Acrylic or Polycarbonate Sheet? Differences and How to Choose
Acrylic (plexiglass) and polycarbonate compared by impact strength, clarity, UV behaviour and forming, plus the factors that set the price.
ByAsta Reklam
Published:
2 min read
In this article(5)
Acrylic (PMMA, often called plexiglass) is crystal clear, UV-stable and hard-surfaced, but it cracks on impact. Polycarbonate (PC) is almost unbreakable, but it transmits slightly less light and yellows without UV protection. Choose acrylic when appearance matters, and polycarbonate when impact or safety does.
Comparison
Values are typical and vary by brand and thickness.
| Acrylic (PMMA) | Polycarbonate (PC) | |
|---|---|---|
| Impact strength | Low, brittle | Very high, almost unbreakable |
| Light transmission (clear) | About 92% | About 88–89% |
| UV and yellowing | Naturally UV-stable | Unprotected sheet yellows; choose UV-protected |
| Surface hardness | Harder, scratches less | Softer, scratches more |
| Forming | Heated and shaped | Cold-bent, also heat-formed |
| Laser cutting | Clean, glossy edge | Edge darkens; CNC or saw preferred |
| Fire | Poor | Tends to self-extinguish |
Röhm states that colourless PLEXIGLAS transmits about 92% and is naturally UV-stable. Covestro describes Makrolon polycarbonate as impact resistant even at low temperatures. Our solid polycarbonate page lists two-sided UV protection; mount the protected face towards the sun.
Which one for which job?
- Lightbox letters and sign faces: opal acrylic; polycarbonate if vandalism is a risk.
- Shop windows and displays: acrylic.
- Protective barriers and machine guards: polycarbonate.
- Roofs and canopies: corrugated polycarbonate.
What sets the price?
Material type (cast or extruded acrylic, solid or corrugated polycarbonate), thickness, UV protection on one or both faces, colour and finish, brand and warranty, sheet size and cutting waste, and quantity. Plan waste with the cutting calculator or the acrylic cutting waste calculator.
Our products
- Acrylic plexiglass sheet: 2 to 50 mm; standard 135 × 200, 150 × 300 and 205 × 305 cm.
- Solid polycarbonate: 1 to 10 mm, 205 × 305 cm.
- Corrugated polycarbonate: 4, 6, 8 and 10 mm, 2.10 × 6 m.
See also polycarbonate sheet: solid or corrugated? and cast or extruded acrylic. For price and stock, ask your branch or contact us.
FAQ
Which is stronger, acrylic or polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate is far stronger on impact. Acrylic is ahead on scratch and UV resistance.
Which one yellows outdoors?
Polycarbonate without UV protection. Acrylic is naturally UV-stable.
Which for lightbox letter faces?
Mostly opal acrylic. Consider opal polycarbonate where impact or vandalism is likely.
Sources: PLEXIGLAS, Covestro Makrolon.
This article contains general information; confirm dimensions and technical values before production.
