Polycarbonate is the material of choice when both clarity and impact resistance are required. FIDAR System's solid clear PC sheets offer optical-grade transparency with exceptional toughness — they will bend before they break, making them safe for applications where glass would be dangerous.
Acrylic has better scratch resistance and optical clarity; polycarbonate wins on impact strength and fabrication flexibility.
Polycarbonate can be cut with circular saws, jigsaws, or laser cutters. It drills cleanly and can be cold-bent without cracking. For laser cutting, use lower power/higher speed settings than acrylic to avoid heat-induced yellowing at the cut edge. Always leave protective masking on until installation is complete.
Solid clear polycarbonate is the standard material for machine guard panels on CNC machining centres, lathes, presses, and robotic cells. The impact resistance (up to 250× vs. glass) means the panel survives chip impact and tool ejection events without shattering. 3mm and 4.5mm are most commonly used for guard panels.
Polycarbonate is the preferred glazing material for bus shelters, transit station panels, and public infrastructure where vandal resistance is required. The material withstands impact and graffiti attempts better than glass or acrylic.
Where extra impact resistance is required - such as in high-traffic retail environments or applications where the barrier may be struck - 3mm and 4.5mm polycarbonate is used instead of acrylic for sneeze guards and protective counter barriers.
Polycarbonate solid sheets are used for residential and commercial skylight applications, roof glazing, and covered walkway canopy panels. The UV co-extruded layer on one side provides long-term protection against yellowing in outdoor exposure.
For smaller aquarium and vivarium installations where occasional impact risk is present, 6mm and 9mm polycarbonate is used as window panels. It is lighter than equivalent glass and can be cold-bent for curved tank fronts.
How to Fabricate Polycarbonate Solid Clear Sheets
Identify UV Side
Polycarbonate sheets have a co-extruded UV-resistant layer on one side, typically marked on the masking film. For outdoor applications, orient the UV side to face the sun. Keep masking on throughout all fabrication steps.
Cut to Size
Use a circular saw with an 80T+ fine-tooth carbide blade or a jigsaw. PC cannot be reliably scored-and-snapped - always cut through. Feed at a moderate, steady rate - rushing causes the blade to melt the edge. A router with a straight bit also works well for accurate dimensional cuts.
Drill Holes
Use a standard twist drill or spade bit at low speed. Always back the cut with a scrap board to prevent exit-side chipping. For mounting holes, drill 1–2mm larger than the fastener diameter to allow for thermal expansion - PC expands and contracts more than glass.
Cold Bend (if required)
For curved canopy or barrel vault installations, PC can be cold-bent on-site by clamping into a curved frame. Do not exceed the minimum bend radius recommended for the thickness - 2mm sheet can bend to tighter radii than 9mm. Cold bending is a major advantage PC holds over acrylic, which requires heat to bend.
Install
Secure panels using PC-compatible structural silicone or mechanical fasteners with shoulder washers. Leave a 3–5mm expansion gap at all edges in framed systems. Do not use unplasticized PVC sealants, solvent-based sealants, or products containing naphthas on polycarbonate - they cause stress cracking.
Thickness Selection Guide
| Thickness | Best For |
|---|---|
| 2mm (~0.08") | Lightweight protective covers, thin machine guards, framing glazing |
| 3mm (~1/8") | Standard machine guards, glazing inserts, safety shields, sneeze guards |
| 4.5mm (~3/16") | Bus shelters, medium-duty safety glazing, vandal-resistant panels |
| 6mm (~1/4") | Heavy-duty machine guards, riot shields, security glazing, structural partitions |
| 9mm (~3/8") | High-security glazing, ballistic-resistance staging, heavy structural applications |
| Property | Polycarbonate Solid Clear Sheets | Cast Acrylic |
|---|---|---|
| Impact resistance | Up to 250× vs. glass; ~30× vs. acrylic | ~10× vs. glass |
| Optical clarity | ~88% light transmission | 92% light transmission |
| Scratch resistance | Lower - softer surface | Higher - harder surface |
| Temperature range | -40°C to +120°C | Up to ~95°C heat deflection |
| Cold bending | Can be cold-bent without heating equipment | Requires heat (strip heater) to bend |
| Flammability | Self-extinguishing (UL94 V-2) | Slow burning |
| UV protection | Co-extruded UV layer on one side | Moderate UV resistance, no co-extruded layer |
| Price | Higher than equivalent acrylic thickness | Lower cost at equivalent thicknesses |
Polycarbonate (PC) and acrylic (PMMA) are both clear thermoplastics, but they have different performance profiles. Polycarbonate is up to 30× more impact-resistant than acrylic - it bends rather than shatters. Acrylic has better optical clarity (92% vs ~88% light transmission) and better scratch resistance. Polycarbonate operates across a wider temperature range (-40°C to +120°C) and is self-extinguishing. Acrylic laser-engraves more cleanly and is generally less expensive. Choose acrylic for displays, signage, and engraving; choose polycarbonate for safety, impact resistance, and outdoor glazing.
Yes. Solid polycarbonate can be cold-bent on-site without heating equipment. It will flex and hold a curve when clamped into a frame or support structure. This is not possible with acrylic, which requires heat to form. Cold bending is used for curved canopy panels, barrel vault roof lights, and curved partition panels.
FIDAR System's solid clear polycarbonate sheets have a co-extruded UV-resistant layer on one side only. When installing for outdoor applications, ensure the UV-protected side faces the sun (outward). The unprotected side, if exposed to UV long-term, may yellow over time.
Yes. Polycarbonate is widely used for machine guard panels across Canadian manufacturing facilities. The self-extinguishing rating (UL94 V-2) and high impact resistance meet the requirements for most machine guarding applications under Ontario's industrial health and safety regulations. Consult your safety engineer for specific compliance requirements.
Yes. FIDAR System ships from our North York warehouse to addresses across Canada. For large panel quantities or freight orders, contact us for a shipping quote.
Solid clear polycarbonate sheets in 5 thicknesses: 2mm, 3mm, 4.5mm, 6mm, and 9mm. All 4×8 ft. Up to 250× more impact-resistant than glass. Ideal for machine guards, glazing, safety barriers, and skylights.
Price per sheet
$82.41CAD
SKU
PC-CLR-2-4x8
