Acrylic versus polycarbonate
Polycarbonate (trade name Lexan, Makrolon) is a transparent plastic, which competes with acrylic.
It is especially known for very high tensile strength and is used as bulletproof glass and for
vandalism protection. Furthermore, it is widely used in electronic instruments. Compared with acrylic:
|
|
- Price
Polycarbonate is 2-3 times more expensive than acrylic.
- Machining
Polycarbonate is easier to machine with milling, turning and sawing than
acrylic because it can not shatter.
- Laser cutting
Polycarbonate becomes yellow and burnt when laser cut. Foils up to 0.5 mm can be laser cut to produces overlays.
Laser cutting sheets can not be recommended.
- Colors
Color selection of polycarbonate sheets is limited.
- Scratch robustness
Polycarbonate is easier to scratch, but can as with acrylic be delivered with a
hard-coated surface.
- Strength
Polycarbonate has a higher tensile strength.
- UV light
If polycarbonate is exposed to sunlight, it will gradually become yellow. But
polycarbonate sheets can be supplied with a UV-resistant surface.
- Light transmittance
Light transmission is lower for polycarbonate (89%) compares to acrylic (92%).
|
|
|