ACRYLIC & POLYCARBONATE

Acrylic Plastics & POLYCARBONATE

In the Coachella Valley

Polycarbonate

Plastic is an incredibly versatile material that can be used in countless applications and projects. One of the most common forms of plastic is a group of thermoplastic polymers known as polycarbonates (PC). This synthetic resin is a naturally transparent amorphous thermoplastic that can be used to produce a variety of precision machined parts and products, but it’s also frequently used as a replacement for acrylic, glass, and polyethylene. Polycarbonate sheets offer a wide variety of characteristics and features that are well-suited to numerous applications and industries, including agricultural, automotive, construction, electrical, medical, and security, to name a few.

Regal Plastics, we proudly offer cut-to-size polycarbonate sheets in a wide range grade, and sizes to choose from. Our polycarbonate extruded sheets are high-quality with properties comparable to Makrolon and Lexan

polycarbonate is designed to meet the stringent demands of many commercial and industrial applications, such as fabrication, curtainwall framing, lighting, noise reduction, signage, thermoforming, and more. Our customers use polycarbonate in a variety of commercial and residential building projects.


Features and Benefits:

  • Virtually unbreakable
  • High impact resistance
  • High clarity and light transmission
  • High flame resistance
  • Half the weight of glass
  • Easy to machine, handle, and install


Weight, tensile strength, thermal expansion, and chemical resistance are all particularly important factors in most applications.


In terms of impact strength, you can’t go wrong with choosing a polycarbonate sheet. This general-purpose thermoplastic is approximately 10 times stronger than glass and polyethylene. Plus, polycarbonate sheets have a higher relative impact strength than acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), acrylic, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyamides (nylons). You can rely on this rugged plastic to defend against burglaries or vandalism and reduce the risk of injury related to broken glass.


Although polycarbonate sheeting may expand and contract with temperature alterations, it does not shrink with age. Polycarbonate plastic’s thermal expansion coefficient is over 100 times smaller than polyethylene, making it well-suited to applications where temperature changes are a concern, as in our Coachella Valley desert.

 Another pleasing characteristic of this thermoplastic is that it is very pliable. Polycarbonate’s ductile properties allow it to be cut or cold-formed on site and at room temperature without cracking or breaking, allowing you to make small angle bends in prototyping applications where aluminum sheet metal lacks viability. 

This ductility allows thermoplastic sheeting to be formed into curves that would otherwise be impossible to construct with laminated glass or acrylic materials.


Polycarbonate sheets are virtually unbreakable, giving them a distinct advantage over glass in terms of safety and security. Clear polycarbonate panels are well-suited to motorcycle fairings, skylights, windows, windshields, and other barriers. Polycarbonate sheet is also resistant to harmful ultraviolet rays, but that’s not all.


It is also resistant to heat, cold, and water damage, making it an excellent option for building barriers, fencing, glazing, roofing, and so much more. 


We supply transparent and translucent sheets as well as sign-grade white polycarbonate sheeting to suit any need. Acrylic isn’t just transparent: it is available in many hues. 

Fabrication of Acrylic Plastics

Acrylic may also be fashioned to have opaque, mirror-like qualities. Two general categories of acrylic are extruded acrylic and its tougher counterpart, cast acrylic. Additionally, acrylic is available in various grades to accommodate different manufacturing techniques. These grades can determine thermal properties, light transmissions, fracture toughness, flow rates, and release capability.

Types of Acrylic Plastics


Extruded Acrylic Plastic

Extruded acrylic is a sensible choice for basic fabrication and several applications because it is affordable. The translucent, moisture-resistant, extruded acrylic sheets are half the weight of glass. Extruded acrylic resists ultraviolet light degradation, making it clearer than glass and less likely to become yellow after prolonged sun exposure. In extrusion, acrylic monomers are heated, then delivered into barrels where a chemical reaction occurs. Depending on the direction of extrusion, the characteristics of extruded acrylic may differ. Extruded acrylic is more pliable, dimensionally stable, and cost-efficient than cast acrylic. The thickness is more uniform across extruded acrylic sheets. Extruded acrylic has a lower melting point than cast acrylic, making it more receptive to laser-cutting technology and easier to polish.


Cast Acrylic Plastic

Cast acrylic is created by mixing liquid materials in glass molds. Casting costs more because it’s labor-intensive. However, products made via casting are harder, more durable, and uniform. Casting is the recommended method for producing materials in applications containing perfumes, lotions, or other solvents. Cast acrylic will not bend, chip, or melt during machining. Cast acrylic is preferable for larger buildings or installations because extruded material has a thickness limit.

Uses Of Acrylic Plastics

Protecting Furniture with Acrylic Plastics

Acrylic sheets are tougher and lighter than glass and are often used to protect furniture or surfaces.


Replacing Glass with Acrylic Plastics

Due to their durable construction, acrylic sheets are an acceptable substitute for glass on kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors. Acrylic sheets look strikingly similar to glass but reduce the risks of shattering.

The Benefits of Acrylic Plastics

  • Acrylic plastic is much is a useful alternative for outdoor uses of glass. Acrylic does not shatter dangerously like glass. Instead, acrylics break into dull, large pieces that are safer for cleanup.
  • Acrylic plastics are lightweight and only half as heavy as glass.
  • Acrylic plastics offer the highest levels of transparency and clarity for use in the optics industry.

Cleaning with Novus Pruducts


In terms of cleaning acrylic, we recommend using Novus Products with a soft cloth or sponge to wash away any surface materials, grit, and grime. 


You can also use a soft microfiber cloth or non-abrasive sponge to wash with a mild diluted soap or detergent gently. 


To prevent water spots, you thoroughly dry the glazing with a chamois or moist sponge. Try to avoid abrasive cleaners and cleaning in direct sunlight to prevent streaking.

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