Acrylic vs Polycarbonate: Which Material Should You Specify for Your Project?
Acrylic (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC) look almost identical – both are transparent, both come in sheets, both can be cut and thermoformed. But they behave very differently in real applications. Specify the wrong one and you end up with a guard that cracks on impact, a skylight that yellows in two years, or a barrier that scratches the first time someone cleans it. This guide gives you a direct side-by-side comparison so you can choose the right material the first time.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Property | Acrylic (PMMA) | Polycarbonate (PC) |
|---|---|---|
| Impact resistance | Moderate (10-15x glass) | Very high (250x glass, nearly unbreakable) |
| Surface hardness | Excellent (scratch-resistant) | Soft (scratches easily, needs hard coat) |
| Light transmission | 92% (highest of any plastic) | 88-90% |
| UV resistance (outdoor) | Excellent (15+ years clear) | Poor unless UV-coated (yellows in 2-3 years) |
| Thermoforming | Good, easier to polish after | Better deep-draw, but harder to polish |
| Chemical resistance | Good | Moderate (crazing from some solvents) |
| Weight (density) | 1.19 g/cm3 | 1.20 g/cm3 (similar) |
| Cost per sheet | Lower (10-20% cheaper than PC) | Higher (especially UV-coated) |
| Best for | Signs, displays, aquariums, noise barriers, mirrors | Machine guards, bullet-resistant, skylights, safety glazing |
When to Choose Acrylic
- Aquarium and oceanarium panels: clarity, polishability, and long-term underwater performance beat PC every time.
- Outdoor noise barriers: acrylic stays clear for 15+ years; PC yellows unless UV-coated, which costs more.
- Signage and displays: acrylic polishes to a glass-like finish and resists graffiti.
- Mirror sheets: acrylic mirrors are lighter and safer than glass.
When to Choose Polycarbonate
- Machine guards and safety shields: PC stops chips and impact without shattering.
- Bullet-resistant glazing: ballistic-grade PC (or PC laminate) is the standard for banks, jewelry stores and armored vehicles.
- Skylights and roof glazing: PC survives hail, foot traffic and snow load.
- Applications where breakage is dangerous: sports arenas, bus shelters, zoo enclosures.
When Neither Is Perfect
If you need both maximum impact resistance AND outdoor durability, you may need UV-coated PC (more expensive but clear long-term) or a PC/acrylic laminate. If you need both optical clarity and ballistic protection, a ballistic acrylic/PC composite laminate is the answer – RP supplies both.
Get the Right Material for Your Project
Tell us your application, environment (indoor/outdoor), impact requirement and budget. RIVER PEOPLE PLEXIGLASS (RP) manufactures both cast acrylic and polycarbonate sheets since 1995, and we will recommend the most cost-effective material rather than the most expensive one. Ask us which material fits your project.
Related: PC Thickness Guide | Noise Barrier STC Guide | Browse All Materials