Polycarbonate vs Acrylic: what is the material and machining difference?

13. FAQs

13.1 Which plastic is stronger, polycarbonate or acrylic? 

Polycarbonate is generally stronger. Polycarbonate is a high-impact engineering plastic that, in comparison, can withstand more impact and pressure than acrylic.

This makes polycarbonate more suitable for applications that require greater strength and durability, such as the manufacture of clear or glassy parts, as well as areas where higher impact resistance is required.

13.2 Which plastic is more durable, polycarbonate or acrylic?

Polycarbonate and acrylic are common plastic materials with different performance characteristics in certain areas. In terms of durability, polycarbonate is generally more durable.

Polycarbonate is a tough plastic with excellent impact and abrasion resistance, so it performs well in highly stressful and risky environments. On the other hand, acrylic is typically more prone to scratching and abrasion than polycarbonate.

It is important to note that while polycarbonate is more durable, there are specific applications where acrylic may be better suited because of its greater transparency and optical clarity. The choice of plastic depends on the specific application and the properties required.

13.3 Which plastic is clearer, polycarbonate or acrylic? 

Transparent acrylic sheet has a light transmission of about 92% and transparent PC sheet has a light transmission of about 88%, so acrylic has a higher optical transparency and is more transparent. At greater thicknesses, polycarbonate may be slightly cloudy.

CNC machined acrylic and polycarbonate parts have to be sanded and polished to achieve a high level of transparency. PC parts also needs to be vapor polished.

13.4 Which is more UV resistant, polycarbonate or acrylic? 

Both polycarbonate and acrylic have good UV resistance, but acrylic is typically more UV resistant than polycarbonate over extended periods of time.

Acrylic has better inherent UV resistance due to its chemical structure, allowing it to maintain clarity longer and resist yellowing and clouding. It is commonly used in applications such as outdoor signage, windows and protective barriers.

Polycarbonate is also UV resistant, but may require additional UV stabilizers or coatings to increase its resistance to UV radiation.

Considering acrylic is more UV resistant, it is better for outdoor use than polycarbonate.

13.5 Which is more scratch resistant, polycarbonate or acrylic? 

Acrylic is generally considered to be more scratch resistant than polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is more susceptible to scratches, as even small particulate matter may leave marks on its surface.

On the other hand, acrylic tends to have better scratch resistance and can maintain its transparency for a longer period of time.

13.6 How to tell polycarbonate from acrylic?

In polycarbonate formulations, bluing agents are commonly used. Although both acrylic and polycarbonate appear clear on the surface, you will notice that the edges of the polycarbonate have a bluish color while the acrylic is clear.

This is due to the bluing agent added during the polycarbonate manufacturing process, which gives it a blue appearance at the edges. This blue edge is due to the scattering effect of light in the polycarbonate. In contrast, acrylic does not have a similar blue edge and is usually more transparent.

13.7 What is more often used in aquariums, polycarbonate or acrylic?

In aquarium applications, polycarbonate is more often used. Polycarbonate has excellent impact resistance and is more durable than acrylic, able to withstand pressure and impact in the water.

Additionally, polycarbonate is less likely to break or crack compared to acrylic, making it ideal for installations large aquariums or applications that require more strength.

However, it is important to note that polycarbonate can yellow from UV rays with prolonged exposure, so additional protection may need to be considered for outdoor or direct sunlight environments.

Acrylic may also be used in some small aquariums or specific applications, but needs to be weighed against its relatively low impact resistance.

13.8 Which is better, acrylic backboard vs polycarbonate backboard?

Acrylic backboards offer excellent optical clarity, meaning better game visibility and improved rebounding characteristics. They are known for being unaffected by UV light and resistant to yellowing over time.

Acrylic backboards are also typically more resistant to scratches than polycarbonate. However, it’s worth noting that acrylic can be more brittle and prone to cracking under heavy impact.

Polycarbonate backboards, on the other hand, are highly durable and impact-resistant. They can withstand intense play and are less likely to crack or shatter compared to acrylic.

Polycarbonate backboards are often advertised as “bulletproof,” highlighting their strength and toughness. However, polycarbonate backboards may become cloudy when exposed to UV light over time.

Ultimately, the choice between acrylic and polycarbonate for a basketball backboard depends on the specific priorities and requirements of the user. Acrylic is advantageous for its optical clarity and scratch resistance, while polycarbonate excels in durability and impact resistance.

Considering factors such as budget, intended use, and desired visual clarity is recommended when deciding between the two materials.

13.9 Which is better, acrylic vs. polycarbonate, for the greenhouse?

Regarding greenhouse choices, polycarbonate is generally a more common choice than acrylic and is considered a more suitable covering material for greenhouses.

Polycarbonate has excellent impact resistance and durability and is able to withstand a wide range of weather conditions such as wind, rain and hail.

It also has good insulating properties that help maintain a stable temperature inside the greenhouse. In addition, polycarbonate is more resistant to UV rays, helping to extend the life of the covering material.

In contrast, acrylic, while offering better clarity, may not be as good as polycarbonate in terms of impact resistance and durability. In a situation such as a greenhouse, which is subjected to the stresses of the external environment for an extended period of time, polycarbonate is usually more appropriate.

However, the exact choice also depends on individual needs and budgets. If there is a higher demand for transparency and in milder climates, acrylic may still be a viable option.

13.10 Which is better, polycarbonate vs acrylic windshield?

Polycarbonate and acrylic are both viable materials for vehicle windshield options, but they each have different properties.

Polycarbonate is commonly used in vehicle windshields because of its excellent impact resistance and durability. Vehicles can be exposed to various situations while traveling, such as flying debris, bugs, etc.

Polycarbonate is better able to resist these impacts and reduce the risk of shattering. Additionally, polycarbonate has better UV resistance, which helps prevent sunlight damage to the windshield.

In contrast, acrylic is typically used less in windshields. While it offers greater optical clarity, it may not be as good as polycarbonate in terms of impact resistance and durability. The main advantages of acrylic are its lighter weight and lower cost.

Overall, the choice of vehicle windshield should be based on a combination of specific needs, safety and budget.