What Is Polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate is a high-performance thermoplastic — sold as Lexan, Makrolon, and Tuffak — with an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. Its impact resistance is inherent to the base polymer, requiring no reinforcement.
Available in solid sheet (structural load-bearing and transparency), multiwall sheet (thermal insulation for glazing and roofing), and rod and tube for machined components.
How Strong Is Polycarbonate?
250x more impact-resistant than glass. 30x stronger than acrylic. This is not marginal — polycarbonate can be struck repeatedly without shattering, which is why it's specified for ballistic glazing, riot shields, and protective equipment.
The trade-off is surface hardness. Acrylic scratches less easily and polishes to better optical clarity. For applications where scratch resistance matters alongside impact performance, specify coated polycarbonate grades.
Optical clarity: ~88% light transmission vs acrylic's 92%. For most guarding and glazing the difference is imperceptible.
Key Properties
Impact resistance: 250x glass — highest of any standard transparent sheet material.
Temperature range: -40°F to over 240°F with maintained structural integrity.
Flame resistance: Inherently self-extinguishing. UL 94 V-2 standard, V-0 in specialty grades.
UV stability: Available with co-extruded UV layers. Uncoated will yellow outdoors — always specify UV-rated for exterior.
Machinability: Drills, saws, CNC routes cleanly. Thermoforms, cold-bends, bonds with compatible cements.
Weight: Half the weight of glass — significant for installation loads.
Chemical note: Susceptible to strong alkalis, aromatic hydrocarbons, and ketones. Confirm compatibility for chemical exposure applications.
Applications
Machine guards: The most common industrial application — clear visibility with operator protection from projectiles, heat, and mechanical hazards.
Ballistic glazing: Laminated or thick-gauge polycarbonate for bullet-resistant windows, teller windows, and security enclosures.
Aerospace: Canopies, windows, and instrument covers where clarity, light weight, and impact performance are simultaneous requirements.
Specification Guide
Guarding, glazing, structural applications. Specify thickness against impact requirements, UV coating for outdoor use, tint if needed.
Architectural panels, greenhouse roofing. Specify wall count, overall thickness, UV grade, tint, and rib orientation for drainage.
For defense and aerospace, Plastic-Craft holds ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D — the documentation chain flight-critical programs demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is polycarbonate stronger than acrylic?
In impact resistance, yes — ~30x stronger. Acrylic is harder on the surface and more scratch-resistant. The right choice depends on whether impact toughness or surface quality is the primary requirement.
Does polycarbonate yellow in sunlight?
Uncoated polycarbonate will yellow under prolonged UV exposure. UV-stabilized grades with co-extruded protective layers are available and strongly recommended for any outdoor application.
Can polycarbonate be used as bullet-resistant glazing?
Yes. Thick-gauge and laminated polycarbonate is widely used in ballistic and bullet-resistant applications. Thickness and construction depend on the specific ballistic rating required.
What is the difference between solid and multiwall?
Solid is a continuous panel for guards, glazing, and structural use. Multiwall has hollow channels for thermal insulation and light diffusion — used for architectural roofing and greenhouses.
Where can I buy polycarbonate?
Plastic-Craft Products stocks solid and multiwall polycarbonate at their West Nyack, NY facility. No minimum orders. Call (845) 358-3010 or email [email protected].
Ready to Order Polycarbonate Sheet?
Plastic-Craft stocks solid and multiwall polycarbonate in a full range of grades, thicknesses, and surface treatments — cut to exact dimensions with no minimum orders and ISO/AS9100D certified quality.
(845) 358-3010