Which Is More Expensive: Acrylic Or Polycarbonate?

The choice between polycarbonate and acrylic hinges on the particular requirements of your project. When it comes to factors like transparency and light transmission, acrylic sheets excel, making them the preferred option. Conversely, if your priority is durability and resistance to impacts, polycarbonate sheets emerge as the clear winner. Therefore, selecting the most suitable material depends on whether your project leans towards optical clarity or robustness against physical stress.

When comparing polycarbonate to acrylic, it’s essential to consider various aspects, including their properties and costs. Polycarbonate typically comes at a higher price point, which can be up to 25% more expensive depending on the specific grade you choose. However, this increased cost is often justified by its remarkable strength, boasting an impressive 250 times the impact resistance of glass and 30 times the strength of acrylic. Moreover, polycarbonate is an excellent choice when it comes to light transmission, allowing 88% of light to pass through. Additionally, it has a working temperature of 240 degrees, which, while providing it with durability, also gives it a relatively low level of flammability. It’s worth noting that this information was last updated on August 6, 2019, and there may have been developments in the field since then.