Acrylic vs Polycarbonate: How to Choose
A buyer’s decision guide for clear plastic parts — clarity and cost vs impact strength — with the honest rule of thumb our engineers use when quoting.
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Acrylic (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC) are the two clear engineering plastics. Acrylic offers higher optical clarity (92% vs 88% light transmission), better scratch resistance and roughly 30% lower cost; polycarbonate offers about 30× the impact strength. Choose acrylic for clarity, appearance and cost; choose polycarbonate for high-impact safety and strike zones.
Side by side
| Property | Acrylic (PMMA) | Polycarbonate (PC) |
|---|---|---|
| Light transmission | 92% | 88% |
| Impact strength | Moderate | ~30× acrylic |
| Scratch resistance | Good | Poor uncoated |
| UV / weathering | Excellent, no yellowing | Yellows uncoated |
| Machining / polishing | Machines & polishes clear | Harder to polish clear |
| Solvent bonding | Near-invisible seams | Difficult |
| Relative cost | ~30% lower | Higher |
| Best for | Enclosures, panels, displays, optics | Impact guards, machine strike zones |
The rule our engineers use
If the part’s job is to keep hands, dust, coolant or the eye out — acrylic. If its job is to stop an ejected tool or part — polycarbonate. Many machines use both: PC in the strike zone, acrylic everywhere else to control cost and keep the view clear. We’ll tell you honestly which your part needs — including when the answer isn’t the material we sell most of.
Buying both materials in volume? Review our bulk acrylic and polycarbonate sheet program for source, MOQ, inspection and export options.
Related: machine guards · equipment enclosures · acrylic vs PC guards, in depth.
FAQ
Is acrylic or polycarbonate cheaper?
Acrylic is typically about 30% cheaper than polycarbonate for equivalent thickness, and it machines and polishes more easily, which further lowers finished-part cost for most enclosure and panel work.
Which is clearer, acrylic or polycarbonate?
Acrylic — 92% light transmission versus 88% for polycarbonate, and acrylic keeps its clarity outdoors without yellowing, while uncoated polycarbonate yellows over time.
When must I use polycarbonate instead of acrylic?
When impact is the governing requirement — machine-guard strike zones, security glazing, or anywhere a flying part or tool could hit the panel. Polycarbonate has roughly 30× the impact strength.
Not sure which to spec?
Describe the application — we’ll recommend the right material with your quote.