I don't know how many times we have been asked the question - What's better: Plexiglass or Lexan?
Depends. What's the application? Let's match up some KEY properties to see:
Plexiglass (acrylic sheet) aka Lucite, Plexiglas, Perspex, Acrylite
- 92% light transmission - clearest plastic sheet available - about 15% cheaper than polycarbonate
- large variety of colors available
- light pipes through the sheet edges
- does not yellow or discolor in the sun - 10 year warranty regarding 2% loss max.
- optically water clear in all thicknesses
- inert - no outgassing
- thermoplastic - working temp of 180F continuous
- burns very nicely after you remove a flame source - fire rating UL94HB
- scratches - can be restored by sanding and buffing
- resistant to breaking - when breaks pieces are large and dull edged
- recyclable
- easily bonds with solvent adhesives to itself and other plastics
- hydroscopic (will absorb a small amount of moisture on side facing moisture (warps)
- available up to 4" thick as a monolithic cast sheet, and thicker via custom casting
Lexan (polycarbonate sheet) aka Tuffak, Makrolon
- 88% light transmission - very clear - about 15% more expensive than Plexiglas acrylic sheet
- limited colors available (white, black, bronze, gray, sign colors)
- light does not pipe through sheet edges
- untreated sheet discolors in 5-7 years of sun exposure - UV coatings available to extend 15 years
- inert
- optically clear - loss of some light transmission in higher thicknesses (5% in 1/2")
- thermoplastic - working temp of 275F continuous
- self-extinguishing fire rated 94V0 - UL rating depending on thickness
- scratches - cannot be restored by sanding and buffing
- resistant to breaking (virtually impossible to break)
- recyclable
- easily bonds with solvent adhesives to itself and other plastics
- bullet resistant grades are available - all grades of BR levels
- hydroscopic (will absorb a small amount of moisture on side facing moisture (warps) and therefore difficult to thermoform without pre-drying
- available up to 1/2" thick as monolithic extruded sheet, up to 2" as a molded sheet
Applications:
Plexiglas Acrylic Sheet:
Safety glazing (up to 17 times stronger than glass)
Boat windows and hatches
Machine Guards and Electrical covers
Display cases
Brochure holders
Picture Frames
Lighting
Anywhere you need a clear, impact resistant, easy to cut and maintain sheet
Polycarbonate Sheet:
Safety glazing (unbreakable)
Bus Windows
Machine Guards and Viewing ports
Anywhere you need a clear, unbreakable, high working temperature, easy to cut sheet
Now you're armed and dangerous - so when you talk to your plastics professional, you can ask great questions about your needs
