[Public-List] Polycarbonate vs Acrylic

[Don Lang]

Lexan is polycarbonate.
Plexiglas, Lucite, Acrylite, Perspex and acrylicare polyacrylate.
 Polycarbonate is much more shatter resistantthan polyacrylate. Polyacrylate is more scratch resistant than polycarbonate. If you’re not sure what you have (Lexan or Acrylic) look at the piece onedge. The lexan will appear dark and the acrylic clear when viewed on edge.

 
Acrylic (polyacrylate) is available in different grades, extrudedor cast: 
Extruded material is less expensive and there can be slight imperfections inthe surface. Acrylic can be Cell cast (high grade),Continuous cast (medium grade). The higher grade is more uniform in thickness.


For the size of the port lights on the Alberg my personal preference is to
use Acrylic. It is strong enough, more scratch resistant, and is easier to polish and maintain than
Lexan.

 
Take care to use only sealants that are approved for the material as many
marine adhesive sealants may degrade the material over time. 3M 4000UV or
Sikaflex 295UV are good choices.


When cutting Acrylic:
Leave the protective paper or plastic in place during cutting. 
Use a router. 
Use a tablesaw with a triple-cut blade
Use a circular saw, with a blade with more than 5 teeth per inch and 0 degreerake. 
Use a jigsaw with a fine tooth blade or a blade for cutting metal.  
Use a hacksaw.


Cheers, Don (#473)








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