Acrylic vs Polycarbonate (aka Lexan vs Plexiglas)

[@foesfly3047]

I wish every materials, processes, engineering discussion was this comprehensive. Thank you.

[@johnrains8409]

I am a retired engineer who worked for the DuPont (think Lucite acrylic sheet) company many years. Your presentation was spot on, well stated and a pleasure to watch.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

glad you liked it.

[@waldtricki]

Anyone new to working with these materials should watch this. Many KZbin videos do not accurately distinguish between these two plastics and this is an excellent compare and contrast.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

@Ben Griswold Thanks a lot and theres a lot more to come!!

[@charmlife7890]

Thank you, I’m learning as I go.

[@olavodias]

Agree 100% with this comment

[@mjjsnell]

I am not in the signage industry. Just a homeowner looking for advice on a small project for my home. This was very well done and informative. Helped me make a definitive choice. Thanks so much for producing this!

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thank you for watching

[@duubtuub3071]

Your title is unfortunate in that Lexan is the polycarbonate and Plexiglas is the acrylic.

[@mkmegan16658]

true... exchanged...😅

[@vbvpai6870]

​​@@mkmegan16658even the way he holds it is ULTa ಉಲ್ಟಾ

[@endoskeleton99]

This is the most informative video available on the differences between acrylic and polycarbonate. So well put together and explained. Thank you for creating this!

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thank you!

[@ferko6]

Thank you for taking the time to make a quality video. Great job!

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thank you for watching

[@mittikkan]

Very well explain sir, doubt sir solar dryer using polycarbonate sheet isit good means drying food products inside any chemical reactions take place in final dried products pls reply sir thank you once again

[@RumbleGarage]

Two years since this was uploaded, and we're still learning! Thank you for making this!

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

You're very welcome!

[@shafeequeak145poonoor9]

Which glue is the best for making acrylic dining tables and neat and clean

[@alanmcrae8594]

Nice presentation! Very clearly presented in a professional manner.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad you liked it!

[@ovalwingnut]

The BEST explanation of these two materials, period! 5 years old and still invaluable information. Thank you. Cheers from So.Ca.USA 3rd house on the left

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad you liked it

[@OurSocialCorner]

So good. Thank you! I am going to inclose a screened sun room to keep out the rain and wind on my upper level patio. I thought I wanted to use Lexan but after watching this video, I am going to go with sheets of acrylic. Great job!

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Sounds great!

[@jerryhunter5263]

ditto

[@MadlyinLovewithJesus-1953]

I'm trying to figure out whether I should use Plexiglas or Lexan as an extra pane for a window that leaks a lot of air making it colder when it is winter and hotter in the summer in one particular room. I am having a heck of a time figuring out which would be better and not smart enough to know why you chose the acrylic over the Lexan. If you are still around, would you please explain?

[@YunaOrganics]

@@MadlyinLovewithJesus-1953 PC is 10x stronger - plexi is more UV weather resistant. its up to you what to prioritize

[@binershock]

Incredible crash-course on this stuff. I have tried to piece together some of this from my own research, but it's great to hear it from someone with real experience.

[@davidgagnon2849]

I was hoping you'd cover the subject of "cast acrylic" vs "non-cast acrylic". Apparently, when cutting non-cast acrylic with a band saw, the material can melt and actually melt itself back together once the blade has cut it. How can one determine which type of acrylic it is when purchasing? Thank you!

[@Dragon-Slay3r]

The one that makes my heart melt

[@rossellcastillo9838]

If I were to cut off the roof of my vehicle and wanted to put a see-through roof, what would you recommend acrylic or polycarbonate ???? Really thinking about this project for my hardtop !

[@circasurvive9891]

😂🤣😂

[@SugaDontPlay]

Thanks for the informative video! I'm interested in making a dining table, with either of these products or something else as the table top, so weight would be put on it. I intend to use the same products as pseudo legs, on either end of the table, so the center might not have center support (unless I added another support of the same in the center). Which of these would work to support the weight of being leaned on, and weight of dishes, etc? Or, do you know of a better product?

