Acrylic vs. Polycarbonate Sheets: Which Is Right for Your Business Project?

Views: 0     Author: Jinbao Plastic     Publish Time: 2025-02-12      Origin: www.jinbaoplastic.com

facebook sharing button
twitter sharing button
line sharing button
linkedin sharing button
pinterest sharing button
whatsapp sharing button
telegram sharing button
sharethis sharing button

Acrylic vs. Polycarbonate Sheets: Which Is Right for Your Business Project?

For nearly three decades, Jinbao Plastic has been a trusted partner for businesses seeking high-performance plastic sheets. As a leading manufacturer with 35 production lines and a monthly output of 2,100 tons, we’ve supplied industries ranging from construction to advertising with premium materials like acrylic sheets, polycarbonate sheets, PVC foam boards, and WPC sheets. In this guide, we’ll explore the critical differences between acrylic and polycarbonate sheets—two of our most sought-after products—to help you make informed decisions for your projects.





Understanding Acrylic and Polycarbonate Materials


What Are Acrylic Sheets?

Acrylic sheets, also known as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), are lightweight, shatter-resistant plastic sheets prized for their glass-like clarity. They transmit up to 92% of visible light, making them ideal for applications where optical clarity matters. Acrylic is UV-resistant, weatherproof, and available in a wide range of colors and thicknesses. However, it’s less impact-resistant than polycarbonate, which can influence its suitability for high-stress environments.


What Are Polycarbonate Sheets?

Polycarbonate (PC) sheets are engineered for extreme durability. These virtually unbreakable plastic sheets boast 250 times the impact resistance of glass and 30 times that of acrylic. While slightly less transparent than acrylic (88% light transmission), polycarbonate excels in environments requiring safety, heat resistance, and flexibility. Its ability to withstand harsh weather and temperatures (-40°C to 120°C) makes it a go-to for industrial and outdoor use.





Acrylic vs. Polycarbonate: Key Comparisons for Business Buyers


Durability and Impact Resistance

Polycarbonate sheets outperform acrylic in impact resistance, making them indispensable for security barriers, machine guards, or hurricane-prone regions. Acrylic, while durable, may crack under heavy force. For example, a 3mm acrylic sheet can handle moderate impacts, but a polycarbonate sheet of the same thickness would survive far greater stress.


Optical Clarity and Light Transmission

Acrylic’s superior clarity makes it the preferred choice for retail displays, signage, and aquariums. Its non-yellowing UV stability ensures long-term aesthetics. Polycarbonate, though slightly less clear, compensates with flexibility—allowing for curved installations in architectural designs or greenhouse roofing.


Cost Considerations for Bulk Purchasing

Acrylic sheets are generally 30–50% more affordable than polycarbonate, offering cost efficiency for large-scale projects like office partitions or exhibition booths. However, polycarbonate’s longevity in high-risk environments often justifies its higher upfront cost through reduced replacement expenses.


Workability and Fabrication

Both materials are easy to cut and shape, but acrylic is simpler to polish and glue, yielding seamless finishes for luxury displays. Polycarbonate requires specialized coatings to prevent scratching, whereas acrylic maintains its glossy surface with minimal maintenance.




Acrylic vs. Polycarbonate Sheets: Which Is Right for Your Business Project?

Industry-Specific Applications: Matching Material to Project Needs


Construction and Architectural Projects

Polycarbonate’s strength and thermal insulation make it ideal for skylights, sound barriers, and industrial roofing. Acrylic, with its aesthetic appeal, suits interior design elements like decorative panels or elevator cladding.


Case Study: Stadium Canopy Solutions


A recent client used Jinbao’s 8mm polycarbonate sheets for a stadium roof, leveraging their impact resistance and light diffusion. For indoor concourse signage, our UV-resistant acrylic sheets provided vibrant, long-lasting graphics.


Advertising and Retail Displays

Acrylic dominates this sector due to its printability and glossy finish. Backlit signs, product stands, and loyalty award plaques benefit from its clarity. Polycarbonate is reserved for outdoor billboards in hail-prone areas.


Automotive and Transportation

Polycarbonate’s heat resistance makes it suitable for vehicle headlights and aircraft windows. Acrylic appears in interior components like dashboard screens, where scratch resistance is less critical.





Jinbao Plastic’s Product Range: Standard Sizes, Thicknesses, and Colors


Versatile Options for Diverse Business Needs

We stock acrylic and polycarbonate sheets in thicknesses from 1mm to 25mm, with standard sizes up to 4,000mm x 2,000mm. Our acrylic range includes clear, frosted, and 20+ colored variants, while polycarbonate sheets come in clear, opal, and bronze finishes.


Bulk Purchasing Advantages

With 35 production lines, Jinbao ensures rapid turnaround for large orders. Businesses benefit from volume discounts, streamlined logistics, and consistent quality—critical for timelines in sectors like event planning or construction.


Why Partner With Jinbao Plastic?

Since 1996, we’ve prioritized innovation and reliability. Our ISO-certified manufacturing processes guarantee sheets with uniform thickness, color stability, and resistance to warping. While we don’t offer custom fabrication, our extensive standard inventory meets 95% of commercial requirements.




FAQs: Addressing Common Business Concerns


Can Acrylic Sheets Be Used Outdoors?

Yes! Jinbao’s UV-stabilized acrylic resists yellowing for up to 10 years, perfect for outdoor signage or architectural features. However, in hail-prone zones, polycarbonate is safer.


How Do I Clean Polycarbonate Sheets?

Use a soft cloth and mild soap to avoid scratches. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners, which can degrade UV coatings.


What’s the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)?

MOQs vary by material and thickness. Contact our team for tailored quotes—we accommodate both SMEs and large enterprises.




Acrylic vs. Polycarbonate Sheets: Which Is Right for Your Business Project?


Conclusion: Making the Smart Choice for Your Business


Whether you prioritize acrylic’s cost-effectiveness and clarity or polycarbonate’s unmatched durability, Jinbao Plastic delivers materials that align with your project’s demands. With our vast inventory and bulk-order expertise, we empower businesses to source high-quality plastic sheets efficiently.


Contact us today to discover how Jinbao’s acrylic and polycarbonate sheets can elevate your next project.

About Us

Jinbao Group was established in 1996 and its head office is located in the beautiful spring city-Jinan, Shandong province.

Copyright © 2021 Jinan Jinbao Plastic Co, Ltd.  Sitemap  |  Privacy Policy      鲁ICP备14016166号-1   sdzhidian