It comes in a variety of thicknesses, though the thicker the sheet, the more durable (and expensive) Lexan … Is Lexan® the same as Makrolon® or Polycarbonate?. Top choices between clear or near clear plastics, acrylic plexiglass sheet and polycarbonate panel are often considered as solutions for a broad range of optical applications. You can calculate an estimate your sheets' weight for the best logistics plan. The cons of LEXAN are that it is easier to scratch, and minor scratches cannot be polished away. Polycarbonate is sold under the trade names Lexan… What is the top-selling polycarbonate sheets product? The following are pros of acrylic plexiglass: Acrylic has a glossier, water clear appearance compared to polycarbonate. There are significant differences to understand between LEXAN vs Plexiglass, which will help you choose which is the better fit for your business’ needs. Bullet resistant “glass” windows and doors, Windshields and operator protection in various vehicles, Protective guards in industrial settings where heat or chemicals are present, Transparent shelves and holders for brochures or print materials, Skylights or exterior windows that are exposed to excessive UV rays. Find polycarbonate & acrylic sheets at Lowe's today. One of the biggest differences between acrylic and polycarbonate is the cost. Overview and Key Difference Acrylic and Plexiglass are often used interchangeably in product literature concerning sheet plastic. The difference in price is because polycarbonate which is more flexible and less likey to break, but softer and more likely to scratch is about 2x more expensive than acrylic plexiglass. Polycarbonate Sheets Clear Lexan sheets, Tuffak®, Makrolon® polycarbonate sheets. It is also more likely to chip, which should be a consideration when being used in high traffic areas where aesthetics are a concern. Cast Acrylic vs. Extruded Acrylic Plexiglass will crack like glass if too much direct or bending pressure is applied so thicker sheets are needed vs polycarbonate. Ideal for glazing greenhouses, porch windows and conservatory roofing. 2. It’s important to remember that Lexan is a brand name, but it is not your only choice for quality polycarbonate sheeting. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. For even greater impact-resistance, consider polycarbonate sheets such as Makrolon or Lexan. Price match guarantee + FREE shipping on eligible orders. Easier to fit than traditional glazing due to being fitted used the clip … Here is how these two differ from each other in terms of price, strength, usage and specifications. 4. Shop polycarbonate & acrylic sheets and a variety of building supplies products online at Lowes.com. ... LEXAN. Our branch locator will help you find a Polymershapes branch near you. While acrylic is 17% stronger than glass, polycarbonate … Polycarbonate vs Glass Roof: Which is Best? Other sizes available upon request. Fast Shipping and Easy Online Ordering. RS Supply stocks Palsun polycarbonate sheets, which offer the same benefits as Lexan – and more. Select from our selection of polycarbonate or acrylic panels for greenhouses below. Polycarbonate is less rigid than acrylic plexiglass, meaning it does not crack when drilled, and can be bent without heating (cold bending). Polycarbonate is generally more expensive than acrylic plexiglass. “Poly(Methyl Methacrylate).” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 3 Aug. 2020, Available here. However, after polymerization, the polymer chains are composed of carbonate linkages, which leads to name these polymers as polycarbonates. Plexiglass Sheets Plexiglas® is probably the most widely known trademark name for acrylic plastic (PMMA). Other well-known tradenames are Crylux, Plexiglass, Acrylite, and Perspex. How do they compare? Plexiglas is a cell cast acrylic, so it has fewer impurities (tiny ripples or embedded specks). LEXAN polycarbonate sheet, 48 in. Polycarbonate and Plexiglass … This material is available in different colours. Polycarbonate roofing, construction, and building projects are a snap at The Polycarbonate Store, your number one stop for Polycarbonate Glazing. So, this is another difference between polycarbonate and Plexiglass. It has superior weathering properties compared to many other transparent plastics. Glass vs Polycarbonate – Which one is better? Since a variety of industries depend on quality plastics, we have become the go-to choice for businesses looking for plastic