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123Frequently Asked Questions
How thick should I choose for my polycarbonate sheet?
2mm and 3mm are suitable for light glazing, picture frames and craft projects. 4mm–6mm suits greenhouse panels, shed windows, machine guards and general glazing. 8mm–10mm is used for security screens and heavy-duty industrial applications. If in doubt, 4mm is the most versatile all-round choice.
What is the difference between polycarbonate and acrylic?
Polycarbonate is approximately 250 times stronger than glass and 30 times stronger than acrylic — nearly unbreakable. Acrylic is clearer (92% vs 90% light transmission) and more scratch resistant. Choose polycarbonate for strength and impact resistance; acrylic for optical clarity or display use.
Can polycarbonate sheet be drilled?
Yes. Standard HSS or wood drill bits work well. Use moderate speed, light pressure, and a scrap board underneath to prevent blow-out. We can drill holes for you — select Drilled Holes in the Optional Extras above.
Can polycarbonate be cut with standard tools?
Yes. A circular saw or jigsaw with a fine-tooth blade gives clean cuts. Score-and-snap works for 2mm–3mm sheets. Leave the protective film on during cutting to prevent scratches. Note: laser cutting produces toxic fumes and burns edges — not recommended.
Is polycarbonate UV resistant and suitable for outdoor use?
Yes. Our polycarbonate is UV-stabilised and suitable for outdoor use including greenhouse panels, shed windows, canopies, roofing and fencing. UV protection prevents yellowing and degradation over time.
Does polycarbonate expand with temperature changes?
Yes — approximately 0.07mm per °C per 100mm length. A 1000mm sheet can move ±1.2mm per 10°C. Always allow clearance in fixings and frames to accommodate thermal movement.
What is the minimum order for cut-to-size?
The minimum order value for cut-to-size sheets is £60.00 (inc. VAT). Minimum dimension is 100mm × 100mm. No minimum applies to standard pre-cut variants.
How is the sheet delivered?
Supplied with protective film on both sides. Packed with foam, cardboard and corner protection. Larger sheets are palletised. Same-day dispatch before 2pm Mon–Fri, delivered in 1–3 working days.
Description
Clear Polycarbonate Sheet – Impact Resistant Glazing | Cut to Size | UK Stock
Our clear polycarbonate sheet is one of the toughest transparent materials available — approximately 250 times stronger than glass at equivalent thickness, yet half the weight. UV-stabilised as standard for outdoor and indoor use. Available cut to your exact size in 7 thicknesses from 2mm to 10mm, or in popular pre-cut formats for immediate dispatch.
Technical Specifications
| Material | Clear Polycarbonate (PC) — Makrolon / Lexan equivalent grade |
| Colour | Clear / Optically Transparent |
| Available Thicknesses | 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm |
| Available Sizes | 100×100mm to 3050×2050mm (cut to size), plus standard pre-cut formats |
| Impact Strength | ~250× stronger than glass | ~30× stronger than acrylic |
| Light Transmission | Up to 90% (optically clear) |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +120°C continuous |
| UV Resistance | UV-stabilised both sides — suitable for external use |
| Flammability | Self-extinguishing — Class 1 fire rating (better than acrylic) |
| Density | 1.2 g/cm³ |
| Thermal Expansion | 0.07mm per °C per 100mm length |
| Supply | Supplied with protective film both sides |
| Food Safety | Food-contact safe grade available — suitable for food processing environments |
Thickness Selection Guide
| Thickness | Best Applications | Approx. Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 2mm | Light-duty glazing, display cases, signage, small picture frames | 2.4 kg/m² |
| 3mm | Greenhouse panels, shed windows, light machine guards | 3.6 kg/m² |
| 4mm | General purpose glazing, anti-vandal panels, medium machine guards ← most popular | 4.8 kg/m² |
