When it comes to choosing business signage, Lexan and acrylic are among the most commonly used materials. These two materials serve as perfect alternatives to glass, ensuring the place looks great without an overwhelming gloss. However, it is often difficult to tell them apart, especially for non-experts. In this article, we compare Lexan vs acrylic to explain the key differences and help you in choosing the right material for your business.
Lexan and acrylic are the brand names for polycarbonate sheeting, a flexible and durable material that is often used as an alternative to glass. They are preferred because they weigh about half as much as glass, have flexural strength, are more shatter resistant, and are very easy to clean. Despite the two looking almost similar in terms of transparency and durability, they are slightly different.
What is Lexan
Lexan or polycarbonate is trademarked by GE Plastics. It is a type of plastic glass made of multiple carbonate groups in its basic structure. This structure makes Lexan have an exceptionally high strength value, which makes it useful in applications like bulletproofing and other sturdy projects.
Also known as Makrolon or sheet-grade polycarbonate, Lexan usually costs about 35% more than acrylic. Despite being more expensive, they are a worthwhile investment, especially when looking for a material with unmatched durability and impact resistance. They are less rigid than acrylic, can be drilled without cracking, are highly resistant to acids, can handle high temperatures, and have a low level of flammability. On the flip side, they are easier to scratch, have poorer clarity, can be dented easily, and tend to yellow over time by UV rays.
The process of manufacturing Lexan involves the combination of two chemical compounds: Bisphenol A and carbonyl chloride. The reaction of these two compounds results in the production of Lexan which is further cut into various sizes and lengths depending on the application.
Popular Uses for Lexan (Polycarbonate)
Race car windows
Transparent visors for football and hockey players
Re-usable drinking bottles
Machine guarding glass
Molds for silicon and urethane casting
Computers and phone cases: Apple MacBook
Laminated layers of polycarbonate used to stop various-size bullets
What is Acrylic
Acrylic is also known as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and is sometimes used interchangeably with Plexiglass, a product trademarked by Rohm and Hass. Other generic terms often used to refer to acrylic material include Lucite, Acrylite, and Perspex. It is a transparent petroleum-based thermoplastic material with several use cases. Due to its optical clarity and transparency, it serves as a great alternative to glass for both the interior and construction industries.
The term acrylic is an abbreviation for the thermoplastic material used to make the plastic glass, Polymethyl methacrylate. The material has outstanding strength and durability that makes acrylic a prime alternative for glass. It is also shinier, easier to cut, does not yellow over time, and has a greater UV resistance compared to Lexan. However, it is very rigid, can crack easily during drilling, and is more likely to chip than Lexan.
The manufacturing process of acrylic glass sheets involves the continuous extrusion method. Since it is a polymer of the thermal plastic material, it is manufactured by polymerization of methyl methacrylate in the presence of a catalyst. The resulting polymers are then molded into sheets that can be used in various applications.
Common Uses for Acrylic Sheets:
Fish tanks and aquariums
Automotive trim
Hockey rink glass
Light fixtures
Motorcycle helmet visors
Storm window linings (interior layer)
Helicopter and submarine windows
Animal and reptile enclosures
Point of purchase display and signage
Lexan vs Acrylic
Both Lexan and acrylic have their own benefits and drawbacks, but the differences are clear. While acrylic is shinier, polycarb Lexan is stronger. Acrylic may be less expensive and more affordable to most businesses, but it is easier to crack. On the other hand, Polycarp is more impact-resistant but easier to scratch. However, they are both lighter and stronger than untampered glass, with acrylic being 4x to 8 times and Lexan 200x stronger.
Making the Choice Between Lexan vs Acrylic
Both Lexan and acrylic are stronger and more durable than glass. Although acrylic is the most commonly used material in most applications because of its cost-efficiency and strength, certain use cases require the toughness of Lexan. To find out the most appropriate material for your business needs, get in touch with our experts at CR&A Custom. We will guide you in making the right choice and making sure you get the best out of the material.
