Common Transparent Roofing Materials on the Market
There is a wide variety of common transparent roofing materials available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, making them […]
Lexan Polycarbonate Sheet Performance
1. Unmatched Impact Strength & Toughness
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The Defining Feature: This is Lexan’s most celebrated property. It possesses an incredibly high impact resistance, up to 250 times that of glass and 30 times that of acrylic (PMMA) of the same thickness.
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Performance Outcome: It is virtually unbreakable, making it ideal for security glazing, safety barriers, and vandal-resistant applications. It will not crack or shatter under blunt force, instead exhibiting high ductility and energy absorption (a property known as toughness).
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Test Standard: It consistently receives the highest impact rating (UL 5VA) in safety tests.
2. Exceptional Optical Clarity & Light Transmission
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The Defining Feature: High-quality grades of Lexan offer excellent clarity, rivaling that of glass, with light transmission rates up to 88% for clear sheets.
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Performance Outcome: This allows for its use in applications where a clear, undistorted view is non-negotiable, such as windows, machine guards, and protective barriers, without sacrificing the “see-through” requirement.
3. High Heat Resistance & Thermal Stability
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The Defining Feature: Lexan has a high Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT), typically around 270°F (132°C) at 264 psi. This means it can maintain its structural integrity and shape under significant heat and load.
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Performance Outcome: It performs well in high-temperature environments, such as near machinery or in lighting applications where heat from bulbs or LEDs is a factor. It has a much higher service temperature than acrylic or PVC.
4. Inherent Flame Retardancy
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The Defining Feature: Many grades of Lexan polycarbonate sheet are naturally flame retardant. They typically carry a UL94 V-0 rating, the highest classification for flame spread resistance.
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Performance Outcome: This makes it a critical material for public transportation (trains, aircraft), electronics enclosures, and building interiors where fire safety is a paramount concern. It self-extinguishes upon removal of the flame.
5. Lightweight Nature
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The Defining Feature: Lexan has a specific gravity of 1.2, making it approximately half the weight of glass and similar in weight to acrylic.
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Performance Outcome: This drastically reduces the structural support needed for installations, lowers transportation costs, and makes handling and installation easier and safer.
Lexan polycarbonate sheet: a versatile material with outstanding performance
Lexan polycarbonate is a high-performance thermoplastic developed by General Electric. With its excellent strength, clarity and versatility, it is widely
