Polycarbonate

Tough and durable, polycarbonate plastic is significantly stronger than plate glass and acrylic plastic. Polycarbonate plastics are a lightweight and economical glazing material that provides increased protection against high-traffic use, vandalism, and theft. Polycarbonate plastic is more dimensionally stable than acrylic over a wide temperature range.. Shop from our polycarbonate sheets, tubes, and rods below. Custom sizing available.
Twinwall and Multiwall Polycarbonate Sheets
Polycarbonate Rods
Polycarbonate Sheets
Polycarbonate Tubes
Processing...

What is Polycarbonate Plastic?

Polycarbonate of bisphenol A, or polycarbonate plastic, was independently synthesized by polymer chemists Dr. H. Schnell of Bayer AG, Germany and Dr. Daniel W. Fox of General Electric Company, USA in 1953.

Polycarbonate is a virtually unbreakable plastic and its variations are fashioned into eyewear lenses, protective equipment including bullet-proof glass, numerous medical devices, and can also be used as a building material in greenhouses. It can be utilized through glazing applications, digital media such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs, as well as outdoor lighting fixtures.

What are Some Commercial Production Methods for Polycarbonate Plastic?

  • Extrusion into tubes, rods, or multiwall
  • Extrusion into sheets and film for use as is, or further machined into other shapes
  • Injection molding into items ready for use.

Our polycarbonate materials are available in a broad range of standard and custom colors.

What are the Benefits of Polycarbonate?

Polycarbonate is highly impact-resistant, making it an ideal choice when security or strength are required. It is used to create materials such as bullet-resistant glass (often referred to as bulletproof glass) or windows designed to improve security. It also is a thermoplastic, meaning it can be reheated and cooled without compromising quality. Its UV resistance allows it to be used in outdoor applications including greenhouses, skylights, and nurseries.

What is Polycarbonate Plastic Used For?

Due to its high strength, polycarbonate plastic has a wide range of use cases. This includes protective gear, exterior lighting fixtures, bullet-resistant applications, furniture installations, sports goods, medical industries, and more. Without any protective coatings, polycarbonate only resists 10% of UV rays, which is ideal for plant life and greenhouses. Below are some additional common use cases:

Types of Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate comes in a wide range of forms. At Acme Plastics, we carry the following:

  • Polycarbonate Sheets - Polycarbonate sheets are impact resistant and strong. These are often used in greenhouses or as windows. Custom sizing is available.
  • Bullet-resistant sheet - Also commonly referred to as "bullet-proof glass", our sheets come in three levels of resistance and a wide variety of sizes and thicknesses.
  • Polycarbonate Rods - Our rods are durable and a great alternative to materials like glass or acrylic. We offer a wide range of diameters and sizes.
  • Polycarbonate Tubes - Able to withstand various elements (including fire), our polycarbonate tubes are able to endure high stress and impact. A wide range of sizes is available for purchase.
  • Twinwall and Multiwall Polycarbonate Sheets - This material is ideal for builders and architects looking for an environmentally friendly and economical way to install roofing and siding.

Is Polycarbonate Plastic Food Safe?

Yes, extensive safety data on BPAs in polycarbonate has shown that polycarbonate plastic can be used safely in consumer products. The use of polycarbonate plastic in food-contact applications continues to be recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, The European Food Safety Authority, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, the Japan Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, and other regulatory authorities worldwide.

How Do I Clean Polycarbonate Plastic?

To clean polycarbonate plastic:

  1. Use a plastic polish or cleaning product like Novus Acrylic Care & Cleaning products.
  2. Remove any dirt or debris from your plastic. To prevent scratching, do this by blowing on the material.
  3. Next, use Novus #1, warm water, and mild soap until your polycarbonate is clean.

Note: Avoid using any ammonia-based products when caring for your polycarbonate items, as the ammonia will damage your polycarbonate plastic.

Is Polycarbonate Natural or Synthetic?

Polycarbonate is a synthetic plastic, originally discovered in 1953. Polycarbonate is produced through the reaction of bisphenol A (BPA) with phosgene COCl and is an extremely strong plastic.

Does polycarbonate break easily?

Polycarbonate, a thermoplastic material is impact and shatter resistant. The key factor to consider is the polycarbonate's thickness. Polycarbonate panels, polycarbonate sheets, and polycarbonate rods easily bend via hot and cold methods for a variety of uses yet breakage is rare. That's why polycarbonate is chosen over its fragile glass counterparts in construction projects where safety, optical clarity, and durability are mandatory – schools, hospitals, environmental sustainability (especially in harsh weather locales). Contact our team with any questions.

How long will polycarbonate last?

Polycarbonate is one of the most durable thermoplastic materials around. It comes in many forms – twinwall and multiwall polycarbonate sheets, polycarbonate panels, rods, tubes, and more. The lifetime of polycarbonate depends on the product type and the manufacturer's warranty for that product. Polycarbonate is tough and durable with optical clarity, impact resistance, and UV filtering. Polycarbonate stands up to harsh weather elements and may scratch and yellow over its lifetime depending on the environment. It is successfully used in greenhouses, pergolas, building construction, DIY projects as well as storm damage repair due to its strength and safety features. Contact us with any questions or for more information.

Brands We Carry

Acme Plastics carries polycarbonate sheets from Lexan, Makrolon, Palram Palsun, Plazit Polygal, and more. Standard & oversized polycarbonate panels are in stock as well as 75" x 144" and 75" x 125" boards. Available options are solar grade, UV resistant, bronze color, and gray color. Please contact us if you have specific brand requirements.

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