A material comparison for architects and facade/cladding buyers deciding between acrylic (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC) and glass for architectural panels, glazing and feature elements. We fabricate acrylic and polycarbonate (not glass), so this is written to help you specify, not to sell one material.
The short answer
Acrylic gives the best optical clarity and a hard, weather-stable surface at the lowest cost of the three plastics; polycarbonate trades some clarity and scratch resistance for near-unbreakable impact strength; glass is hardest and most scratch-proof but heavy, brittle and costly to fabricate into custom shapes. For most translucent cladding, backlit features and interior glazing, acrylic is the default; where impact or security dominates, polycarbonate wins.
Side by side
| Factor | Acrylic (PMMA) | Polycarbonate (PC) | Glass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clarity | Highest (92% light transmission) | High, slight tint | Highest |
| Impact | Good (10× glass) | Outstanding (near unbreakable) | Brittle |
| Weight | ~1/2 of glass | ~1/2 of glass | Heavy |
| Scratch/weathering | Hard surface, UV-stable | Softer, needs hard-coat outdoors | Best |
| Fabrication to shape | Cuts, bonds, bends, polishes cleanly | Machinable; harder to polish edges | Limited, specialist |
| Relative cost | Low-mid | Mid | Varies, install-heavy |
How to choose for a building application
- Translucent cladding, backlit & feature panels → acrylic, for clarity and clean bonded joints.
- Security glazing, safety barriers, high-traffic → polycarbonate, for impact.
- Outdoor exposure → acrylic is UV-stable as-is; polycarbonate needs a UV/hard-coat grade.
- Curved elements → both thermoform; acrylic cold-bends to large radii, polycarbonate is more forgiving on tight bends.
FAQ
Common questions
Is acrylic or polycarbonate better for architectural cladding?
Acrylic gives better clarity, a harder scratch-resistant surface and lower cost, and is UV-stable outdoors — the default for translucent cladding and feature panels. Polycarbonate is chosen where impact or security dominates, but needs a hard-coat grade outdoors.
Is acrylic clearer than glass?
Acrylic transmits about 92% of light, comparable to or slightly better than standard glass, at roughly half the weight and without shattering.
Can you fabricate both acrylic and polycarbonate panels?
Yes. We cut, machine, bend, bond and polish both acrylic (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC) to drawing. We do not fabricate glass, PVC, PETG or HDPE.
Which is cheaper for a facade, acrylic or glass?
Acrylic is usually lower total cost once custom fabrication, weight and installation are counted, especially for shaped or backlit panels.
Related: architectural acrylic panels, wall panels & cladding, acrylic vs polycarbonate, acrylic vs glass.
Specifying an architectural panel?
Send your application and drawing — we advise on material and fabrication, with a quote in 12 hours.