Polycarbonate (often referred to as “polycarb”) is a high-performance thermoplastic known for its incredible strength, clarity, and versatility. It’s up to 250 times stronger than glass yet weighs significantly less, making it a go-to material in industries ranging from construction and manufacturing to signage, security, and automotive.
One of polycarbonate’s standout features is its impact resistance. It won’t shatter like glass or crack like acrylic, making it ideal for protective barriers, machine guards, safety glazing, and riot shields. Despite its toughness, polycarbonate is easy to work with — it can be cut, drilled, bent (even cold-formed), and thermoformed without sacrificing durability.
In addition to being nearly unbreakable, polycarbonate is also optically clear, allowing up to 90% light transmission — similar to glass. UV-stabilised grades are available for outdoor use, resisting yellowing and degradation from sunlight exposure.
Its high temperature tolerance means polycarbonate can withstand a wide range of environments, from freezing cold to heat-intensive applications, without warping or losing its structural integrity.
Whether you’re building custom enclosures, creating safety guarding, replacing broken windows, or prototyping new products, polycarbonate delivers a combination of strength, transparency, and flexibility that few other materials can match.
Trade names:
Polycarbonate is often referred to by some of it’s trade names:
- Lexan (most commonly called this)
- Makrolon
- Marguard
- Zenolex
Uses:
Most of the polycarbonate we cut is used for custom safety guards on machinery — a perfect match for its shatterproof strength and clarity. Whether you’re shielding operators, enclosing equipment, or fabricating protective barriers, polycarbonate offers a dependable solution that meets safety standards without sacrificing visibility.
Availability:
Available in sheets, or cut-to-size panels, polycarbonate is a future-ready material that helps turn big ideas into durable, high-performing realities.
Purchase pre- sized panels from our shop here or send us your files for us to cut with our precision CNC Routers.
Thicknesses:
- 1mm (Clear only)
- 2mm (Clear only)
- 3mm (Clear and Grey Tint)
- 4.5mm (Clear and Grey Tint)
- 6mm (Clear and Grey Tint)
- 10mm (Clear and Grey Tint)
- 12mm (Clear only)
Need something even tougher?
We also supply abrasion-resistant polycarbonate for high-contact environments and bullet-resistant grades for security-critical applications. If your project has specialised performance requirements, get in touch — we’ll quote you on the right material for the job.