In the early stages of product design, architectural decoration, or advertising production, selecting an appt options, yet their performance characteristics differ significantly. Selecting the incorrect materiaropriate transparent material often presents the first critical challenge for decision-makers. Glass, acrylic (PMMA) and polycarbonate sheets (PC sheets) represent the three most prevalenl may result in project failure, cost overruns, or even safety hazards. As a specialist acrylic manufacturer, we shall provide an objective and professional analysis of this contest for the title of ‘King of Transparent Materials’.

1.Light transmission:

Acrylic (PMMA): ★★★★★ (92%, excellent light transmission, comparable to glass)

Glass: ★★★★★ (98%, highest light transmission)

Polycarbonate sheet (PC): ★★★★☆ (88%, good light transmission, though slightly lower than the previous two)

2.Impact Resistance:

Acrylic (PMMA): ★★★★☆ (10 times that of glass, good impact resistance)

Glass: ★☆☆☆☆ (Fragile, poor impact resistance)

Polycarbonate Sheet (PC): ★★★★★ (30 times that of acrylic, bulletproof grade, optimal impact resistance)

3.Weight:

Acrylic (PMMA): ★★★★★ (Density 1.19, lightweight, approximately half the weight of glass)

Glass: ★★☆☆☆ (Density 2.5, heavy)

Polycarbonate Sheet (PC): ★★★★★ (Density 1.2, lightweight, comparable to acrylic)

4.Weather Resistance:

Acrylic (PMMA): ★★★★★ (Excellent UV resistance, remains yellow-free for over 10 years outdoors)

Glass: ★★★★☆ (Chemically stable, but heavy weight limits it to fixed scenes.)

Polycarbonate Sheet (PC): ★★☆☆☆ (Prone to yellowing and chalking without UV coating, poor weather resistance)

5.Heat Resistance:

Acrylic (PMMA): ★★★☆☆ (Heat deflection temperature approx. 80-90°C)

Glass: ★★★★★ (Exceptionally high heat resistance)

Polycarbonate Sheet (PC): ★★★★☆ (Heat deflection temperature approx. 120°C, good heat resistance)

6.Workability:

Acrylic (PMMA): ★★★★★ (Easy to cut, thermoform, and bond; excellent machinability)

Glass: ★★☆☆☆ (High processing difficulty with safety risks)

Polycarbonate Sheet (PC): ★★★★☆ (Easy to cut but prone to internal stress cracking during processing)

7.Surface hardness:

Acrylic (PMMA): ★★★☆☆ (Surface prone to scratching, but can be polished to restore)

Glass: ★★★★★ (High surface hardness, scratch-resistant)

Polycarbonate sheet (PC): ★★☆☆☆ (Surface extremely susceptible to scratching)

8.Cost:

Acrylic (PMMA): ★★★☆☆ (Moderate material cost, offering good overall value)

Glass: ★★☆☆☆ (Material itself is inexpensive, but transport, installation and maintenance costs are high)

Polycarbonate sheet (PC): ★★★★☆ (Higher material cost)

Conclusion：

No single material is perfect. Polycarbonate sheets excel in impact resistance, while glass triumphs in scratch and heat resistance. Acrylic (PMMA), however, achieves a near-perfect balance between light transmission, weather resistance, workability, safety, and cost, making it the most widely used transparent material.