When choosing between polycarbonate and acrylic sheets for your next project, understanding their differences is essential. Both materials are popular for signage, construction, display solutions, and interior projects but they serve slightly different needs depending on your priorities: cost, durability, clarity, and usage.
Jeewa Plastic supplies a wide range of polycarbonate sheets and acrylic sheets across Sri Lanka. Let’s break down the key differences so you can select the right one.
Strength and Impact Resistance
Polycarbonate is significantly more impact-resistant than acrylic. It can withstand force without cracking, making it the better choice for areas exposed to stress or potential damage—like roofing, protective barriers, or machine covers.
- Recommended: Solid Polycarbonate Sheets
- Ideal For: Outdoor awnings, protective panels, greenhouse roofing
In contrast, acrylic is strong but more brittle under direct impact. It may crack if drilled incorrectly or dropped from a height.
Clarity and Aesthetic Appeal
Both materials offer excellent optical clarity, but acrylic often has a clearer, glass-like finish, making it popular for display cases, signage, and decorative panels.
- Recommended: Clear Acrylic Sheets
- Ideal For: Signboards, home decor, photo panels
Polycarbonate can yellow over time in direct sunlight unless it includes UV protection, while acrylic retains clarity longer in indoor applications.
Weight and Ease of Handling
Acrylic is slightly lighter than polycarbonate and easier to cut and shape with home tools. This makes it a favorite for DIY projects and interior elements.
Polycarbonate is heavier and denser but more flexible, which allows it to bend without breaking perfect for curved structures or areas that need impact resistance.
Cost Considerations
Acrylic sheets are generally more affordable than polycarbonate, making them budget-friendly for decorative or low-impact applications.
Polycarbonate is a higher-cost material, justified by its added strength, fire resistance, and long-term outdoor durability.
Best Sheet for Your Project
| Requirement | Recommended Material |
| Budget-friendly display | Acrylic |
| Outdoor roofing and impact resistance | Polycarbonate |
| Clear signage or aesthetic use | Acrylic |
| Protective covers or safety shields | Polycarbonate |
Still unsure which material suits your project? Visit Jeewa Plastic’s product pages for more details or reach out to our team for guidance.
Explore our collection of:
- Acrylic Sheets
- Polycarbonate Sheets
Make an informed choice and get the right sheet for the right purpose only at Jeewa Plastic.