Differences between Acrylic and Polycarbonate Sheets

1. Appearance: Acrylic boasts excellent transparency, while polycarbonate sheets exhibit high transparency, making them virtually indistinguishable. Acrylic offers a wider range of colours.

2. Combustion: When burning, acrylic produces a clear flame with no smoke and bubbles, forming long threads when extinguished. Cast sheets burn without smoke, producing bubbles and a hissing sound, with no threads upon extinguishing. PC sheets are largely non-combustible when exposed to flame, exhibiting flame-retardant properties and emitting dense black smoke.

3. Impact Resistance: PC sheets demonstrate superior impact resistance and are virtually unbreakable. Their impact tolerance is 8 to 10 times greater than that of acrylic sheets.

4. UV Resistance: The UV-resistant surface layer of polycarbonate sheets offers five times the outdoor service life of acrylic (acrylic remains yellow-free for 2 years, whereas polycarbonate lasts 10 years).

5. Temperature Resistance: Polycarbonate exhibits superior high-temperature tolerance compared to acrylic. During thermal bending, polycarbonate requires a longer period to soften.

6. Cutting: PC sheets can only be engraved, and their edges remain opaque. Acrylic can be laser-cut or engraved, with edges polished for a smooth finish.