Acrylic vs Polycarbonate (aka Lexan vs Plexiglas)

Here is the much awaited comparison between the most commonly used clear products in the industry, Acrylic & Polycarbonate. Our VP Anand Joseph breaks down the top 9 key factors to take into account while choosing one over the other.
00:00 - Intro
00:53 - Acrylic Vs Polycarbonate or Plexiglas Vs Lexan
01:27 - Reliability (Outdoors & Indoors)
02:55 - Clarity
03:44 - Range (Thickness & Colors)
04:46 - Strength
05:32 - Workability
06:51 - Flexibility
07:31 - Fire Certification
08:06 - Bonding
08:53 - Price
Buy Acrylic sheets online : bluerhine.store/acrylic-sheet...
Buy Polycarbonate sheets online : bluerhine.store/polycarbonate...
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About Us
Blue Rhine, a pioneering manufacturer and distributor of premium signage, advertising, and LED solutions, has been a hallmark of quality and innovation since 1996. Based in Dubai, UAE, our commitment to excellence resonates across the GCC region and beyond. Trusted by sign makers, digital print houses, retail fit-out companies, and more, we deliver cutting-edge solutions that redefine industry standards.
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[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@ferko6]

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

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thank you for watching

[@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".

[@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.

[@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!

[@RumbleGarage]

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

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

You're very welcome!

[@coryknipe5471]

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

[@alanmcrae8594]

Nice presentation! Very clearly presented in a professional manner.

[@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

[@moltopericoloso]

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

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mrg861]

This mans channel is so underrated , he's very informative , to the point , quality video n doesn't waste time , just brilliant man keep up the good work 🌌

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad you like them!

[@indawgwetrust4255]

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

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@conanablewhite6347]

Excellent overview of both products. Thanks for taking the time to post this, very helpful!

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@haroldbrown3452]

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

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it helped!

[@neilgreen007]

Thanks for great video distinguishing these products. Can you mention what solvents are safe on Acrylic for cleaning off gummy glues?

[@woodburyben]

Excellent compare/ contrast video on Polycarbonate and Acrylic. Thanks for sharing!

[@SniperSpense]

Super educational! Thank you for the insight into both these materials. You helped me make my choice with the computer case project I have coming up! God bless!

[@melissajenksolivit4460]

Very interesting presentation. It answered all my questions about Acrylic or poly-carbonate for this project. Thanks so much for making the video.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thank you for watching

[@DeeAnn12499]

Very informative info. Thank you for putting it together. Your presentation is quick and to the point. Excellent.

[@quentinxing7849]

Great presentation. I'll be very happy to share your video to my potiential customers who hasn't decided the materail for clear closet dividers. Thank you.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thanks for sharing!

[@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).

[@sajanraghavan]

Systematic, clear and valuable. Thank you 👍

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thank you for watching

[@jpotter2086]

I'll have to remember this as a simple standard reference to share with others. Well-written and clear. Thanks!

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thank you for watching

[@theEndtimePrincess]

Such a thorough job explaining the differences. I've always had questions about both products. Thanks for this video.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

You are so welcome!

[@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!

[@cowboyyoga]

Wow! What a great video! I was unsure which product to use before the video. But after the video, it was clear that I need acrylic! Thank you for such a nice presentation! )))

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@redheathan1386]

Thank you so much for your knowledge on these two materials, to be frankly honest I didn’t even know that acrylic sheets were called anything other than plexiglass and then I proceeded to get a great education on pc and acrylic👍🏻👍🏻

[@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.

[@christopherkouri2317]

Straight to the point. Great video. Thank you!

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thank you for watching

[@bEEBO178]

Perfect explanation! Just what I was looking for.

[@dfarmer4201]

Wonderful explanation with such clarity.

[@veejaymanalo8421]

so far, the presentation is very clear and not to mention, a very informative one. brief but full knowledgeable. congrats

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad you liked it!

[@NDeniseS]

Hi. GREAT video, lots of information. Q you mentioned bonding with regards to PC, but not acrylic. I'm searching for a bonding material to repair a broken leg on an acrylic coffee table. Any recommendations? TIA

[@JagiChan]

I always wondered what the difference was and now after watching your presentation it is clear. Thanks for the informative video.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thank you for watching

[@craiglyle2966]

Really informative technical comparison. Excellent work, thank you.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad you liked it!

[@BrokenWarrior56]

Thank you so much for this video. I'm doing some glass projects, one being a living room window and the other being a 4x4 Green house window. I now know what I want to use for both these projects. I knew the poly was stronger so I chose it for the living room project @ 3/8" thick. The Sun Garden window I"ll do in 1/4 " Acrylic. You gave me all the missing info I needed, even after I did my research. Thanks.

[@spencerlindsey58]

Where did you get the 3/8 thick poly? And how big was it? Im thinking about using it for a big living room window

[@rockfieldlangley1955]

What a helpful video! All my questions were answered! Thanks

[@bertramlupton850]

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

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ericmccolough2482]

Great info, I guess they're the same when it comes to colours fading over time in direct sunlight? How long would solid colours last?

[@dhananjayakundi8135]

Hello Very informative video but i would like to ask the heat resistance in both sheet . I wanted to make moulds for candles. Which would be the best

[@jusbamathy1355]

so much information and alot of my questions answered thanks for posting!

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it was helpful

[@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?

[@Regg363]

Thank you, description of both and explanations very clear and informative. Very helpful

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paulajones4037]

Thank you for your presentation. I appreciate it, it was extremely informative very well done and I think you covered all of the points.

