Is There a Difference Between Polycarbonate Sheets and Acrylic Sheets?
Release time: 2025-06-09
Polycarbonate (PC) Sheets and Acrylic (PMMA) Sheets are both transparent plastic materials, but they differ significantly in terms of performance, usage, and cost.
Material Composition
Polycarbonate (PC): Made from polycarbonate resin, it has very high impact resistance.
Acrylic (PMMA): Made from polymethyl methacrylate, acrylic sheets are more brittle compared to polycarbonate but offer very high transparency.
Physical Properties Comparison
| Property | Polycarbonate (PC) | Acrylic (PMMA) |
| Impact Resistance | Extremely high (250 times stronger than glass, 30 times stronger than acrylic) | Good (stronger than glass, but much lower than PC) |
| Light Transmission | About 88%-90% | About 92%-93% |
| Temperature Resistance | -45°C to 135°C (better short-term high temperature resistance) | -40°C to 80°C (prone to deformation at high temperatures) |
| Surface Hardness | Relatively soft | Harder |
| Weight | Slightly heavier | Lighter |
Weather Resistance and Aging Resistance
PC Sheets: Long-term exposure to UV rays can cause yellowing and brittleness, requiring a UV coating to extend its lifespan.
Acrylic Sheets: Naturally resistant to UV rays, they change color slowly when exposed to outdoor environments and are suitable for long-term sunlight exposure. They can be used in more extreme environments.
Processing and Cost
Processing Difficulty:
PC Sheets: Require high-temperature processing and can be bent but need specialized equipment.
Acrylic Sheets: Easy to cut and thermoform, suitable for DIY or complex shapes.
Cost
Polycarbonate sheets are typically more expensive than acrylic sheets because of their stronger performance.
Acrylic sheets are less expensive due to simpler manufacturing processes.
Polycarbonate (PC) sheets are tough and durable, while acrylic (PMMA) sheets are highly transparent and easy to shape. Depending on specific needs, such as impact resistance, temperature tolerance, and budget, choosing the most suitable material is crucial. For high-quality, high-performance polycarbonate polymer material solutions, you can consult Anhui Lyxon New Material Technology Co., Ltd.
