Material Guide
Choose the right plastic for your project
Acrylic (PMMA)
Best For
- Kitchen splashbacks
- Bathroom panels
- Display shelves
- Picture frames
- Aquarium lids
Properties
- Crystal clear transparency (92% light transmission)
- UV resistant—won't yellow
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Available in clear, white, black, frosted
- 3mm, 5mm, 8mm, 10mm thickness
Limitations
- Can scratch more easily than glass
- Not suitable for high-heat areas (max 80°C)
- Moderate impact resistance
Pricing: From $85/m² (3mm) to $180/m² (10mm)
Polycarbonate (PC)
Best For
- Machine guards
- Safety screens
- Protective panels
- Outdoor signage
- Impact-prone areas
Properties
- 250x stronger impact resistance than glass
- High heat tolerance (up to 120°C)
- Lightweight—50% lighter than glass
- Excellent optical clarity
- 3mm, 5mm, 8mm thickness
Limitations
- More prone to scratching than acrylic
- Can yellow over time without UV coating
- Slightly less transparent than acrylic
Pricing: From $75/m² (3mm) to $150/m² (8mm)
Quick Comparison
| Property | Acrylic | Polycarbonate | Glass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impact Resistance | Moderate | Excellent | Low |
| Scratch Resistance | Good | Moderate | Excellent |
| Optical Clarity | Excellent (92%) | Very Good (86%) | Excellent (90%) |
| UV Resistance | Excellent | Good (with coating) | Excellent |
| Heat Tolerance | 80°C | 120°C | 200°C+ |
| Weight | Light | Very Light | Heavy |
Edge Finishing Options
Example: A 600mm × 400mm sheet with all edges polished = 2000mm polished = $300 edge finishing cost.