| 5mm | Structural glazing, high-traffic areas, secondary glazing panels | 6.0 kg/m² |
| 6mm | Heavy machine guards, security screens, riot barriers | 7.2 kg/m² |
| 8mm | High-security applications, ballistic-rated panels, rooflights in exposed locations | 9.6 kg/m² |
| 10mm | Maximum impact resistance, security enclosures, industrial safety barriers | 12.0 kg/m² |
Key Features & Benefits
- 250× stronger than glass — virtually unbreakable; ideal where safety and security are critical
- Half the weight of glass — easier and faster to install, reduced structural loading
- Up to 90% light transmission — as optically clear as glass, ideal for glazing and display
- UV-stabilised both sides — won't yellow or degrade outdoors; suitable for years of external use
- Class 1 fire rating — self-extinguishing, safer than acrylic in public buildings, schools, airports
- Cold-bendable — can be curved without heating (minimum bend radius: 150× thickness)
- Thermally formable — can be oven-formed for complex curved shapes
- Easy to machine — cuts, drills and routes with standard woodworking or metalworking tools
- Chemical resistant — resistant to dilute acids, aliphatic hydrocarbons and alcohols
Common Applications
- Machine guards & safety screens — the industry standard for rotating machinery protection
- Anti-vandal glazing — bus shelters, phone boxes, transport hubs, public buildings
- Greenhouse & shed windows — lightweight, shatterproof alternative to glass
- Rooflights & skylights — excellent light transmission with superior strength vs glass
- Security screens — banks, post offices, retail counters and kiosks
- Display cases & retail fixtures — clear, professional appearance for product display
- Racing car & motorsport windows — lightweight, impact resistant glazing
- Agricultural panels — UV stabilised for outdoor longevity in polytunnels and greenhouses
- Noise barriers — secondary glazing for acoustic attenuation
Installation & Working Guide
- Cutting: Use a circular saw or jigsaw with a fine-tooth blade. Score-and-snap works for 2mm–3mm. Leave protective film on during all cutting operations.
- Drilling: Standard HSS or wood drill bits. Use moderate speed, light pressure, and a scrap board underneath. Drill oversize holes to allow for thermal expansion.
- Fixing: Do not over-tighten screws — always drill clearance holes larger than the fixing diameter. Allow 2mm per metre of thermal expansion gap.
- Bending: Cold-bend along the long axis only. For tight bends, heat to 150°C–160°C in an oven (sheet must be pre-dried at 120°C for 2–4 hours to prevent bubbling).
- Cleaning: Mild soap solution and soft cloth only. Never use dry cloths, abrasive cleaners or solvents — these cause surface crazing.
- Adhesives: Bond with suitable polyurethane or silicone sealant. Avoid solvent-based adhesives which attack polycarbonate.
Polycarbonate vs Acrylic — Which Should You Choose?
| Property | Polycarbonate | Acrylic (Perspex) |
|---|---|---|
| Impact resistance | ✅ Virtually unbreakable | ⚠️ Can crack and shatter |
| Optical clarity | ✅ Up to 90% transmission | ✅ Up to 92% transmission |
| Scratch resistance | ⚠️ Moderate | ✅ Better than PC |
| Fire rating | ✅ Class 1 — self extinguishing | ⚠️ Class 3 — burns |
| Weight | 1.2 g/cm³ | 1.19 g/cm³ (similar) |
| Cold bending | ✅ Yes | ❌ Cracks if cold bent |
| UV resistance | ✅ Good (UV stabilised) | ✅ Excellent |
| Best for | Safety, security, impact protection | Optical clarity, displays, signs |
Why Choose Plastics Co UK?
- ✅ UK stock held for same-day dispatch — order before 2pm Mon–Fri
- ✅ Free UK delivery on all orders
- ✅ Precision cut to size — any dimensions from 100mm × 100mm
- ✅ Expert technical support — call 01744 520110 for material selection advice
- ✅ Trade pricing available — volume discounts for regular orders over £500
- ✅ 3,000+ plastic products in stock across 30+ materials