Polycarbonate & Acrylic Sheets

Polycarbonate & acrylic sheets bring strength, clarity, and lightweight performance to glazing, safety shields, signage, displays, and DIY projects. Polycarbonate sheets (often known by the brand Lexan) offer extreme impact resistance—far stronger than glass—making them a top pick for machine guards, protective barriers, sports enclosures, and security windows. Acrylic sheets (often called Plexiglas) deliver brilliant optical clarity with a glossy, glass-like finish, excellent light transmission, and strong UV stability for outdoor signs, display cases, and architectural accents. Options include clear plastic sheeting, tinted, frosted, mirrored, prismatic, textured, and multiwall polycarbonate panels for greenhouses and roofing where insulation and light diffusion matter.

Choose your sheet based on application, thickness, and environment. Common thicknesses range from 1/16 in. to 1/2 in.+; thicker panels handle higher loads and wider spans. For outdoor use, select UV-protected polycarbonate (co-extruded cap) or standard acrylic, which naturally resists yellowing. Consider temperature range, fire ratings (many polycarbonate sheets meet UL 94 classifications), chemical exposure, and the need for optical polish. Plan for thermal expansion, especially on long runs and exterior glazing.

These plastics are easy to fabricate with common tools. Cut using a fine-tooth carbide-tipped circular saw or table saw; a router gives clean edges; thin acrylic can be score-and-snapped. Drill with plastic or step bits at low feed to prevent cracking; always support the work and remove protective film after installation. Use oversized holes and rubber grommets or washers to reduce stress. Bond acrylic with solvent cements for near-invisible joints; for polycarbonate, use compatible adhesives or mechanical fasteners. Seal edges with neutral-cure silicone, not solvent-based sealants.

Care is simple: clean with mild soap and water, a soft microfiber cloth, and avoid ammonia or abrasives. Lightweight sheets reduce handling and shipping costs and can be ordered cut-to-size for fast, accurate installs. From plastic glazing panels and clear guards to greenhouse panels and illuminated signage, polycarbonate and acrylic sheets offer high performance with professional results.