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

[@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

[@RumbleGarage]

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

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

You're very welcome!

[@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!

[@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

[@WholeBibleBelieverWoman]

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]

@@WholeBibleBelieverWoman 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.

[@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

[@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

[@alanmcrae8594]

Nice presentation! Very clearly presented in a professional manner.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad you liked it!

[@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

[@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".

[@muhsyakir]

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

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad to hear that

[@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!)

[@AjayPanditjee]

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

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thanks and welcome

[@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

[@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👍🏻👍🏻

[@haroldbrown3452]

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

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it helped!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@stoneneils]

This guy looks like he has an amazing sense of humor...the kind of dude who's ready to laugh all the time..get kicked out of class..etc. I feel like hearing a joke.

[@ralphsammis7330]

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

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

You are so welcome!

[@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!

[@moltopericoloso]

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

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@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

[@sajanraghavan]

Systematic, clear and valuable. Thank you 👍

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thank you for watching

[@adilsayeedofficial]

I literally clicked on the video so I can 'like' it. It is because you wrote in the title that lexan and plexiglass basically acrylic and polycarbonate. Thank you.

[@blimpodeclownsclowns1390]

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

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thank you for watching

[@woodburyben]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@danny_7620]

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

[@indawgwetrust4255]

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

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@PETERJOHN101]

Yes, this helped me assess acrylic as best overall for a residential application. Thank you.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@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.

[@AcousticGround]

Very informative. Thank you I have now decided to use polycarbonate for outdoor use.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad to help

[@jakubjodlowski2768]

A comparison chart at the end would he great 👍

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thanks for watching and your feedback.

[@billhopen]

no contest! I replaced an arcylic (plexi) skylight that was broken by a wind hail storm...it got brittle in sunlight degradation so hail cracked it/wuind tore it out. I REPLACED with POLY CARBONATE 35 years ago! still good as new, 35 years later.

[@bertramlupton850]

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

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@CarlStreet]

Outstanding Vide -- Camera work= Excellent; Lighting=Excellent; Sound=Excellent; BG Music= Excellent Scripting= Excellent; Pacing= Excellent; Editing= Excellent[ Well Done, Sir!

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

@Carl Street, Thanks for the kinds words, Sir!

[@christopherkouri2317]

Straight to the point. Great video. Thank you!

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thank you for watching

[@nearlynativenursery8638]

Extremely good comprehensive details. Thank you so much. Jim Rodgers

[@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.

You did a professional job. Respect from USA.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@niteshroy9385]

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

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@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

[@LindseyandCaleb]

Thank you so much. This was so informative!

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hypnosiscenternyc]

Thank you for this explanation. very Valuable knowledge. I'm going with Acrylic.

[@Salatiso]

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

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it was helpful.

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@mikestorck]

Thanks for making this video, very informative.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

+mike storck Glad you liked it. Cheers 💯

[@PhilHarmonicus]

Thank you for this, it has been very useful and informative, which has lead me to select acrylic for my project. Unfortunately, here in the UK, acrylic is far more expensive than polycarbonate.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BabyGirlJade-134]

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

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thanks. Glad you like it.

[@sheliametcalfe]

Thank you great way you explained it

[@jl9678]

Thanks for this comparison.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thanks for watching it.

[@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

[@shiv.seeking]

Well done, very informative

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thank you

[@kentw.897]

Excellent video. You are very a very smart man who speaks very well, and you know a lot about this product that's for sure. Thankyou for making this video. Aloha🌴🏄‍♂🤙🏼

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@u4d18]

Great video, thanks.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

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

[@stoneneils]

Wow dude, you answered ALL my questions..except weight...but i guess its relative to the thickness. I really appreciate the fire-safety information!!

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

glad it was helpful to you.. both acrylic and polycarbonate have similar density so when you take sheets in same size and thickness they will weigh similar..

[@dieter5720]

Great video, thanks for the info!

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Hi Dieter, glad you like it 👍

[@alexvargaslive]

Glad I found this. Thank you! I am in the process of designing a hard spray-hood for a sailboat. I want it to be clear or lightly tainted. Alone the fact that acrylic is hereby mentioned as the best UV protected of both, makes is a winner. Secondly, the fact that chemical bonding will be best with Acrylic, I am very inclined to go with it. But I have a question for the expert! :) What is the best way to cut curved lines on Acrylic? I have tried cutting and installing plexiglass sheets as windows years ago. It was hell to drill through and a few of the holes ended up with short cracks. I would like to avoid that, this time. But I am definitely going with Acrylic. Thanks for the very informative comparison.

[@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.

[@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).

[@israelguevara9207]

Thanks for info!

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Thank you for watching

[@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

[@rosycamargo9072]

Pra mim e tudo igual

[@xXBENZOXx]

Hahaha

[@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! )))

[@FTroop37F]

Great info, very thorough comparison. Thank you

[@jessepage318]

Blew my mind.... I used those terms interchangeably and I even used to work in Plastics fabrication shops!

[@mohammedirfan9897]

Yes, very interesting & comprehensive Illustration. Thanks.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@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

[@chrisridgway3864]

Excellent presentation of a complex subject.

[@DeeAnn12499]

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

[@CanadaRulez4Ever]

need this video with visuals showing all those features differences, would be priceless, goodvid anyway!

[@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!

[@FangerZero]

Just wanted to say thanks for the video! I'm planning to build a Desk PC and was going to use 1/2 glass, welp forget that idea! We're going with Polycarbonate!

[@ttb1513]

What factors made you choose polycarbonate over acrylic?

[@shafeequeak145poonoor9]

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

[@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

[@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]

😂🤣😂

[@craiglyle2966]

Really informative technical comparison. Excellent work, thank you.

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad you liked it!

[@theHAL9000]

Terrific comprehensive overview. Thanks!

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@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?

[@elijrneti]

Awesome video, I’m using this information to identify what’s the best application for my taillights. PC for the win!

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it was helpful

[@AuntieShineDaily]

Watching this as I'm looking for glass alternative for floor to celing doors to be installed in my upcoming project. I'm planning to purchase those generic modular container homes and to convert one side into double doors with acrylic. Perhaps I'll add an off market uv film. I'm really trying not to break the bank for this project 😅

[@marcstylzzz]

Very informative, thank you

[@OneManEngineering]

Wonderful comparison. Thanks a million for this vid! Greg

[@havad3938]

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

[@Regg363]

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

[@SIGNHOUSETV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@VanishaT]

Thank you! 😊 Very detailed