Polycarbonate
Virtually unbreakable: 250× stronger than glass
Polycarbonate is the go-to material when impact resistance is critical. At 250 times the strength of glass and 30 times stronger than acrylic, it's the toughest transparent plastic available.
Used extensively in security glazing, machine guards, and high-traffic environments where safety is paramount. Available in clear and select tinted options.
Key Properties
Impact Strength
250× stronger than glass
Clarity
88% light transmission
UV Resistance
Good (UV-stabilised grades)
Temperature Range
-40°C to 120°C
Density
1.20 g/cm³
Fabrication
Saw, CNC, drill, bend
Polycarbonate handling
Cut and finished in-house
From a single sheet to a full production run, every order is cut to size, machined, and finished by our own team in Kingsgrove. Nothing gets sent out, and most cut-to-size jobs are ready for same-day pickup.
Available Thicknesses
1mm – 12.7mm
Common Applications
- Machine guards and safety barriers
- Security glazing and vandal-proof panels
- Greenhouse panels and roofing
- Automotive components
- Electrical insulation panels
- High-traffic area glazing
Buying Guide
When polycarbonate is the right choice
Polycarbonate is the safer choice when a clear sheet may be hit, flexed, knocked, or exposed to rough handling. It is widely used for machine guards, covers, shields, glazing, and protective panels because it can absorb impact that would crack many other clear materials.
Choose polycarbonate when strength matters more than a glass-like polished edge. It is not usually selected for jewellery-like display edges; it is selected because the part needs to keep doing its job in a demanding environment.
Cutting and machining notes
Polycarbonate is generally saw cut, drilled, CNC machined, and cold or heat bent depending on the job. It is not treated the same way as acrylic in laser cutting because edge quality and material behaviour differ, so technical profiles are normally routed or machined instead.
For guards and covers, note the fixing method, hole size, slot positions, clearance around moving parts, and whether edges need to be eased for handling. Those details matter more than just width and height when the part is going near machinery or public access.
What to check before ordering
The main decision is whether you need clear solid sheet, tinted sheet, or multiwall-style panel. Solid sheet suits guards, covers, windows, and machined parts. Multiwall-style options suit lightweight roofing and glazing jobs where insulation and stiffness matter.
If the sheet is for outdoor use, confirm the grade and exposure. UV-stabilised grades are preferred for sunlight. For scratch-prone areas, discuss the use case before ordering because polycarbonate's strength does not mean it is the most scratch-resistant clear sheet.
If you are replacing a broken glass or acrylic panel, bring the old panel dimensions, photos, or a sketch showing fixing holes and clearances. That helps Plastix quote the sheet as a functional replacement rather than just a rectangle.
For commercial safety work, include the job context as well as the dimensions. A guard around moving equipment, a school panel, and a warehouse cover can all use polycarbonate, but they may need different thicknesses, edge treatment, and fixing details.
Compatible Services
CNC machining
Profiles, slots, holes, guards, and repeatable polycarbonate components.
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Saw cutting
Fast straight cuts for covers, windows, panels, and protective guards.
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Commercial fabrication
Custom guards, covers, shields, and protective parts built to supplied specs.
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Common Questions
Is polycarbonate stronger than acrylic?
Yes. Polycarbonate is selected for impact resistance and is much tougher than acrylic. Acrylic is usually better for polished display work; polycarbonate is usually better for guards and protective panels.
Can polycarbonate be laser cut?
For most Plastix jobs, polycarbonate is better suited to saw cutting or CNC machining rather than laser cutting. That gives a more practical result for guards, covers, and technical parts.
Do you supply polycarbonate outside Sydney?
Yes. Plastix can quote Australia-wide freight for suitable sheet orders. Pickup and Sydney metro delivery remain available for local customers.
