The cost of polycarbonate plastic can vary depending on the type, size, and quantity you require. Generally, polycarbonate plastic is moderately priced and is considered a cost effective material for many applications.
Prices can range from about $3 to $4 per pound for sheet and pavers and about $3 to $6 per pound for blocks, depending on size and quantity. For more specialized purposes, more expensive grades may be required, which could add to the overall cost.
If you need large amounts of polycarbonate plastic, you may be able to get a discount depending on your supplier, as the cost of larger batches can often be lower.
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Which is cheaper plexiglass or polycarbonate?
Plexiglass is typically less expensive than polycarbonate. The cost of plexiglass varies depending on the size, thickness, and type of acrylic plastic sheet, but generally, acrylic plastic sheets are less expensive than polycarbonate.
Plexiglass has many of the same features as polycarbonate, such as being light weight and impact-resistant. However, polycarbonate has some advantages over plexiglass, such as being more durable and shatterproof.
Polycarbonate is also better at resisting UV radiation, making it a better choice for outdoor applications. Therefore, the choice between plexiglass and polycarbonate will depend on the application and the desired features of the material.
What are the disadvantages of polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate is a strong but lightweight material often used in applications such as car bumpers, aircraft parts, eyeglasses, and bulletproof windows; however, there are some potential disadvantages to consider.
One disadvantage of polycarbonate is that it can be susceptible to UV degradation if it is not treated with a coating. Over time, UV exposure can cause discoloration, cracking and other damage that can reduce its effectiveness.
UV degradation can also reduce the impact strength of the material.
Another problem with polycarbonate is that is can be slightly more expensive than other materials due to the raw materials required. Additionally, the production process is usually more time-intensive and difficult than with other materials.
Scratches and dents can also be an issue with polycarbonate. If the material is scratched, it can be difficult to repair, particularly if the scratch penetrates deep into the material. This can reduce the product’s effectiveness, and can be costly to rectify.
Finally, like other plastics, polycarbonate is not a bio-degradable material. This can be a concern given their widespread and long-term use.
How long does polycarbonate plastic last?
Polycarbonate plastic is known for its durability, which is why it is a popular material for impact-resistant products. Typically, polycarbonate plastic can last up to 15 to 20 years, depending on the environment it is being used in.
For instance, if it is placed in harsher, outdoor conditions where it is exposed to extreme temperatures, UV radiation, and other elements, the material will naturally degrade faster. Similarly, products that are exposed to chemicals and abrasives will also have a reduced lifespan.
Since polycarbonate plastic is UV- and weather-resistant, it is most often used for products that are likely to be exposed to extreme conditions. This includes products like: automotive components, sporting goods, optical lenses, safety equipment, and medical devices.
It’s important to note that this material should be handled with care and be properly maintained in order to extend its lifespan.
Is polycarbonate better than glass for glasses?
The answer to whether polycarbonate is better than glass for glasses really depends on what type of glasses you’re looking for. When it comes to prescription lenses, polycarbonate lenses are a great option.
For starters, polycarbonate lenses are much lighter and stronger than glass lenses, which makes them more comfortable to wear. They also have built-in UV protection, making them perfect for outdoor activities.
However, polycarbonate lenses lack the clarity and optical quality of glass lenses, so if you need the highest quality prescription lenses, you would typically have them made from glass.
On the other hand, if you are looking for sunglasses, polycarbonate lenses are a great choice. Polycarbonate lenses are up to 10 times more impact-resistant than glass lenses, making them ideal for activities like skiing, mountaineering, skateboarding, and more.
They are also lighter, more shatter-proof, and better at blocking UV rays.
All in all, polycarbonate lenses offer safety and convenience that glasses lenses just can’t match. But if you need the highest quality prescription lenses, you should opt for glass lenses.
Does polycarbonate yellow in the sun?
Yes, polycarbonate can yellow in the sun over time. This is a result of UV exposure and is accelerated with higher levels of exposure. The yellowing is a result of oxidation occurring within the structure of the polymer that forms the polycarbonate.
Depending on the strength of the UV radiation, some formulations of polycarbonate yellowing more quickly than others. It is possible to have polycarbonate with UV inhibitors in the formulation to protect it from the sun and reduce the yellowing, but that may also require additional protection from the elements.
How strong is 3mm polycarbonate?
3mm polycarbonate is an extremely durable and tough material, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of projects and applications. Its impact strength and tensile strength are extremely impressive: it can withstand a force of up to 250 times its own weight and a maximum tensile strength of 7,000 kg/cm2.
Its superior toughness and flexibility make it highly resistant to cracks, chips, and other damage. When exposed to external pressures, it expands and contracts easily, making it a great choice for items that require a large degree of flexibility.
In addition, it has great heat insulation properties and can withstand extreme temperature changes without warping or losing its strength. This makes it an excellent choice for items that need to be exposed to high or low temperatures, or items that will be used outdoors in extreme climates.
Ultimately, 3mm polycarbonate is an exceedingly strong and durable material, making it a great choice for various applications.
How much weight can polycarbonate withstand?
Polycarbonate is an incredibly durable and strong material that can withstand a lot of weight. Its compressive strength is rated up to 270MPa, meaning it can withstand a substantial amount of force applied axially or in a direct line.
The specific amount of weight that polycarbonate can bear depends on the thickness and the square footage of the material. For example, a sheet of monolithic polycarbonate that is 0. 5 inches thick and 8-feet per 4-feet (32 sq feet) can handle up to 840 pounds of evenly distributed weight.
If the thickness is increased to 1-inch and the size is doubled (64 sq feet) then it can withstand over 2000 pounds without damage. With reinforcements and extra layers, the amount of weight can be increased even more.
Can polycarbonate be bulletproof?
No, polycarbonate is not bulletproof. It is a thermoplastic, semi-crystalline polymers produced from the monomer bisphenol A. It has a high impact strength and transparency, but it is not suitable for stopping bullets.
It is also very brittle and vulnerable to shattering when shot with a firearm. To be bulletproof, polycarbonate would need to be reinforced with a high-strength material, such as aramid fibers, which are not commonly used in bulletproof armor.
Due to its low weight and relatively good protection, it is often used in helmets and protective eyewear. However, when it comes to truly bulletproof protection, polycarbonate is not the best choice.
