Acrylic and polycarbonate sheets are some of the most widely utilized thermoplastics in modern materials. Each of these materials is famous in retail, construction, automotive, signage, and even home improvement industries. At first glance, they all look similar because they are clear, lightweight, and strong, but in reality, they differ in many properties and uses.
Knowing these differences aligns better with businesses, designers, and builders looking to make financially smarter and effective decisions depending on their application.
In this article, we’ll discuss the following:
- What are Acrylic, Perspex, and Polycarbonate Sheets?
- Key Differences in Strength, Durability, and Flexibility
- UV resistance and weathering
- Clarity and aesthetic appeal
- Cost comparison
- Safety and impact resistance
- Ideal applications for each material
- Conclusion: Which one should you choose?
What Are Acrylic Sheets?
Also referred as PMMA, acrylic sheets are defined as a thermoplastic material generated from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Acrylics are commonly used glass substitutes because they’re incredibly transparent, strong, and much lighter than glass. Its optical clarity makes it favorable among its users.
Acrylic is readily available in two forms, cast or extruded sheets. The former has enhanced optical clarity and better chemical resistance, while the latter is more economical and maintains consistency in thickness throughout the surface.
These are the most notable examples:
- Shop signage
- Display cases
- Point of sale stands
- DIY projects
- Furniture accents
What Is Perspex?
Perspex is considered a brand name under Lucite International for one of its products, which is an acrylic sheet. So to say, it is correct to say that Perspex is acrylic. The same as saying “Hoover” is a vacuum cleaner stationary or “Velcro” is a hook and loop fastener.
Due to premium manufacturing processes, its known to be associated with high optical clarity and superior quality. Surgically clean in multiple colors and textures it is marketed for architects and designers.
Key takeaway, all Perspex is acrylic, but not all acrylic is Perspex.
What Are Polycarbonate Sheets?
These are another type of transparent thermoplastic, differing from acrylic in strength and durability. Tubular in design, the material is derived from bisphenol A and phosgene, making it tougher along with impact resistance.
Polycarbonate sheet is roughly 250 times more enduring than glass and around 30 times more than acrylic. Its durability under standard conditions is exceptional; hence, it is perfect for use in security applications, protective barriers, guards across machines, and even bullet-resistant windows.
It is also easier to bend polycarbonate than acrylic, as polycarbonate is more flexible.
These are some common applications:
- POS protective screens
- Guard and safety machines
- Riot shields and protective barriers
- Bus shelters and skylights
- Conservatories and greenhouses
Strength and Durability
Suppose you consider sheets made of polycarbonate and acrylic. In that case, polycarbonate possesses greater impact resistance and thus, stands to be the best of the two. Polycarbonate has a strength of 250 times compared to glass, and 30 times when compared to acrylic. Meanwhile, acrylic possesses a strength of 10 times when compared to glass.
| Material | Relative Impact Resistance |
| Glass | 1x |
| Acrylic | 10x |
| Polycarbonate | 250x |
Therefore, polycarbonate is the most suitable material for high-risk areas. This includes protective borders, machine enclosures, and items of riot gear.
Though for display signage items that need to be scratch resistant, acrylic works better than polycarbonate.
Self-Standing Polycarbonate Vs Other Materials
Flexibility and Workability
Polycarbonate is easier to work with than acrylic. It can be cold-bent and does not break or crack. This means that polycarbonate can be used in curved designs or shaped structures. Acrylic is more brittle and can only be curled at angles with heat.
In summary:
- Polycarbonate: Flexible, suitable for shaping on-site.
- Acrylic/Perspex: Brittle when cold, must be shaped using heat.
UV Resistance and Weatherability
For outdoor applications, UV resistance is vital. For example, Perspex acrylic sheets are less likely to yellow and deteriorate under direct sunlight because they have excellent natural UV resistance. Many sheets also come with built-in UV-protected features for enhanced clarity outdoors.
Although tougher, polycarbonate is more susceptible to damage and yellowing over time unless UV-stabilised versions are used. Luckily, a lot of manufacturers offer UV-protected polycarbonate sheets for outdoor structures such as greenhouses, bus stop shelters, etc.
When optical clarity is needed for outdoor projects that require monitoring from the inside, UV-stabilised acrylic or Perspex is preferred.
Clarity and Aesthetic Appeal
Perspex and acrylic sheets are super transparent. In fact, Perspex boasts on being 92% light transmissive, outdoing glass, while polycarbonate comes after with 88-90%.
Acrylic and Perspex Sheets are Suitable for Premium Displays
Acrylic and Perspex sheets are best used in retail merchandising or advertisement peripherals since they have a glossy finish. While Polycarbonate comes with textured matte options, it’s known to have a slightly duller finish.
Cost
In applications that require impact resistance or cost cuts, you’ll usually find affordable acrylic sheets. With polycarbonate being the most expensive regarding its superior strength and durability, especially in safety-required environments, other options do seem appealing.
Similarly to acrylic, Perspex does offer advantages. While it may be marked up in price slightly, its branded nature does promise weather resistance, color options, and consistency.
When compared to the other two, Polycarbonate does take the worst spot, though it does have advanced features like long lifespan and durability.
Safety and Impact Resistance
Of all the three options, Polycarbonate does stand out when it comes to safety. With its shatter-proof design, capability to withstand blows and objects, it’s a useful material for:
- Riot shields
- Bank teller windows
- School safety windows
- Machinery guards
In comparison, acrylic does bear more risk. It’s safer than glass, but comes with the risk of sharp edges due to cracking or shattering. Because of its high-impact nature, stressed environments with little to no control should avoid acrylic.
Ideal Applications for Each Material
Below is a short summary of their advantages and appropriate uses:
Acrylic Sheets
- Displays and POS retail stand
- Storefront signage
- Frame and art creation for do-it-yourselfers
- Interior Design and décor panels
Perspex Sheets
- Custom, designer furnishings
- Signage with custom colours and effects
- High-end advertising display stands
- Outdoor promotional signage boards and placards
Polycarbonate Sheets
- Safety barriers and machine guards
- Skylight and greenhouse covers
- Riot shields and security windows
- Bus stop and street furniture advertising
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Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
It cuts down to what you’re working on when dealing with acrylic, Perspex, and polycarbonate sheets:
If you’re looking for transparent display materials that endure with resistive UV ray adhesion, go with acrylic or Perspex.
If it’s unmatched impact strength and firmness you require, polycarbonate sheets will best serve, regardless of higher pricing.
If it’s aestheticism, durability, and premium design flexibility you’re after, Perspex takes the lead.
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