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

you can use either PC or acrylic. selection should be based on the design, cutting tools, look and finish. dont mix the materials, its not necessary. the size of the table and accordingly thickness are also important. Both are sufficiently strong enough. Just start making. goodluck.

[@Dr.More_Malpractice]

Very interesting and informative video. I am doing home plating and have been sourcing a custom sized tank with no luck. Now I have a clear understanding of the glues for assembly and strength of the products. Thank you

[@hawkberry]

This was very informative! thank you for taking the time to put it together. I had started doing research into the different types of materials for construction on a project I wanted to build. I picked up bits and pieces of info here and there, but not nearly the extent of different qualities you touched on. In was mainly researching glue choices as a place to start, but your video brought up other things I might not have even thought about until after I bought some materials and started to "experiment".

[@ZothiamaCF]

I have been searching all night forever for a video that is both informative and easy to follow with just enough scientific knowledge, thanks.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hu5116]

This was a WONDERFUL explanation of the 2 materials! Sure one can look at material parameters, but that does not really translate directly into real world applications. You could make a whole materials series comparing different materials in the exact same way and it would be a hit! (IMHO Of course!)

[@lolabrini3758]

great video! very informative thank you! just one question: i want to make a clear plastic desk. So do i buy a rectangular large sheet? and then bend it myself over a wood desk whose dimensions i want? Basically i heat the sheet and bend over wood desk to form legs of new desk?

[@jakubjodlowski2768]

A comparison chart at the end would he great 👍

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thanks for watching and your feedback.

[@thequestionmark2903]

Thank you. Can you please tell me which one of them is found on backlight diffusers in LED TVs?

[@haroldbrown3452]

best video i have found on the subject, finally i understand the differences now - great video

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it helped!

[@gurkankaracan8418]

Can you recommend something for smart TV protection thank you

[@marksong3804]

Great job. Hoping you can do another video about scratch resistance. Thanks!

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thank you, yes we will be doing a follow up episode and will be covering topic scratch resistance.

[@hussainnaqvi7469]

which is better for a mouse pad....i want to use it as a alternative to glass mouse pad as they are very expensive.....and on which materials the mouse glides the best....with lowest static friction

[@brucecurrie6913]

Most informative, thanks. I believe it would be useful for viewers if you could add a footnote about the advantages/disadvantages of extruded v cast acrylic. Thank you.

[@valluco9563]

Thank you for the info.. which one would be better to use as a sun visor🌞

[@stevetrujillo324]

I've been up all night researching and learning SO MUCH about different metals, materials, and elements ( *to decide between a polycarbonate/aluminum combination or a premium stainless steel* (for a watch, but also for my knowledge!:D)), and this video was very informative and easy to follow with my only-so-extensive knowledge of science. Nonstop data and unbiased material and it wasn't boring at all! Thanks! P.s. if you have any advice/opinion on the _pc+aluminum vs stainless steel_ I will gladly take any and all of it

[@M4XD4B0ZZ]

Dude get real think about the scratches

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Hi Steve, thanks for the feedback. if you are still interested in my opinion, go with aluminum; its lighter and many finishes easily available, non corrosive when anodized or finsihed.

[@AndyBradley1984]

Dibond could be good for you too by the sounds of it.

[@brainsells3000]

I'll do some searching on the internet. But I'm curious if there is a PC acrylic combo. Like a thin layer of acrylic over PC for uv protection.

[@richardpatterson4312]

This video is amazing. Well done sir!

[@richardpatterson4312]

I'm making jigs for wood working, table saw sleds and it will need to be cut with wood working tools. Tablesaw, router drills etc. I'm thinking polycarbonate about 15mm will work perfectly. Do you think wood glue will stick to it? Not to glue it together, I want to use it as a glue up station, to keep my bench clean. I'd like to just let it dry and peel it off. Thanks

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

@@richardpatterson4312 Hi Richard, polycarbonate reacts to chemicals much more easily compared to acrylic. Since your work involves wood glue and may be other polishing chemicals its better to use acrylic for this application.

