Short answer: pick acrylic when you want the clearest, best-looking sheet: display cases, signs, picture frames, sneeze guards and tabletop covers. Pick polycarbonate when the sheet has to survive a hit: machine guards, security glazing, skylights in exposed spots, and anything kids, carts or forklifts might run into.
Both are clear, light plastics that people often call “plexiglass.” They look alike on the rack, but they behave very differently once they’re in use.
| Acrylic (Plexiglas) | Polycarbonate | |
|---|---|---|
| Clarity | About 92% light transmission, the clearest | About 86–88%, slightly less clear |
| Impact strength | Stronger than glass, but can crack under a hard hit | Roughly 30 times tougher than acrylic, very hard to break |
| Scratch resistance | Harder surface, scratches less | Softer surface, scratches more easily (coated grades help) |
| Sun and weather | Stays clear outdoors for years | Needs a UV-protected grade outdoors, or it can yellow |
| Heat | Good to about 160–180°F | Good to about 240°F |
| Edges | Can be polished to a glass-like clear edge | Edges stay frosted, can’t be flame polished |
| Bending and forming | Heat-bends and thermoforms well | Can be cold-bent on site; also thermoforms |
| Price | Usually costs less | Usually costs more |
Acrylic is the go-to for anything people look at: museum and retail display cases, signs, frames, shelving, tabletop protectors and sneeze guards. It polishes to a clean, clear edge and cements into seamless joints, which is why most display work is acrylic.
Polycarbonate is the go-to for anything that takes abuse: machine and equipment guards, protective barriers, security and vandal-resistant windows, and covers in busy or exposed areas. It flexes instead of shattering.
Our sun is strong year-round. For outdoor work, acrylic holds its clarity well. If you need polycarbonate’s toughness outdoors, ask for a UV-protected sheet, or it may yellow and turn brittle over time. Thin sheet of either can also move with heat and humidity, so leave room for expansion when you mount it.
Lexan, Makrolon and Tuffak are all brand names for polycarbonate sheet, the same way Plexiglas is a brand name for acrylic. We carry Tuffak.
Usually acrylic. It stays clearer, scratches less with daily cleaning and costs less. Choose polycarbonate if the guard will get bumped hard.
Yes. We stock both in Iwilei and can cut, CNC route, polish or fabricate either one. Call (808) 847-1511.
It depends on what it has to survive. Tell us about the job and we’ll help you choose.
Need sheet or a cut piece? Shop acrylic · Shop polycarbonate · Call (808) 847-1511.
