Plexiglas Versus Lexan
Plexiglas and Lexan are two alternatives to glass on the market. Both Plexiglas and Lexan are actually brand names for a specific type of material. There are other alternatives out there for those materials under different names. The two products have similarities, but they also have differences. Those differences are more important in determining which is the better substance for a given application. Does this Spark an idea?
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Plexiglas
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Plexiglas is a brand name owned by Arkema and is used for acrylic sheets. Other names for the product include: Acrylite, Lucite, Optix and Perspex. You might also see Plexiglas under the name "Plexi," or "Plexy." All forms of acrylic are considered plastics. Plexiglas is generally about half as heavy as glass. Even though it weighs less than glass, it is 17 times as strong.
Lexan
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As Plexiglas is a brand name for acrylic, Lexan is a brand of polycarbonate. It is also a plastic. GE Plastics owns the name "Lexan," but polycarbonate from Bayer is called "Makrolon." Polycarbonate is usually available in three grades: machine-grade (designed to withstand machining), window-grade and glass-filled. The function of the glass-filled variety is to combine the strength of polycarbonate with the lower thermal expansion qualities of glass.
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Advantages of Acrylic
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Acrylic (Plexiglas) has some advantages over polycarbonate (Lexan). Scratches are less likely to occur with Plexiglas. When there are scratches, they are easier to eliminate because Plexiglas can be polished, restoring the smooth surface. Plexiglas can cost 1/2 to 1/3 as much as Lexan. Also, where polycarbonate has a tendency to yellow after exposure to light, Plexigas resists color change.
Advantages of Polycarbonate
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Since they are different types of plastics, Lexan polycarbonate has its own set of advantages over Plexiglas acrylic. One of the interesting differences is that, if thick enough, polycarbonate is bulletproof. At equal thicknesses, Lexan is more resistant to any form of impact or chipping than Plexiglas is. This impact resistance makes it easier to cut without the risk of cracking. In addition, Lexan is easier to bend than Plexiglas.
Common Uses
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Both Lexan and Plexiglas are commonly used in certain applications. Plexiglas is used in motorcycle helmet visors. Protective barriers in hockey rinks are Plexiglas. Windows in swimming pools, helicopters and submarines are usually Plexiglas. Lexan is used for making compact discs and DVDs. Apple computers are made from Lexan. Many drinking bottles are also polycarbonate. Bulletproof glass is typically not glass at all, but polycarbonate. Many instrument panels are made from Lexan, too.
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References
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