Today – Lexan Vs Plexiglass
Lexan and Plexiglass are two different durable materials that offer flexibility and translucence to buyers. However, there are some key differences between the two that might make one material better suited to a project than the other. Be sure to thoroughly understand the difference and best application of the use for both of these materials in order to select the best materials possible when completing your home project.
What is Lexan?
Lexan is a polycarbonate that occasionally goes by the name of Makrolon as well. The material was branded in the late 1950s by two separate companies, Bayer and GE. The polycarbonate resin thermoplastic that creates Lexan is created through a chemical process and succeeds in creating a highly malleable solid material. Lexan is used for a wide range of purposes including use in electronic devices, data storage, and aircraft carriers. N n.
What is Plexiglass?
Lexan Vs Plexiglass
Plexiglass is the officially trademarked name of acrylic sheeting; however, the material is also commonly known as acrylic, Acrylite, Lucite, and Perspex. A polymer produced from a complex process of carious polymerization, Plexiglass or plastic glass has been in the industry since 1933.
The material has a variety of applicable uses, some of which include daylight reduction, safer substitution for glass, and in medical technology, among others.
Lexan Vs Plexiglass
Pros and Cons of Lexan
Lexan offers a range of remarkable benefits that should be considered when selecting a material for your construction project.
- The level of impact resistance in Lexan is 250 times the impact resistance of glass, making it well-suited to be used in situations where strength is a priority.
- Additionally, the material is more flexible than Plexiglass, and even comes in a variety of different grades of flexibility in order to best match your project’s needs.
- If high temperature is a concern, Lexan can easily handle temperatures up to 240 degrees Fahrenheit. Aside from heat, Lexan is also highly resistant to chemicals or acids, such as gasoline.
- Lastly, Lexan lacks the rigidity of Plexiglass. Lexan can be bent without using heat in order to easily fit in custom designs and can handle the pressure of being drilled without cracking.
However, there are some areas where Lexan is not a superior option. The material is easier to scratch and dent, potentially damaging the visibility. Unlike Plexiglass, Lexan can’t be polished to help restore clarity. Lexan also fares worse under UV rays, turning yellow overtime after a long period of exposure. Therefore, if you’re looking for a material to be used in situations requiring high-visibility, Lexan is not recommended. Additionally, Lexan is also more expensive than acrylic, which might not suit people constructing on a budget. Compared to Plexiglass, Lexan has a lower resistance to abrasive cleaners.
Pros and Cons of Plexiglass
Plexiglass also possesses unique and valuable properties that suit a number of different projects and purposes. It has a high level of impact resistance —around 17 times that of glass— which is highly durable, though not to the same extent as Lexan.
- The material is shinier and possesses a greater clarity that can be restored through polishing. If wear-and-tear occurs, Plexiglass can be refurbished to a near-original level of quality, making it a highly recommended option for situations where visibility is essential.
- Plexiglass also has a higher UV tolerance than Lexan and, therefore, does not get yellow over the time.
- While Lexan is easier to cold bend whereas Plexiglass is easier to cut and also has a cleaner, more attractive glue joint than Lexan.
- Unlike Lexan, Plexiglass can come in a variety of different colors, making it perfect for intricate designs.
While the advantages of plexiglass are numerous, there are still a few areas where Lexan is superior. Firstly, Plexiglass is a very rigid material with less flexibility than Lexan, making it more likely to crack and chip. If drilling on Plexiglass, caution is recommended, as cracks can occur more easily.
Plexiglass also has a lower resistance to heat, softening at 195 degrees Fahrenheit compared to Lexan’s 250 degrees Fahrenheit. The material has some acidity residence; however, the value is lower than that of Lexan.
Difference in Uses of Lexan and Plexiglass – Lexan Vs Plexiglass
Plexiglass vs Lexan
While we compare Plexiglass vs Lexan have many similarities, still there are different exits for that best suited to one material over the other.
One important factor to consider when selecting between the two is the material’s workability. Plexiglass is a more rigid material, meaning that it can occasionally be more difficult to use in a home project, especially when drilling.
Lexan is more flexible and can easily be manipulated to fit a variety of different situations. Regardless, both can be used in a variety of projects with the proper background and training.
How to tell the difference between Lexan and Plexiglass
Generally, Plexiglass is used commercially in aquariums, light fixtures, and signage due to its attractive nature whereas Lexan is commonly used in phone cases, machinery guards, or bullet-resistant glass due to its high level of strength.
Lexan Vs Plexiglass – Which one is recommended?
When deciding between using Plexiglass and Lexan, the answer depends upon the nature of your project itself.
However, as a general rule, Plexiglass is best-suited to projects concerned with appearance whereas Lexan is a better choice if a material’s strength is your biggest factor to consider. Because of Plexiglass’s high resistance to scratches and level of clarity, it is an excellent choice for situations where aesthetics is prioritized over extreme, long-lasting durability.
It also has the potential to be made in a variety of colors, which can increase curb appeal on your property. In situations of strength and security, Lexan is the more appropriate option. The material is higher in cost than Plexiglass but offers greater protection.
Let’s Wrap-Up the Discussion on Lexan Vs Plexiglass
Before starting construction on your project, be sure that you’ve carefully considered the advantages and disadvantages of Plexiglass and Lexan both, in order to select the material that suits your needs best. Of course both has its merits and demerits, you will choice one that can serve best your needs.
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