Polycarbonate vs Acrylic — Strength, Clarity, UV, Temperature & Cost
July 2026 · 7 min read · By TRION EXIM LLP Trade Desk
Polycarbonate and acrylic (PMMA / plexiglass) are the two go-to clear plastics for glazing, roofing, signage, and displays. They look similar, but they behave very differently under impact, heat, and sunlight. This guide compares polycarbonate vs acrylic on every property that matters, so you specify the right sheet.
Quick Answer
Polycarbonate is the tough, near-unbreakable, heat- and impact-resistant choice — best for roofing, safety glazing, and anything that takes abuse. Acrylic is clearer, more scratch-resistant, and cheaper — best for display cases, signage, and optical uses where impact isn't a concern.
Polycarbonate vs Acrylic — Side by Side
| Property | Polycarbonate | Acrylic (PMMA) |
|---|---|---|
| Impact strength | ~250× glass (unbreakable) | ~10× glass (can crack) |
| Clarity | 88–90% | 92% (clearer) |
| Scratch resistance | Lower (needs hard coat) | Higher |
| Max temperature | ~115–125°C | ~80°C |
| Workability | Cold-bends, drills without cracking | Can crack when drilled |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Best for | Roofing, safety glazing, machine guards | Displays, signage, optical |
Choose Polycarbonate When…
Impact, safety, heat, or weather is a factor: roofing and skylights, hurricane/security glazing, machine guards, greenhouses, and any load-bearing or high-traffic panel. UV-protected polycarbonate holds up outdoors for 10+ years and is available as insulating multiwall sheet.
Choose Acrylic When…
Clarity and cost matter more than toughness: retail display cases, picture framing, illuminated signage, light diffusers, and aquariums. It stays clearer longer without coatings and costs less — but it will crack under hard impact.
The Bottom Line for Buyers
If the sheet will be hit, walked near, mounted outdoors, or exposed to heat, specify polycarbonate. If it lives indoors and just needs to look crystal-clear at low cost, acrylic is fine. For most architectural and industrial export orders, buyers choose UV-protected polycarbonate. See our polycarbonate sheet range and the roofing sheet buyer's guide.
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