Polycarbonate / PETG

Polycarbonate

Main properties of polycarbonate

• Impact-resistant and impact-proof: resistant to hard knocks and impacts, ideal for intensive use or public areas.
• Fire-retardant (Bs1d0): polycarbonate is self-extinguishing and meets high fire safety standards.
• UV-resistant: retains its brightness and colour even after prolonged exposure to sunlight. It is suitable for both interior and exterior applications.
• Lightweight: about 50% lighter than glass, but just as transparent.
• Cold to bend: without tearing or breaking, ideal for creative applications.

Polycarbonate is an impact-resistant, clear plastic for durable applications. It is up to 250 times stronger than glass of the same thickness. If safety, durability and transparency are important requirements, this is the right option! Think of applications such as safety glazing, protective covers, machine parts or burglar-resistant panels.

Fireproof and reliable

Due to its excellent fire rating, polycarbonate may be used in many public buildings and public areas. Thanks to its high temperature resistance, the material is also fire-retardant and self-extinguishing, providing additional safety.

Applications

Polycarbonate is a versatile plastic used in numerous industries, including:

• Construction and finishing: wall panels, canopies and skylights.
• Industry and mechanical engineering: protective covers, bulkheads and technical parts.
• Nautical sector: boat windows and hatches.
• Illuminated advertising and signing: clear or diffuse sheets for lighting and displays.

Different versions

Polycarbonate is available in various colours and designs:

• Clear polycarbonate: maximum light transmission and crystal-clear appearance, in thicknesses from 0.75 mm to 15 mm.
• Smoke, brown or grey: ideal when colour and privacy are desired.
• Mirror polycarbonate: impact-resistant mirrors for shop windows, decoration or light reflection.
• Diffuser polycarbonate: diffuses light, is impact-resistant and suitable for lighting in public areas.
• Tubes and rods: transparent rods or satin tubes for technical applications.

Brands

Here you will find polycarbonate of the highest quality:

• Exolon (Makrolon) is known for its weather resistance, impact resistance and excellent light transmission. Ideal for lighting and LED applications, retail and mechanical engineering.
• Arla Plast supplies extruded polycarbonate in clear, Uv-resistant and coloured versions, including smoke shades. Available with a variety of coatings such as scratch-resistant (Sapphir), optical and anti-reflex coatings.

Polycarbonate processing

Polycarbonate is easy to process: it can be sawn, milled, curved, glued, drilled, and polished. Thanks to minimal thickness tolerance, the sheets are precise and suitable for customised applications.

A suitable solution for every sector

Whether for safety glazing, illuminated advertising, mechanical engineering or architectural applications, polycarbonate offers the perfect balance: transparent, impact-resistant and fire-resistant.

PETG

PETG is a high-performance plastic distinguished by its exceptional impact resistance, clarity and versatility. This material combines the strength of polycarbonate with the processability of acrylic, making it ideal for a variety of indoor applications.

Food-grade and certified quality

PETG is European food-grade certified and allowed to come into direct contact with foodstuffs (SQF certification). Thanks to this property and its fire rating, PETG meets the requirements for use in public and public areas, such as airports, schools and shops. The material is also chemical-resistant, making it suitable for environments where hygiene and durability are important.

Strong, pliable and easy to process

PETG is a chemically resistant, impact-resistant and water-repellent plastic that is easy to process. The addition of glycol makes the material 15 to 20 times stronger than acrylic and keeps it easy to shape at higher temperatures. This makes PETG ideal for vacuum forming, bending or milling. Both round and angular shapes are easy to realise.

Applications

Thanks to its bright appearance and optical purity, PETG is ideal for the lighting and LED industry, displays, shields, protective plates and hygiene applications.

Note: PETG is not UV-resistant and may discolour with prolonged outdoor use. It is therefore especially suitable for indoor applications.

Variants and colours

PETG is available in clear or in various colour variations. The sheets are extruded, resulting in virtually no thickness tolerance.

• Clear PETG: crystal-clear, impact-resistant and optically pure. Available in various thicknesses and surfaces (gloss or two-sided satin).
• Diffuser PETG: specially developed for lighting applications, with excellent light diffusion and fire safety. Available in thicknesses from 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

A smart choice

Whether for interior projects, shop fitting or illuminated displays, PETG offers a reliable combination of safety, processability and durability. The material is also an excellent alternative to polycarbonate or acrylic if you are looking for an impact-resistant, certified and clear plastic.