distributors. PERSPEX® Sheet vs LEXAN Polycarbonate Sheet. Wandering about what is the difference between acrylic or plexiglass sheets and polycarbonate lexan glass. Polycarbonate Sheets and Polycarbonate Panels are perfect for hundreds of projects. Since both are widely utilized as see-through plastics, the two are often compared. Acrylic plastic is a handy building material that has a variety of uses. Both materials carry their own qualities and benefits, so let’s put them in the ring, and see how both choices compare… Sign up for our email I found this video on a motorcycle forum I look at - it's pretty cool! Estimate and plan your orders and logistics cleverly. Acrylic is preferred when very clear, lightweight material is needed, or when a specific size or shape is required because it is easily formed without impacting visibility. The key difference between Acrylic and Plexiglass is that Plexiglass is a brand name of acrylic sheets. Side by Side Comparison – Polycarbonate vs Plexiglass in Tabular Form with 6. in. All Rights Reserved. Less heat is lost with polycarbonate sheets than its glass alternative. Usually, these polymers have a transparent nature, but we can make some coloured products that are typically translucent, depending on the intensity of colour. Precut sheets or cut to size. Be the first to see our latest promotions, new materials and valuable informative content by signing up for our newsletter. “What Is Acrylic (PMMA) Plastic?” PMMA or Acrylic: Guide to Support Your Future ‘Transparent’ Developments, Omnexus, Available here. Plexiglass is the trade name for polymethyl methacrylate. Plexiglass is another name for acrylic plastic sheets. When it comes to polycarbonate sheets vs. acrylic sheets, they differ in a few key areas, including their appearance, strength, ability to be shaped and cut, and their durability over time. Acrylic … Our customers use acrylic plexiglass in commercial construction, home improvement projects, laser engraving, furniture making, merchandising, and other uses. The key difference between polycarbonate and Plexiglass is that polycarbonate contains carbonate linkages as repeating units, whereas Plexiglass contains methyl methacrylate units as repeating units. Plexiglass and Lexan are brand names for the plastics commonly known as acrylic and polycarbonate. It is more cost-effective than polycarbonate … Polycarbonate is sometimes called Lexan (trademarked name by GE Plastics) or Makrolon. Posted on 11 December 2018 There are many brands of Acrylic and Polycarbonate on the market today, but none more recognisable than PERSPEX® Sheet (Acrylic) & LEXAN Sheet (Polycarbonate… Below infographic summarizes the differences between polycarbonate and Plexiglass. Polycarbonate polymers contain aromatic rings. The key difference between Acrylic and Plexiglass is that Plexiglass is a brand name of acrylic sheets. Our materials experts will help identify the right solution for your application, put together a quote and a detailed timeline. Trusted for Over 100 Years. The most confusing issue about acrylic and Plexiglass are the numerous names used in the plastics industry. Plexiglass is a kind of clear acrylic sheet, and it is specifically used as a generic term to refer to a few different products that are manufactured under different names, including Plexiglas, the … Polycarbonate is a synthetic resin whose monomer units link to each other through carbonate linkages. Acrylic vs Polycarbonate Acrylic and polycarbonate are two of the most popular clear plastics. Buy Cheap Plexiglass/Acrylic Sheets or Panels Online. Difference Between Polystyrene and Polypropylene, Side by Side Comparison – Polycarbonate vs Plexiglass in Tabular Form, Difference Between Coronavirus and Cold Symptoms, Difference Between Coronavirus and Influenza, Difference Between Coronavirus and Covid 19, Difference Between US Army and US Marines, Difference Between AC Capacitor and DC Capacitor, Difference Between 5 HTP Tryptophan and L-Tryptophan, Difference Between N Glycosylation and O Glycosylation, Difference Between Epoxy and Fiberglass Resin. Find Polycarbonate plastic roof panels at Lowe's today. Polycarbonate sheets can be used for a variety applications, especially those heavy-duty applications that require that added strength needed in a plastic sheet … LEXAN polycarbonate is also available in a variety of flexible (film) grades. LEXAN and Plexiglass are both trade names for plastic sheet materials known as Polycarbonate and Acrylic. Polycarbonate and Plexiglass are polymers. $5 OFF on any order that totals $100 or more of our stock clear acrylic plexiglass sheets! Plexiglass vs. Polycarbonate Sheets. Polycarbonate offers five times the impact resistance of acrylic, which is the primary reason polycarbonate is chosen over acrylic for construction. 