What is the difference between plexiglass and polycarbonate?

Currently, it is difficult to find an industry that does not use plastics. Specific functional properties, as well as resistance to many unfavorable factors, such as moisture or changing temperatures, mean that they have always been considered materials with significant potential.

Polycarbonate and plexiglass are plastics that have been very effectively adapted, among others. in construction, machinery and automotive industry or visual advertising. Although they are very similar to each other, they differ in properties. Below we present the characteristics of these materials.

Plexiglas

These are block or extruded acrylic glass plates, most often on the market under the colloquial name of plexiglass or plexiglass. A characteristic feature of this material is high transparency and stiffness. This material has thermoplastic properties and is susceptible to heat treatment. For this reason, acrylic glass is eagerly used as a material for the construction of decorative, display and advertising elements (e.g. illuminated coffers), as well as art objects. Importantly, it also shows good resistance to UV radiation, which is why elements of this type of plates do not turn yellow.

Acrylic glass is great for diffusing light and is available in various colors and versions for special applications (e.g. anti-noise or anti-thermal screens). Plexiglas, due to its lower flexibility, is a brittle material, less resistant to the effects of greater force.

Polycarbonate

The versatile use of polycarbonate in construction and industry is not surprising. It is a material with excellent impact strength, which means that it can withstand even high forces. Solid or chamber boards made of polycarbonate granules, are used, among others for canopies and skylights, for the construction of covers protecting movable elements of industrial machines or as door fillings.

The flexible, non-flammable polycarbonate sheets can withstand adverse weather conditions and changing temperatures very well. Unlike acrylic glass, they have a limited range of colors and are not scratch-resistant, but due to their durability and impact resistance, they have an equally wide range of applications.