Clear Polycarbonate Sheet

Clear Polycarbonate Sheet is a UV-stabilized, extruded solid sheet with optical clarity, outstanding impact resistance, and continuous service capability up to 212°F (100°C). With a notched Izod impact strength of 18 ft·lbs/in and an instrumented impact rating of 47 ft·lbs - compared to 0.7 ft·lbs for glass - it is the go-to material when glazing, guarding, or structural applications demand performance that acrylic or glass cannot meet. General contractors rely on it for interior partitions, sneeze guards, safety glazing, and machine enclosures. Architects and fabricators specify it for architectural glazing, security barriers, and thermoformed components. It is also widely used in university STEM programs, robotics, and desktop CNC model work - wherever a machinable, impact-resistant transparent sheet is needed and acrylic is too brittle. CPC stocks clear polycarbonate equivalent to Lexan and Makrolon in thicknesses from 1/16" to 1/2", with light transmission of 86% at 0.118" and haze under 1%.

Unlike acrylic, polycarbonate cannot be laser cut. CNC routing, drilling, and scribing are the correct fabrication methods - and CPC handles all of it in-shop at Canal Street. We cut to size, drill holes, cut shapes, and machine radius corners. Submit a DXF or PDF file for CNC cutting, or bring a physical template and we can trace and cut it directly - useful for gates, partitions, guards, and any custom shape without a digital file. Solvent bonding uses Weld-On 3, 4, or 16; adhesive bonding is compatible with urethane, epoxy, and silicone systems. For glazing applications, thermal expansion must be accounted for - polycarbonate expands at 3.75 × 10⁻⁵ in/in/°F, approximately 7× the rate of glass, requiring adequate rabbet depth and edge engagement clearance in the frame design.

Full sheets are stocked in 48" × 96" and 24" × 48", pre-cut to size with a tolerance of +/−1/8". The sheet carries a brittleness temperature of −200°F and a heat deflection temperature of 270°F at 264 psi, making it suitable for a wide range of indoor and outdoor environments. Custom cutting, drilling, and shape work are available in-shop - bring your file or your template.

Details

· Light transmission: 86% @ 0.118" (ASTM D 1003)
· Izod impact strength: 18 ft·lbs/in notched / 60 ft·lbs/in unnotched (ASTM D 256)
· Heat deflection temperature: 270°F @ 264 psi (ASTM D 648)
· Brittleness temperature: −200°F (ASTM D 746)
· Continuous service temperature: up to 212°F (100°C)
· Thermal expansion: 3.75 × 10⁻⁵ in/in/°F — design frames accordingly
· UV stabilized — suitable for outdoor and exterior use
· Cannot be laser cut — CNC routing, drilling, and scribing only
· Solvent bonding: Weld-On 3, 4, or 16
· Full sheets: 48" × 96" and 24" × 48", tolerance +/−1/8"
· Equivalent to Lexan and Makrolon
· Cut to size, drill holes, shapes, and radius corners available in-shop
· Submit DXF or PDF, or bring a physical template

Looking for a custom quote? Contact us via our custom order form.