PC vs PMMA Transparent Plastics | Comparison
Transparency, impact resistance, scratch resistance, cost — which is your best choice?
In the world of transparent plastics, PC (Polycarbonate) and PMMA (Acrylic) are the two mainstream choices. Both offer excellent light transmission, but they differ significantly in impact resistance, scratch resistance, and cost. This article systematically compares PC and PMMA across transparent application scenarios to help you make the right material selection.
PC — The High-Impact Transparent Powerhouse
PMMA — The Ultra-Transparent Optical Choice
Quick Comparison
| Property | PC — The High-Impact Transparent Powerhouse | PMMA — The Ultra-Transparent Optical Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency | High Transparency (light transmission ≥88%) | Ultra-High Transparency (light transmission ≥92%) |
| Impact Resistance | Very High (Izod 60-80 kJ/m²) | Poor (Izod 1.6-2.5 kJ/m²) |
| Scratch Resistance | Moderate — prone to scratching, needs hard coating | Good — surface hardness F~2H, naturally scratch-resistant |
| Cost | Higher (~$2.5-4.0/kg) | Lower (~$1.7-2.8/kg) |
| Processing Difficulty | Difficult — requires desiccant drying at 140°C×4h, moisture <0.02% | Easy — wide processing window, low drying requirements |
| Weatherability | Good — 5-10 years with UV stabilizers | Excellent — 10+ years outdoors without yellowing |
Recommendation
Recommendation: Choose PC when you need impact resistance + heat resistance (automotive lamp covers, electronic screens, safety visors). Choose PMMA when you need the best transparency + weatherability (display cases, advertising light boxes, LED lenses). Transparent ABS can be a compromise when on a tight budget and only general transparency is needed (appliance display windows). Always use a desiccant dryer for PC processing — hydrolysis causes silver streaks and bubbles.
Conclusion
PC and PMMA each have their strengths: PC excels in impact resistance and heat resistance, PMMA wins on ultimate transparency and weatherability. The choice depends on your product positioning — prioritize safety with PC, pursue optical quality with PMMA. Jinsu supplies premium PC, PMMA, and transparent ABS materials. Free samples and material selection support available.