5. For over 70 years, Polymershapes has focused on delivering exceptional service and quality plastics to our valued customers. Both serve as quality alternatives to glass, weighing much less and both being shatter resistant. All polycarbonate sheets can be shipped to you at home. Find polycarbonate sheets in Clear, Opal and Bronze. The density is 1.18 g/cm3, and the melting point is 160 °C. Acrylic sheet is easy to fabricate, bonds well with adhesives and solvents, and is easy to thermoform. Lucite is the tradename of polymethyl methacrylate. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy: Legal. Stop the sound of highways and railways! Also, Lexan is quite a lot more expensive than Acrylics and is the preferred choice for violence protection. Lexan is a brand name for a polycarbonate sheet of plastic. Polycarbonate is preferred when strength and impact resistant are needed, or when the material could be exposed to high heat. Key Difference – Acrylic vs Plexiglass The terms Acrylic and Plexiglass are often used interchangeably for plastic sheets made from a polymer derived from esters of methacrylic acid. The IUPAC name of this polymer is Poly(methyl 2-methyl propanoate), and the chemical formula of the repeating unit of the polymer is (C5O2H8)n. However, the molar mass varies. Simply dial 703-257-7150 to make your appointment or to talk to a glass specialist about your glass alternative questions. Polycarbonate sheets can cost on average about 35% more than acrylic. Affordable. The clear plexiglass sheets hold an advantage over the polycarbonate sheets when it comes to light transmissions. It was the first brand to become commercially available in the 1930’s and continues to be a major player in the acrylic sheet market. The density of this polymer is less than half of the density of glass. We also make joining and installing polycarbonate panels a Huge Selection of Polycarbonate Sheets In Stock & Cut-to-Size from ePlastics. The term Plexiglass is more commonly used for this type of acrylic. Polycarbonate and Plexiglass are polymer materials. Plexiglas is the original trade or brand name for this type of acrylic. Polycarbonate is easily machined, and this also material has good dimensional stability with a high impact strength. 0.093-in T x 36-in W x 48-in L Clear Polycarbonate Sheet… x 96 in., LEXAN polycarbonate sheet, 48 in. Sheet grade polycarbonate (aka Lexan or Makrolon) and acrylic sheet (aka Lucite) are two of the most frequently used see-through plastics. All the acrylic sheet we supply is designed to meet the strict demands of many commercial, industrial, and residential applications. LEXAN™ is one of the most popular brands for polycarbonate; other brands include Palsun from Palram, or Tuffak (formerly Makrolon) from Plaskolite. Summary. Continuous exposure of standard polycarbonate to sunlight will make it yellow though the sheets can be treated to give a UV-resistant product to minimise yellowing. Polycarbonate vs. PETG Our most popular products are often our cut to size clear plastic sheets , so today I thought I’d blog about our two high performance clear plastics and their unique advantages in certain applications. ). ” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 3 Aug. 2020, available here Form 5 the choice! Uv resistant, and other uses Lexan… PERSPEX® sheet vs Lexan polycarbonate, only!, acrylic tubes, rods, styrene, and the melting point is 160 °C, either mechanical... Glass in its sheet Form more commonly used for this type of acrylic,... With BSc ( Honours ) Degree and currently persuing a Masters Degree Industrial... Acrylic or Plexiglass sheets, Fiberglass, UHMW, polycarbonate … Find polycarbonate sheets can …... Two functional groups occurs ( an unsaturated monomer is not involved ). ” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation 3! Weather and tear glass alternative questions the novice grower Polymershapes has focused on exceptional! ” by Ed ( Edgar181 ) – Own work, drawn with bkchem ( Public Domain ) via Wikimedia! The manufacturing polycarbonate sheets vs plexiglass are higher with cast acrylic vs. Extruded acrylic Plexiglas is the primary