When it comes to transparent and durable materials, Lexan and Plexiglass are two popular names that often surface. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are distinct differences between these two materials. In this blog post, we will delve into the dissimilarities between Lexan and Plexiglass, shedding light on their unique properties, applications, and benefits.
- Composition and Materials: Lexan and Plexiglass are both types of thermoplastic polymers, but they are made from different materials:
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Lexan: Lexan is a common brand name for polycarbonate sheets. Polycarbonate is a transparent and impact-resistant material known for its strength, flexibility, and shatter resistance. It is derived from a group of thermoplastic polymers known as polycarbonates.
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Plexiglass: Plexiglass is a common brand name for acrylic sheets. Acrylic, also known as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), is a transparent and rigid thermoplastic material. It is made from a group of synthetic resins derived from acrylic acid.
- Strength and Impact Resistance: One of the key differences between Lexan and Plexiglass lies in their strength and impact resistance:
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Lexan: Lexan, being made of polycarbonate, is extremely impact resistant. It is about 250 times stronger than glass of the same thickness, making it highly suitable for applications where strength and durability are paramount. Lexan sheets can withstand high levels of impact, making them ideal for protective barriers, bulletproof windows, safety goggles, and automotive applications.
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Plexiglass: Plexiglass, made of acrylic, is less impact resistant compared to Lexan. While it is more resistant to impact than glass, it is not as strong as Lexan. Plexiglass is often used for applications where high impact resistance is not the primary concern, such as signage, display cases, windows, and decorative items.
- Clarity and Transparency: Both Lexan and Plexiglass offer excellent optical clarity and transparency, but there are some differences:
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Lexan: Lexan provides exceptional optical clarity, allowing light to pass through with minimal distortion. However, over time, Lexan can develop a yellowish tint due to exposure to sunlight and UV radiation. This can affect its clarity and visual appeal.
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Plexiglass: Plexiglass also offers excellent optical clarity, maintaining its transparency over time. It is less prone to yellowing, making it a preferred choice for applications where long-term clarity is important, such as architectural glazing, museum displays, and artwork protection.
- Temperature Resistance: Another aspect to consider is temperature resistance:
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Lexan: Lexan exhibits a higher level of heat resistance compared to Plexiglass. It can withstand higher temperatures before deforming or melting. This makes Lexan suitable for applications where exposure to high temperatures or fire is a concern.
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Plexiglass: Plexiglass has a lower heat resistance than Lexan. It can deform or melt at lower temperatures. While it has good resistance to outdoor weathering, extreme heat exposure can cause distortion or damage to Plexiglass.
In summary, while both Lexan and Plexiglass are transparent and durable materials, they have distinct differences in composition, strength, impact resistance, clarity, and temperature resistance. Lexan's polycarbonate composition offers exceptional impact resistance and heat resistance, making it suitable for applications requiring superior strength and durability. Plexiglass, on the other hand, provides good optical clarity, moderate impact resistance, and weathering resistance, making it a popular choice for various applications ranging from signage to display cases. Understanding the differences between Lexan and Plexiglass allows you to make an informed decision when choosing the material that best suits your specific project requirements.
