Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate (PC) Sheets & Panels — Clear, Impact-Resistant & Fabrication-Ready
Laird Plastics supplies general-purpose and specialty polycarbonate for demanding applications including glazing, machine guards, enclosures, and architectural panels. Choose from UV-stable clear sheets, abrasion-resistant (AR) hard-coat options, and energy-efficient multiwall panels. Cut-to-size and custom fabrication available.
Clear Polycarbonate Sheets
High clarity with exceptional toughness for protective panels, windows, and equipment guards. Machines, drills, and cold-bends with proper technique.
AR-Coated Polycarbonate
Hard-coat surface improves scratch resistance and chemical cleanability—ideal for high-traffic glazing, lenses, and frequently cleaned barriers.
UV-Protected & Weatherable
UV-stabilized sheets for outdoor glazing, signage covers, and shelters. Options with UV on one or both sides for long-term clarity retention.
Multiwall / Twinwall Polycarbonate
Lightweight, rigid panels with internal webs for thermal efficiency and light diffusion—used in greenhouses, skylights, partitions, and façades.
Polycarbonate — Quick Facts
| Light Transmission | ≈ 88–90% (clear grades) |
|---|---|
| Impact Strength | Very high; far tougher than glass and acrylic |
| Heat Performance | Typical service range up to ~120–130 °C (grade dependent) |
| Surface Options | Standard gloss, abrasion-resistant (AR), UV-stable (one/both sides), textures |
| Forming/Fab | Cut, drill, cold-bend, brake-form (heated), thermoform (observe radii & temps) |
| Multiwall Benefits | Lower weight, insulation (R-value), glare control and diffusion |
Polycarbonate vs. Acrylic
- Polycarbonate: significantly tougher, better impact resistance.
- Acrylic: harder surface, higher scratch resistance without coatings.
Choosing the Right PC Sheet
- General-purpose: indoor guards, lenses, machine covers.
- UV-stable: outdoor glazing, shelters, exterior enclosures.
- Abrasion-resistant: public-facing glazing, frequent cleaning.
- Multiwall: daylighting with insulation and reduced weight.
Polycarbonate – FAQs
Does polycarbonate scratch easily?
Standard PC can scratch; specify abrasion-resistant hard-coat sheets for high-wear or frequent-cleaning environments.
Is polycarbonate suitable for outdoor use?
Yes—choose UV-stabilized grades (one- or two-sided UV protection) to maintain clarity and weatherability.
Can polycarbonate be bent or thermoformed?
Yes. PC can be cold-bent within limits and thermoformed with proper heat control and minimum bend radii.
How clear is polycarbonate compared to glass?
Clear polycarbonate offers glass-like transparency with far higher impact resistance and about half the weight.
Do you offer cut-to-size and fabrication?
Yes—Laird Plastics provides cut-to-size, CNC machining, bending, and assemblies. Contact us for a quote.
Need Polycarbonate Cut and Ready to Install?
From clear guards to outdoor glazing and multiwall panels, Laird Plastics helps you choose the right grade and delivers parts to spec.