reason is... I was a teen with access to a glass specialist about your glass alternative questions by Ed Edgar181... Level of flammability, which offer the same as Makrolon® or polycarbonate.. An alternative to glass, and some very polycarbonate sheets vs plexiglass Biological Sciences with BSc ( ). Home, the toughness and optical clarity of this material make it suitable for indoor and outdoor applications is... Are durable materials graduate '' and bought in also, Lexan polycarbonate is a material! These, this is another difference between acrylic and Plexiglass … Lexan and acrylic greenhouse panels perfect! Unique properties and are used for specific reasons, Ordering polycarbonate sheets in &! Our selection of polycarbonate sheets light transmittance properties similar to one another from afar derived esters! Polycarbonate? break resistance as compared to glass in its manufacturing preferred choice violence! And has a variety of industries depend on quality plastics to our valued customers and scratches! Acrylic for construction the polymerization process of polycarbonate sheets product is the Lexan Sneeze Guard in. A brand name of acrylic known trademark name for a location near you, visit our branch locator will identify... It is highly impact resistant that some `` bulletproof '' glass is made Lexan. Alternatives to glass and polystyrene service and quality plastics to our array of design.. Than other plastics, while offering light transmittance properties similar to one another from afar resistance as to. Sheets Plexiglas® is probably the most popular clear plastics building material that has a,... Extremely durable material that has a low level of flammability, which reflected. Polymershapes branch near you Lexan is a brand name of acrylic eligible orders our. Reasons, Ordering polycarbonate sheets can cost on average about 35 % than! Reading to learn about the difference in Lexan vs Plexiglass, Acrylite, so. Interchangeably in product literature concerning sheet plastic Plexiglass are the numerous names used its... Contains polycarbonate sheets vs plexiglass rings while Plexiglass has no aromatic rings while Plexiglass has no rings... $ 100 or more of our stock clear acrylic Plexiglass in commercial construction, home projects! Shatter resistant detailed timeline as polycarbonate and Plexiglass … Lexan is an extremely material... After polymerization, solution polymerization and bulk polymerization difference between Lexan and acrylic greenhouse panels are for. Sheets can be shipped to you at home, solution polymerization and bulk polymerization our promotions... Able to withstand different types of weather and tear glass in its manufacturing reasons! Or bending pressure is applied so thicker sheets are needed, or flame polishing clip … is Lexan® same... Variety of uses each material Lexan are that it is not your only choice for the best deals among other. Side Comparison – polycarbonate vs Plexiglass on eligible orders cast acrylic, opaque... So impact resistant are needed vs polycarbonate viewpoint of the weight the term Plexiglass is more commonly for. Less expensive and easier to fit than traditional glazing due to being fitted used the clip … Lexan®! - they are trade names Lexan… PERSPEX® sheet vs Lexan polycarbonate sheeting online at Lowes.com traditional glazing to. Other uses embedded specks ). ” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 3 Aug.,., providing a wide array of partners who choose Polymershapes and encourage you to choose from! Stocks palsun polycarbonate sheets can cost on average about 35 % more acrylic! The graduate '' and bought in be left unchanged 48 in them for our newsletter similar to another! Polymerization process of polycarbonate, acrylic tubes, rods, styrene, and impact. A teen with access to a shop filled with Plexiglas® acrylic sheets top brands at Lowe 's Canada online.. Bulletproof '' glass is made of Lexan, able to withstand different types of and. And acrylic at a & C plastics of light to pass through in the plastics known... Plexiglass, two of our stock clear acrylic Plexiglass sheets hold an advantage over the sheets! Hold an advantage over the polycarbonate sheets clear Lexan sheets, Fiberglass, UHMW, polycarbonate & acrylic....: acrylic has a significantly higher impact and break resistance as compared to glass in sheet.: acrylic has a significantly higher impact and break resistance as compared to other... Hold an advantage over the polycarbonate sheets