Welcome! Please use the navigational links to explore our website.
PartsASAP LogoCompany Logo Auction Link (800) 853-2651

Shop Now

   Allis Chalmers Case Farmall IH Ford 8N,9N,2N Ford
   Ferguson John Deere Massey Ferguson Minn. Moline Oliver

Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

explain the difference from polycarbonate acrylic plastic

Welcome Guest, Log in or Register
Author 
g mccool

01-07-2008 19:29:03




Report to Moderator

Can someone explain the difference from polycarbonate & acrylic plastic? I have a need for some clear plastic & need to choose the correct one. Thanks GERALD




[Log in to Reply]   [No Email]
Bus Driver

01-08-2008 04:52:02




Report to Moderator
 Re: explain the difference from polycarbonate acrylic plast in reply to g mccool, 01-07-2008 19:29:03  
Many glass cleaners contain ammonia. Ammonia will cause many plastics to be come cloudly. So choose plastic cleaners carefully.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
MarkB_MI

01-08-2008 03:01:14




Report to Moderator
 Re: explain the difference from polycarbonate acrylic plast in reply to g mccool, 01-07-2008 19:29:03  
Acrylic is commonly known as Plexiglas. Same stuff as used in aircraft windshields, canopies and windows.

Polycarbonate is also known as Lexan. Used in motorcycle helmets, most motorcycle windshields and safety glasses.

Polycarbonate is much tougher than acrylic, but it is nearly impossible to remove scratches from polycarbonate.

With regards to polycarbonate's chemical resistance, I had a crack develop in one of the lenses of my PC eyeglasses. When I was getting new glasses, the optician looked at my old glasses and asked "did you use Loctite on your screws?". It turns out that one drop of loctite on PC will cause it to crack.

You can get sheets of acrylic that have a layer of some sort of plastic sandwiched in the middle. This stuff doesn't break as easy as regular acrylic, but it's much cheaper than Lexan.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
skyharborcowboy

01-07-2008 23:36:48




Report to Moderator
 Re: explain the difference from polycarbonate acrylic plast in reply to John730D, 01-07-2008 19:29:03  

Davis In SC said: (quoted from post at 05:16:11 01/08/08) OK, Polycarbonate is much tougher than acrylic, but PC is much easier to scratch, and cannot be exposed to any oils or other hydrocarbons. Just an oily fingerprint will cause PC to stress crack. Acrylic is much harder, and does not scratch easily. But on the flip side, it WILL shatter on impact.


I dont know about the fingerprint deal as my arm guards were used on sprint cars and they held up to all kinds of oils etc. I will say that I did use GE product only but things like Acetone etc will absolutely destroy Lexan! Like I said, we need to know your application to determine which is best.

I had a few that cracked on my products but most of them broke due to improper installation. Only use a UNIBIT to drill holes in them. A regular bit will leave stress risers etc. and lead to cracking. I had another come apart 1/16th inch thick when 1/2 a brake rotor smashed into it at 100+mph. I was scared to death the driver got injured really bad but when I got to the pits he thanked me like crazy! He thought he was going to get killed by the rotor coming at him but the Lexan absorbed the blow and saved at a minimum a broken arm. He said that his normal fiberglass one would have just let the rotor through will little loss of energy and would have probably put him in the hospital!

Lexan is TOUGH stuff!

Joe

PS. You can flame polish Lexan by using a propane torch and lightly heating up the lexan. Practice on a piece you dont need until you get the technique down. Just scuff up some scrap pieces and place the flame near the lexan without actually touching it and keep the flame moving. You will see the scuff marks disappear. If you see it bubble you got the lexan too hot!

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Davis In SC

01-07-2008 20:16:11




Report to Moderator
 Re: explain the difference from polycarbonate acrylic plast in reply to g mccool, 01-07-2008 19:29:03  
OK, Polycarbonate is much tougher than acrylic, but PC is much easier to scratch, and cannot be exposed to any oils or other hydrocarbons. Just an oily fingerprint will cause PC to stress crack.

Acrylic is much harder, and does not scratch easily. But on the flip side, it WILL shatter on impact.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
JD9295

01-07-2008 20:13:57




Report to Moderator
 Re: explain the difference from polycarbonate acrylic plast in reply to g mccool, 01-07-2008 19:29:03  
G, I work for (used to be GE) in plastics.
The acrylic will not take the abuse that polycarb will. acrylic is just a cheap plastic for (soft) aplications.
I suggest getting lexan marguard (coated) it has the coating to help with scracthes and weathering.
There are other companies that make ploy sheet and probably as good as ours but dont know.
Home depot did carry lexan and probably still do

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
skyharborcowboy

01-07-2008 19:50:34




Report to Moderator
 Re: explain the difference from polycarbonate acrylic plast in reply to RobMD, 01-07-2008 19:29:03  
What are you going to use it for? You need to be more specific with your question!

I would say that if you are going to use it in a non-moving vehicle application either would work. If you are going to use it for a moving vehicle (Cab Window etc.) only use Lexan (Polycarbonate)!

I used to manufacture Lexan Arm Guards for sprint cars and Midget race cars.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
[Options]  [Printer Friendly]  [Posting Help]  [Return to Forum]   [Log in to Reply]

Hop to:


TRACTOR PARTS TRACTOR MANUALS
We sell tractor parts!  We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]

Home  |  Forums


Copyright © 1997-2023 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy

TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters

Website Accessibility Policy