[@forrestbehr8778]

Thanks. I work at a building supply store and we sell both of these products. I feel much better equipped to speak about their advantages and disadvantages now.

[@thecorbettchronicles]

What a phenomenally informative video! I didn’t even know I wanted to know all of this, but I’m so glad I watched! I learned so much!!!

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

So glad!

[@monicahorsburgh9263]

Thanks for that. What do you think would be better for boat glassware? Needs to look fantastic, be dishwasher proof. What about PBA?

[@Mljohns80]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video. It was extremely helpful with my project.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thank you for watching and finding the video useful for your project!

[@niteshroy9385]

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

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brianreip411]

thank you for the video, which would you choose for a work bench top? To cover a plywood work bench

[@kal-elkilleddabat3885]

Thank you so much for this vid.. Very nice.. One question.. Would you recommend acrylic sheets for resin crafting mold.. creat a box to pour epoxy.

[@npraj1000]

Excellent explanation!! I have doubt whether white color acrylic plate (10mm) would turn into yellowish brown over time? Can you please tell the type of glue to join acrylic.

[@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.

[@galeriavaldes1727]

Very helpful. A lot of questions answered. Thank you!

[@OneManEngineering]

Wonderful comparison. Thanks a million for this vid! Greg

[@mrselvaraj2004]

clear and informative presentation. Thank you

[@mikestorck]

Thanks for making this video, very informative.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

+mike storck Glad you liked it. Cheers 💯

[@jasontessitore9140]

I am looking to do a DIY shelf that is lit up from the sides by LED's. I know you can sand the top of the acrylic to "frost" it, and make it glow...can you do that with poly as well?

[@Dublinseoul53]

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

[@jackwilborn2353]

Very informative. You went right where I was hoping, to the machine ability of the materials. However I was hoping you'd address the CO2 laser cutting. How well are they with insulation at say 20 kv? I understand PC is better for insulation, but how much? I sometimes need a high voltage enclosure for things like voltage dividers.... Thanks, it's still worth watching... Take care. (8')

[@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.

[@patrickdelrio9629]

Great video, quick question I am planning on building an extention roof 27 ft by 11 ft with lexan boards, will that make for a good roof top

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Patrick Delrio hi ideally you should use lexan Multiwall sheet. It’s lighter and easier for one person to install in larger spans. Quite commonly used for most roof extensions. It will be translucent but not 100% clear. If you prefer 100% clear then lexan clear solid sheets is the choice to go with

[@all6s7s67]

im building a table for my pc and the sheet i need for the table top is 24"x33". ill be using 8 3/4" stand offs to give the table top a floating look. on the 33" side the stand offs will be sitting at 4" away from the corner and i have no idea which one to go with for a 70 pound pc to sit on. the sheet would be 1/2" thick so im wondering if i can use acrylic without worry of breaking cause all the weight is supported on those 8 3/4" stand offs

[@mail06513]

Great video! I just learned something today.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thank you for watching

[@shanemcaleavey5956]

Most informative, helpful and very well presented, thank you.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mohammedraza100]

Very Informative and well presented thanks. What does the weight comparison look like on these products ?

[@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!)

[@theHAL9000]

Terrific comprehensive overview. Thanks!

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gideonkahl6149]

Thank you. Exactly what I needed to determine which product to use for my project.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@karinnevelsteen8604]

What do you recommend for a greenhouse in where it is 45°c in summer and -15°c degrees in winter? Thank you🙏

[@bujin5455]

That was a very nice overview! Thank you!

[@erikandersen4811]

This was a very helpful clarification. Thank you for making this video.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

You're very welcome!

[@daniellanier9090]

Thanks for the pros and cons of the materials ,simple and easy without a lot of useless junk throw in.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad to help

[@mohammedirfan9897]

Yes, very interesting & comprehensive Illustration. Thanks.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dieter5720]

Great video, thanks for the info!

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Hi Dieter, glad you like it 👍

[@path2539]

Excellent presentation. I liked being able to see what you would cover by indicating the subject in the timeline at the bottom of the screen.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad you liked it!

[@mason4354]

Excellent video, very informative and I particularly enjoy your hidden smile.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@PhanoftheShow]

Excellent explanation and well detailed. Thank you

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@fxsrider]

Good information!! Answered all my questions!

[@chan5186]

for outdoor awning with high temperature weather which one u prefer sir?

[@radagasttherascal2331]

Hello, how do you compare their scratch resistance? Which one is more scratch resistant. Also, how to make an acrylic scratch resistant?

[@JamesC_]

Thank you sooo much for your knowledge!!! It's very helpful for me to choose a panel 😊

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Happy to help!

[@kaderrasheed3730]

Nicely explained Would like to know - Is it possible to work on PC with hacksaws Any specific bonding substances to work on PC

[@rakeau]

Impressed with the info and presentation 👍

[@valluco9563]

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

[@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.

[@amycollins2816]

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

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thanks. Glad you like it.

[@creaturefpv]

Im making wooden rings with a plexiglass layer or layers . Im just using super glue to bond the layers together. I should be using acrylic right? Thx for the video. Alot of good info there.

[@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

[@thequestionmark2903]

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

[@101bennyc]

Great video, thanks for making.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@RADCOMJ1]

Well presented and a wealth of information. Thanks Anand.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad you liked it!

[@carloslourenco5588]

Very informative, thank you!... One question... As I understood, acrylic is better in terms of UV discoloration resistance... Any acrylic?... Or do I have to search for a "UV resistant acrylic"?... If there is such a thing... Thank you!!!