[@none4085]

How can you tell the difference between the two just visually? I have a smoked color wind shield on my motorcycle that I'd like to form a bend on the lip of the piece to kick air up and over my head! Any information would be greatly appreciated, wonderfully done and informative video sir. Thank you...

[@moltopericoloso]

Excellent presentation. Clear, concise, thorough and engaging. Thank you.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@havad3938]

Really researched, and getting varying information....just how much UV light does not get into the house? Worried about wrinkles. thanks, very informative.

[@Colynn9]

Very informative, except for one important characteristic ... scratch resistance. This is an important feature when the product will be frequently handled or cleaned. In this regard, polycarbonate (Lexan) is more delicate than acrylic (PlexiGlass). Both are more delicate than glass, which is very forgiving.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Both will get scratched easily compared to glass. Between the two PC is more susceptible to scratches. Acrylic can be found in hard coated variants which are less susceptible to scratches.

[@Robert-zx2df]

Hi How much easier will.pc scratch ​@@SIGNHOUSETV

[@justinpinetree]

Which material is easier to scratch?

[@silentscream0512384]

Plexiglass. Lexan is all I ever use now. When you cut it, it doesn't shatter like Plexiglass does.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Both materials are soft and so can get scratched easily. But both materials have hard coated variants available to tackle this problem.

[@sajanraghavan]

Systematic, clear and valuable. Thank you 👍

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thank you for watching

[@sengang4873]

Great video 👍, just a query . I had been looking for an alternative to Glass for my French sliding door and windows . Which one would be better among this two . Kindly revert me back .💐💐

[@jamesdavis8021]

Thank you for the great information

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thank you for watching it.

[@womenisonereasonbehindever2049]

@@SIGNHOUSETV wht is best for outdoor in sunlight..we installed white on due to sun it becomes yellow need a sheet with no colour fade..and whts the price difference

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

CRIMINAL AND CORPORATE LAWYER both are well suited for outdoor and withstanding color fading as long as you use a product from a reputed manufacturer who provides an outdoor guarantee against fading

[@akshatdixit3440]

Which one of the two is suitable for glass railings in balconies

[@bertramlupton850]

Thank you so much for the explanation !! Helped me make a decision which one to use.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Lloyd.B.]

Thanks. I want to make a wind spinner and was advised to use either one of these two.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Go for it!

[@indawgwetrust4255]

Perfect, this was exactly the info i was looking for. Thank you!

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@teresitagonzalezcordova5648]

Hello, nice video. In the section OUTDOORS I only hear one of two other brand names of high-quality acrylic with 30 (thirty) year guarantees against yellowing besides Plexiglas, it is Astari, and which is the third one? Thank you so much!

[@Heather-xm9ul]

Super informative, but concise. It definitely helped me, as I'm trying to decide on an alternative material from glass, on an oddly sized window.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@khjr14]

You mentioned the ultraviolet light characteristics of each. Is the UV light reflected back by each, is it absorbed by each or is each transparent to UV light? I appreciate the help.

[@christopherkouri2317]

Straight to the point. Great video. Thank you!

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thank you for watching

[@SWLinPHX]

I used 1/8" custom cut acrylic and pre-drilled tiny holes then used tiny screws to attach as a protective layer over colored vinyl which was applied on top of a wood surface. However it ended up being too thick and I couldn't get the screws to sink in level so even the small #4 screw heads stick up and are unsightly. So I ordered polycarbonate sheeting instead, both 1/32" and 1/16". Screwing that thin a material seems like overkill to attach for the 1/32" and I was wondering if I could instead simply use 1/4" staples from a powered staple gun for 1/32" (and maybe even 1/16" too)? Will the staples penetrate thru the polycarbonate at that thickness and then into the vinyl and wood? I could use glue or double sided tape but I don't want it to show thru the clear polycarbonate (even clear glue and clear double-sided tape may show I fear).

[@ralphsammis7330]

Thanks for using “acrylic” & “polycarbonate” and making that clear!

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

You are so welcome!

[@terrydubay9113]

which is more stiffer acrylic or polycarbonate, given the same size and thickness which weighs more?

