How can you tell the difference between acrylic and polycarbonate?

In the formulation of Polycarbonate, a bluing agent is used. While Acrylic and Polycarbonate both appear clear on the surface, you will notice the edge of the Polycarbonate looks blue, while the Acrylic is clear.

Is Polycarbonate the same as plexiglass?

Polycarbonate is less rigid than acrylic plexiglass, meaning it does not break when drilled, and can be bent without heating (cold bending). It is highly resistant to acids and chemicals, such as gasoline. Polycarbonate is generally more expensive than acrylic plexiglass.

What are the disadvantages of polycarbonate?

The main disadvantage of polycarbonate is that it isn’t resistant to scratches. For example, if a branch should happen to fall on a patio canopy made of polycarbonate, it may be scratched. This problem can be solved by polishing the polycarbonate.

Which is lighter acrylic or polycarbonate?

Sheet grade polycarbonate (aka Lexan or Makrolon) and acrylic sheet (aka Lucite) are two of the most frequently used see-through plastics. They are both stronger and lighter than untempered glass; acrylic is 4x to 8x stronger than glass, while polycarb is about 200x stronger.

How much stronger is polycarbonate than acrylic?

Polycarbonate is stronger than acrylic. That aside, both are very strong. If you are comparing to glass, acrylic has 10 times the impact resistance of glass. Polycarbonate has 250 times the impact resistance of glass.

Can you drill through polycarbonate?

Standard wood working drill bits are suitable for drilling holes in polycarbonate sheet. Do not under any circumstances use a centre punch on a polycarbonate panel, it’s very likely to cause damage. It’s a good idea to start by drilling a small pilot hole to help locate the drill.

Do you need to pre drill polycarbonate?

When installing polycarbonate roofing, it is considered good practice to predrill the screw holes before fixing the sheets. It is also recommended that you slightly oversize these holes to make room for the thermal adjustments described above.

Does polycarbonate break when drilled?

Very rigid. Cracks more easily than polycarbonate. Can crack easily during drilling.

Is polycarbonate plastic easy to drill?

Drill Bit Recommendations

A standard drill bit typically is at flat 120° angle. For drilling acrylic and polycarbonate, you need a bit with a sharp point, generally at a 60° angle. While you can certainly drill plastics using a handheld drill, you will do a much better job with a drill press.

How do you screw into polycarbonate?

You can use an ordinary iron drill or HSS drill bit to drill holes in polycarbonate. Position the drill perpendicular to the polycarbonate and run the drill at medium speed immediately. Don’t use too much pressure but let the drill do the work. It’s important to use a drill that is not brand new but is still sharp.

How much is a sheet of polycarbonate?

We stock most polycarbonate material in standard sheet sizes 48″ X 96″, 60″ X 96″, 72″ X 96″, 48″ X 120″, roll stock and more. There are many applications where the benefits of polycarbonate sheet can be utilized to enhance architectural designs.

1/32″ X 48″ X 96″ Clear Polycarbonate Sheet.

1 – 2 $90.40
50 + $59.83

At what temperature does polycarbonate burn?

Many grades of LEXAN Polycarbonate Sheet have a self-ignition temperature of about 1000 degree Fahrenheit, well about the ASTM D standard of 650 degree Fahrenheit. Many LEXAN Polycarbonate Sheet grades also have a CC1 classification, meaning they self-extinguish between 0.4 and 1 inch.

How long will polycarbonate last?

Longevity. Both types of polycarbonate roofing last anywhere from 10 to 20 years.