Polycarbonate and acrylic are clear plastics commonly used in the lighting industry. Both provide lightness, flexibility, durability and high light transmission. Materials have different strengths and weaknesses against each other. These two types of plastic are often confused with each other as they are similar in appearance.
Acrylic and polycarbonate weigh half the weight of a similarly sized piece of glass. However, both are much stronger than glass and offer greater impact resistance. When both are broken, it shatters into large and blunt pieces rather than breaking into many small and sharp pieces like glass. So both are safer than glass.
Polycarbonate and acrylic can be found in clear grades such as glass. The light transmittance of a glass is approximately 90 percent. Acrylic transmits more light than glass, with a transmission rate of 92 percent. Polycarbonate, on the other hand, has a light transmittance of 88 percent. Acrylic has a much brighter surface than polycarbonate.
Polycarbonate is stronger than acrylic. The impact resistance of acrylic is 10 times higher than that of ordinary glass. Polycarbonate, on the other hand, has 250 times more impact resistance than glass. Polycarbonate also has higher resistance to high temperatures and chemicals.
Since acrylic has a more rigid structure, it is more likely to crack during transport and drilling. To bend acrylic, it is necessary to heat it. Polycarbonate is more flexible than acrylic and can be shaped at room temperature. Polycarbonate, on the other hand, can be easily scratched or crushed.
Both acrylic and polycarbonate can be cut with conventional tools such as a saw. Acrylic is easier to cut than polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is easier to drill than acrylic. Acrylic will crack if drilled close to the edges or with a drill bit not designed for plastic.
Acrylic is less expensive than polycarbonate. Polycarbonate costs about 35 percent more than acrylic.
Acrylic and polycarbonate preference varies according to the type and location of the application. In some applications, polycarbonate is a good choice, while in others acrylic is best. For this reason, the right material should be selected by making an evaluation specific to the application.
