Checklist for transparent plastic types

When transparency is an important factor in your application, it is crucial to choose the right plastic material. Transparent plastics are used in a wide range of applications - from windows to optical components and protective screens. The choice of plastic depends on several factors such as strength, durability, flexibility, chemical resistance and the environment in which the material will operate.

In this checklist, we will help you select the right transparent plastic by focusing on three popular plastic materials: Polycarbonate (PC), Acrylic (PMMA) and PET-G.

A custom machine guard of transparent plastics on a machine.

21.05.25

1. Requirements for optical clarity

Optical clarity is undoubtedly the most important property of transparent plastic. If your application requires high visual precision, you should choose plastic materials with excellent transparency.

Acrylic is renowned for its exceptional optical clarity. It is one of the most transparent plastic materials, making it ideal for applications such as windows, signs, displays and screens.

Polycarbonate is also highly transparent and offers good optical clarity, though slightly lower than acrylic. It is often ised in applications where impact resistance is important, such as protective covers.

PET-G is an excellent choice for transparency, combining good clarity with strength. It is commonly used for display protection, packaging and signage.

A hand holds a piece of clear ribbed acrylic

2. Impact strength and durability

Impact strength is crucial if the plastic needs to withstand shocks and mechanical stress. Some transparent plastics are more brittle, while others are more robust.

Polycarbonate is impact-resistant and far stronger than both acrylic and PET-G. It is perfect for applications where high mechanical load or impact resistance is required, such as safety glass, lamps and screens.

PET-G offers good impact strength and is more wear-resistant than acrylic, making it suitable for applications such as packaging and signage.

Although acrylic has excellent optical clarity, it is relatively notch-sensitive and can break more easily under impact. It is therefore best suited for applications where mechanical stress is not an issue.

Safety screen in heat bent polycarbonate on a white and black background.

3. Chemical

resistance

Depending on the environment the plastic will be exposed to, you need to choose a material that can withstand chemicals such as solvents, greases and acids.

Polycarbonate has good resistance to greases and oils, but it can be sensitive to certain solvents, such as acetone and other organic solvents.

PET-G offers good chemical resistance and is more resistant to many solvents and chemicals compared to both acrylic and polycarbonate. It is often used for chemical process equipment and plastic containers.

Acrylic has resistance to mild chemicals, but it can be damaged by certain solvents and strong acids.

4. UV resistance

UV resistance is important if the plastic will be used outdoors, as the sun's UV rays can degrade the plastic material over time, resulting in yellowing and deterioration of the material's mechanical properties.

Acrylic is highly UV-resistant and does not yellow when exposed to UV radiation. It is therefore an ideal choice for outdoor applications such as signs, windows and screens that are exposed to sunlight.

Polycarbonate can yellow over time when exposed to UV rays. It often requires a UV-protective coating to prevent this and to extend the material's lifespan. In our range, however, polycarbonate comes with UV coating, allowing it to withstand prolonged exposure.

PET-G has moderate UV resistance and can be used in outdoor applications, but it will not perform as well as acrylic in sunny conditions. However, it can be treated with UV-protective layers to improve its resistance.

A blue and a brown divider made of acrylic with a plant and light behind it

5. Temperature tolerance

It is important to choose a plastic material that can withstand the temperatures it will be exposed to.

Polycarbonate has good temperature tolerance, capable of handling temperatures from -40 °C to 130 °C, making it suitable for both high and low temperatures.

PET-G offers good temperature tolerance but is less heat-resistant than polycarbonate. It can withstand temperatures from -30 °C to 70 °C.

Acrylic is less heat-resistant and may begin to deform at temperatures above 80 °C. It is best suited for applications where there are no significant temperature fluctuations.