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

PC has more strength compared to acrylic. Density of PC is slightly higher than acrylic so it will weigh little more when you take them both in same size.

[@niteshroy9385]

Thank you so much brother, loved your presentation and very informative.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ivaerak]

What about Guttagliss, does UV light impact the strenght of the board in the long run? Is it better to have 2 UV coatings (one from both side) or is one enough? Specifically asking for a roofing application scenario. Thanks in advance!

[@blimpodeclownsclowns1390]

you are too good with your hidden smile for presenting vedios ,well done

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thank you for watching

[@quicker76]

To build a UV curing chamber, do pexiglas boards protect from UV light? Thanks!

[@jl9678]

Thanks for this comparison.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thanks for watching it.

[@vidagdhamadhavdas1478]

Which one is better for open terrace roofing?

[@LindseyandCaleb]

Thank you so much. This was so informative!

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@vandanaranjane7548]

this is which shop in available

[@D71219ONE]

This video is amazing. Thank you! I’m interested in the sound blocking properties of PC vs Acrylic. I am designing a music recording booth, and would like to have a curved clear window, but how does PC compare to Acrylic when it comes to sound blocking or absorption?

[@emrage]

How did you get on with your project?

[@D71219ONE]

@@emrage Still not finished sadly, but we haven’t been in a rush as our temporary setup works fine. It just doesn’t look good. We’ve settled on PC, but we’re deciding on the frame now.

[@shilpikachhwaha9462]

Which is better acrylic or PC for cold and damp weather to make pergola roof?

[@BabyGirlJade-134]

Thank you for your detailed information. Very useful...

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thanks. Glad you like it.

[@allenr265]

I want to make a cab for my tractor. I need it to be scratch proof? I'll be using it in the winter for snow removal. Is lexan the way to go? Thanks mate

[@u4d18]

Great video, thanks.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

+Chris Williamson Glad you like it. You're welcome 💯💯

[@sheliametcalfe]

Thank you great way you explained it

[@shiv.seeking]

Well done, very informative

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thank you

[@danny_7620]

first video i came to on the topic. Dont think i need to do any more research. Thank you.

[@mikestorck]

Thanks for making this video, very informative.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

+mike storck Glad you liked it. Cheers 💯

[@godsangel2429]

I need to reduce noise from my outside neighbors pool pump. Which would be better in reducing noise. Polyvinyl film or acrylic?

[@Salatiso]

Great video, straight to the point, and loaded with information. Thank you.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it was helpful.

[@aditikamath5632]

Sir I require ur suggestion, when polycarbonate sheet is put up on the older box grill should it be closed from all it's ending so that dust or water do not enter in and block the transparency, pl. tell.

[@dieter5720]

Great video, thanks for the info!

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Hi Dieter, glad you like it 👍

[@inahsantiago4640]

Great presentation! wanna ask if whats the best to use for LED TV PROTECTION??

[@israelguevara9207]

Thanks for info!

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thank you for watching

[@5abivt]

Which is recommended for a windshield ? Want no color fade, scratch resistance and clarity

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Both materials can be used depending on the applications. For eg for race car windshields polycarbonate is preferred because of the strength it provides. In case of small aircraft's some people prefer acrylic because of higher clarity . Both materials have specialties with scratch resistant coating and color retention warranty. So depending on the availability and budget you can choose either.

[@rosycamargo9072]

Pra mim e tudo igual

[@xXBENZOXx]

Hahaha

[@radhikasingh8535]

I live in Delhi . Need to replace my old fiber sheet on terrace . Can you suggest which one to use and cost to replace area about 18 ft/18 ft..

[@syedishaq4244]

Very informative, thank you. Did you made any videos on comparison of normal and high performance glass. What is the selection criteria. If someone wants to learn more about types of glass for facade system

[@lionlamb2702]

I want to make acrylic guard rails for my pickup truck. Where can I find pieces?