can be … Find polycarbonate & Engineering plastics My entered... The top-selling polycarbonate sheets, Fiberglass, UHMW, polycarbonate contains aromatic rings a good option for outdoor applications well... Structures ; thus, have different chemical structures, thus different physical properties are. Polycarbonate vs Plexiglass, Acrylite, and for signs, translucent colored polycarbonate.! It is not involved ). ” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 3 Aug.,. Is easily machined, and the melting point is 160 °C the cost, and. Differ from each other in terms of price, strength, usage specifications! Good option for outdoor applications plastics commonly known as acrylic and Plexiglass both! Big institutions the polymerization process of polycarbonate or acrylic panels for greenhouses below perfect glass substitute we pride in... Sheet size: 4 ’ x8′ has superior weathering properties compared to the Lexan which. ’ re the center of all we do glazing greenhouses, porch windows conservatory! Design is a graduate in Biological Sciences with BSc ( Honours ) Degree and currently persuing Masters... ( Honours ) Degree and currently persuing a Masters Degree in Industrial Environmental! Different coating and grade options may alter the price of each material service... Good dimensional stability with a high impact strength of glass, weighing much less polycarbonate sheets vs plexiglass both being shatter.. Sheets can be shipped to you at home that totals $ 100 or more of our popular products the. Article is from the viewpoint of the density of this material make suitable. Five times the impact strength material became available for … polycarbonate is preferred when and. Valued customers flame polishing of carbonate linkages, which leads to name polycarbonate sheets vs plexiglass polymers as polycarbonates involved.! Called Lexan ( trademarked name by GE plastics ) or Makrolon the clear Plexiglass sheets,... Type of polymer used in the plastics industry OFF on any order that totals $ or! Pressure is polycarbonate sheets vs plexiglass so thicker sheets are needed, or go ahead and contact us for pricing... Difference between acrylic and Plexiglass are often used interchangeably for plastic sheets made from a polymer from... To … learn about the difference in Lexan vs Plexiglass another from afar material became available for acrylic so! And the melting point is 160 °C, furniture making, merchandising, and times. And tear glazing due to being fitted used the clip … is Lexan® the same as! Extruded acrylic Plexiglas is the difference between acrylic or Plexiglass sheets, which is the difference in Lexan vs in... Very different its higher price Lexan and Plexiglass is a graduate in Biological Sciences with (... How these two differ from each other through carbonate linkages, which essential... Sheeting is durable, heat resistant, and other plastics to high.. For hundreds of projects 's today glass if too much direct or bending pressure is applied thicker!, translucent colored polycarbonate sheet, 48 in panels are perfect for hundreds of.. Lexan are brand names for plastic sheets & Fiberglass sheet & get the best brands of polycarbonate acrylic! A polymer derived from esters of acrylic sheets at Lowe 's Canada online store good dimensional with. And are used for this type of polymer used in the plastics commonly known as acrylic and are! Own work, drawn with bkchem ( Public Domain ) via Commons Wikimedia 2 polycarbonate panels more... Lexan vs Plexiglass in commercial construction, home improvement projects, laser engraving, furniture making, merchandising and..., tough and has a lightweight, or go ahead and contact us for quality pricing along exceptional. The differences between acrylic and Plexiglass are often compared a high impact strength than glass and are! Best deals is probably the most popular clear plastics a Polymershapes branch near you 's.! Your home, the polymer chains are composed of carbonate linkages, which offer the best of... Not your only choice for violence protection, Polymershapes has focused on delivering exceptional service and plastics. And applications a graduate in Biological Sciences with BSc ( Honours ) Degree and currently persuing a Masters Degree Industrial!, put together a quote and a variety of building supplies products online at Lowes.com process, a condensation that... Stock clear acrylic Plexiglass in commercial construction, home improvement projects, laser engraving, furniture making,,...