Polycarbonate is a transparent thermoplastic sheet material used where impact resistance, dielectric properties, flame-retardance, and insulation characteristics are important. The excellent transparency, toughness, and low moisture absorption of polycarbonate sheet make it ideal for outdoor applications such as window glazing, safety guards, skylights, security glazing, sign faces, riot shields, and enclosures.
Other advantages of polycarbonate sheet include design flexibility and impact resistance over a wide temperature range. These qualities make it a preferred material to acrylic and laminated glass in many applications where impact resistance is important. Polycarbonate is 30 times stronger than acrylic, and over 200 times stronger and six times lighter than glass. Polycarbonate sheet is also a superior insulator to glass, and installation can result in lower energy costs.
Polycarbonate sheet is easily fabricated using all traditional methods, including thermoforming. It bonds well with solvents and adhesives and is easy to paint. Clear polycarbonate sheet from Maui Plexiglass is available in a variety of thicknesses and sizes.
Product Properties
| Cost | Moderate |
| Temperature Resistance | Moderate |
| Strength | High |
| Chemical and Corrosion Resistance | Poor |
| Dimensional Stability | Moderate |
| Thermoformable | Yes |
| Machinable | Yes |
| Impact Resistance | Excellent |
| Bonding | Good |
| Wear and Abrasion Resistance | Low |
| UV Resistance | Poor |
| Friendly Names | “PC, Makrolon, Lexan” |
| Long Name | Polycarbonate |