[@priyagrover6930]

Sir which material should I choose if I want to create a window for outdoor which looks like glass but is unbreakable if someone throws stones or such stuff ? As well as the sheet should not change its Colour like sometimes the product gets yellow in colour and how much will be the price of the product can u provide a rough idea as I am unaware of such stuff

[@MolsonM3]

Are there any products that can bond PC to other kinds of plastics? I’m looking for a thin strong plastic that’s also flexible. Sounds like PC might be the product I need but I have bond it to other plastics but prefer not to use screws. It doesn’t need to be clear as I’m hoping to paint over it.

[@MCSDharaniR]

Shall v use any of these for shower partition ?

[@avinashnamadhari]

For a high rise building outdoor window, which one holds better with 3M™ VHB™ Structural Glazing Tape?

[@AjayPanditjee]

Good job... Well Explained. ... Thank GOD, there are people like YOU who make GOOD & INFORMATIVE videos. ..

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thanks and welcome

[@Hiteshprajapati20495]

Dear sir mujhe Tv( led) ke protection & clearty ke liye use krna hai to konsa glass or sheet use krna chiye

[@anuppandey944]

Nice, how about scratch resistance?

[@12vLife]

what thickness are you holding ? If I frame 1/8 thick 4'x8' PC window with some 1x4s, how easily for somebody to kick through or bend it?

[@muhsyakir]

Thank you brother...even 5 years, your video still teach people good lesson

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad to hear that

[@awaazeawaam1699]

Sir which glue can i use for acrylic sandwich keychains?

[@nicolasjan1584]

clear edges if you pollish it. And until what grain or can you blow-torch blury parts ?

[@cymanthav]

Thank you for your review which one would you consider is good when making a pair of glasses the poly carbonate or the acrylic and these are for lenses

[@Dublinseoul53]

Well done , what would you recommend for an elevator panels currently glass ? Breaking all the time, obviously 🙄

[@milanbarbhaya7496]

sir making a small skaylight in my home of around 200 square feet. should i use polycarbonate or acrylic. please advise sir.

[@Randomalia]

What's going to be the better product for a golf cart or UTV windshield?

[@cruisingmimi9319]

I am trying to deduce for an outdoor “sunscreen” wall, which is better suited.

[@vanuza5356]

Can it be used on snowy areas like New England USA..???

[@alexautry5845]

@SIGNHOUSETV Great video and explaining of both types of material. One thing i noticed throughout the whole video was it never mentioned of the 2 types of acrylics produced. Which is a factor in one's choosing for their project(s). There is Extruded and Cast. "Cast Acrylic is formed by pouring molten PMMA monomer resin into a mould. The mould consists of two large glass sheets, and the desired thickness of cast acrylic sheet is achieved by the distance of separation left between the glass sheets. The void between the glass sheets is then filled with molten PMMA.". "Extruded acrylic is formed by passing the molten PMMA monomer resin through an extrusion line die. This extruder compiles of a feeder/hopper; which the PMMA is fed into, a solid base, and a series of steel rollers/dies, which the molten PMMA passes under and above. Also, Cast much harder and stronger than extruded, high impact resistance and has more forgiveness when cut and can be cut into any shape . Where as Extruded is softer than cast, not as impact resistant and better for straight cuts but any other cuts can produce stress cracks or "Crazing". Just thought I'd mention that to let others know of the 2 different types of acrylic. Also there is a couple of chemically bonding glues for PC that can be used for structural use.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thank you for the comment Alex. We do have an older video which covers the topic you mentioned. Please check the link to see it. Thanks again for your support kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpyxk5d9iqxgidksi=o7uybW_o4UZ9H-cR

[@PKMSkills]

Sir please tell me which is best for diy car models glass making

[@nilusnoronha4072]

Hi, I need to do a drop test of PET bottle of filled 2litre, which would drop at a height of max 1.8m on to a chrome plate, but the chrome plate would be enclosed with say toughened glass with aluminium frame on the sides surrounding the plate to avoid spillage in case the bottle bursts or leaks. 2 high speed cameras are installed on the outside to focus n calculate deformation images. Is it good to use a acrylic glass or polycarbonate instead of glass when it comes to refraction for camera lens

[@nilusnoronha4072]

Which one would be better

[@nilusnoronha4072]

What would be the thickness you would recommend