Clear Polycarbonate Sheet (UV)

Description

Product Overview

Clear Polycarbonate sheet (often referred to by trade names Makrolon® or Lexan™) is a high performance engineering plastic known for its exceptional impact strength and optical clarity. It is virtually unbreakable, making it the primary choice for safety, security, and industrial glazing applications where glass or acrylic may shatter.

We supply UV-stabilised Polycarbonate as standard, ensuring suitability for harsh Australian outdoor conditions without yellowing or hazing. Available in full sheets or cut-to-size, with custom CNC routing available to produce machine guards, windows, and fabricated components to your exact drawings.

Key Properties & Practical Benefits

• Extreme Impact Resistance – Approximately 250x stronger than glass and 30x stronger than acrylic.
• High Optical Clarity – Offers light transmission comparable to glass (~88-89%).
• UV Stabilised – UV protection layer prevents degradation and yellowing in sunlight.
• Wide Temperature Range – Maintains properties from -40°C up to 120°C (higher heat resistance than Acrylic/PETG).
• Lightweight – Half the weight of glass for equivalent thickness.
• Cold Curving – Can be cold-bent into tight radii for curved glazing or tunnel fabrication.

Material Selection Guide: Polycarbonate vs. Alternatives

Polycarbonate is an “over-engineered” material. Ensure it is the right choice for your application compared to Acrylic or PETG.

• Choose Polycarbonate if: You need impact resistance (safety guards, riot shields), high heat resistance, or are drilling/fixing mechanically (it will not crack easily).
• Choose Acrylic (Perspex) if: Optical brilliance/edge polishing is priority, you need a rigid panel that won’t flex, or budget is a primary factor. Polycarbonate scratches more easily than Acrylic.
• Choose PETG if: You are vacuum forming deep shapes or need a food-safe clear plastic for lower temperature environments.

Need superior scratch resistance? Ask us about Abrasion Resistant (AR) Polycarbonate.

Common Applications

• Industrial Safety: Machine guards, conveyor covers, viewports.
• Mining & Heavy Earthmoving: Excavator windows, blast shields, safety screens.
• Security & Glazing: Anti-vandal glazing, riot shields, prison windows.
• Architecture: Curved walkways, barrel vaults, skylights.
• Fabrication: Structural components requiring transparency and toughness.

Machining, Fixing & Fabrication Notes 

• Machining: Polycarbonate is excellent for machining. It can be drilled, tapped, and routed without the risk of cracking inherent in acrylic.
• Cutting: Best cut with a circular saw (plastic blade) or CNC Router. Do not laser cut polycarbonate (it produces burnt yellow edges and toxic fumes).
• Bonding: Polycarbonate can be solvent boned cleanly but will not be of same clarity and strength as acrylic. For structural joins, mechanical fixing (bolts/rivets) or specific adhesives from plastic fabricators are recommended.
• Polishing: Unlike acrylic, polycarbonate edges cannot be flame polished. Edges will remain a matte/satin finish after cutting.

Limitations & Important Notes

• Scratch Sensitivity: Standard polycarbonate scratches more easily than glass or acrylic. Cleaning should be done with mild soap and a microfiber cloth—never dry wipe.
• Chemical Resistance: Sensitive to certain solvents and alkalis. Avoid using standard glass cleaners; use dedicated plastic cleaners.
• Rigidity: It is more flexible than acrylic. For large flat spans, thicker material may be required to prevent bowing.