Plastics

Both acrylics and polycarbonates are thermoplastics, meaning they have the ability to be repeatedly heated and cooled without changing their physical properties, thus making them suitable for heat bending and forming tasks. They can also be cold formed to a minimum radius of 180 times the material's thickness without crazing. They are available in clear, tinted colors, obscure patterns, translucent and opaque colors. Mirror, UV coatings, and abrasion resistant coatings are also available. They are combustible at about 550 degrees with smoke and gases released being similar to those of wood or paper, and if held in place they will drip burning droplets. They have special glazing requirements when used outdoors because they have a higher rate of expansion and contraction (thermal movement) than most other construction materials. They are not as rigid as glass, so glazing channels must be deep enough to not only allow thermal movement but also prevent sufficient deflection to push the plastic out of the opening.


Plexiglas - (acrylic) is a safety glazing material. It weighs less than one-half (1/2) as much as glass of the same size and thickness. It is approximately 8 times more impact resistant to breakage than glass, but is less rigid than glass. It has a heat resistance normal service temperature of 180 degrees, and is more resistant to thermal shock than glass but also has thermal movement 8 times higher than glass. Plexiglas® is a registered trademark of Rohm & Haas.


Lexan - (polycarbonate) is a safety glazing material. It weighs approximately one-half (1/2) as much as glass of the same size and thickness. It is approximately 250 times more impact resistant to breakage than glass, but is less rigid than glass. It has a heat resistance normal service temperature of 240 degrees, and is more resistant to thermal shock than glass but also has thermal movement 5 times higher than glass. Lexan XL is warranted against yellowing. MR5 is warranted against yellowing and is abrasion resistant. Lexan® is a registered trademark of GE.


We stock clear 3/32" acrylic in a variety of sheet sizes. We carry 48" x 96" sheets of clear 1/8" and 1/4" thick acrylic and polycarbonate in stock for customer pickup.