Clear Polycarbonate Sheet – Impact Resistant Glazing | Cut to Size | UK Stock
Our clear polycarbonate sheet is one of the toughest transparent materials available — approximately 250 times stronger than glass at equivalent thickness, yet half the weight. UV-stabilised as standard for outdoor and indoor use. Available cut to your exact size in 7 thicknesses from 2mm to 10mm, or in popular pre-cut formats for immediate dispatch.
? Same-Day Dispatch ? Free UK Delivery ? Cut to Any Size ? Protective Film Included ? UV Stabilised
Technical Specifications
| Material | Clear Polycarbonate (PC) — Makrolon / Lexan equivalent grade |
| Colour | Clear / Optically Transparent |
| Available Thicknesses | 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm |
| Available Sizes | 100×100mm to 3050×2050mm (cut to size), plus standard pre-cut formats |
| Impact Strength | ~250× stronger than glass | ~30× stronger than acrylic |
| Light Transmission | Up to 90% (optically clear) |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +120°C continuous |
| UV Resistance | UV-stabilised both sides — suitable for external use |
| Flammability | Self-extinguishing — Class 1 fire rating (better than acrylic) |
| Density | 1.2 g/cm³ |
| Thermal Expansion | 0.07mm per °C per 100mm length |
| Supply | Supplied with protective film both sides |
| Food Safety | Food-contact safe grade available — suitable for food processing environments |
Thickness Selection Guide
| Thickness | Best Applications | Approx. Weight |
| 2mm | Light-duty glazing, display cases, signage, small picture frames | 2.4 kg/m² |
| 3mm | Greenhouse panels, shed windows, light machine guards | 3.6 kg/m² |
| 4mm | General purpose glazing, anti-vandal panels, medium machine guards ? most popular | 4.8 kg/m² |
| 5mm | Structural glazing, high-traffic areas, secondary glazing panels | 6.0 kg/m² |
| 6mm | Heavy machine guards, security screens, riot barriers | 7.2 kg/m² |
| 8mm | High-security applications, ballistic-rated panels, rooflights in exposed locations | 9.6 kg/m² |
| 10mm | Maximum impact resistance, security enclosures, industrial safety barriers | 12.0 kg/m² |
Key Features & Benefits
- 250× stronger than glass — virtually unbreakable; ideal where safety and security are critical
- Half the weight of glass — easier and faster to install, reduced structural loading
- Up to 90% light transmission — as optically clear as glass, ideal for glazing and display
- UV-stabilised both sides — won't yellow or degrade outdoors; suitable for years of external use
- Class 1 fire rating — self-extinguishing, safer than acrylic in public buildings, schools, airports
- Cold-bendable — can be curved without heating (minimum bend radius: 150× thickness)
- Thermally formable — can be oven-formed for complex curved shapes
- Easy to machine — cuts, drills and routes with standard woodworking or metalworking tools
- Chemical resistant — resistant to dilute acids, aliphatic hydrocarbons and alcohols
Common Applications
- Machine guards & safety screens — the industry standard for rotating machinery protection
- Anti-vandal glazing — bus shelters, phone boxes, transport hubs, public buildings
- Greenhouse & shed windows — lightweight, shatterproof alternative to glass
- Rooflights & skylights — excellent light transmission with superior strength vs glass
- Security screens — banks, post offices, retail counters and kiosks
- Display cases & retail fixtures — clear, professional appearance for product display
- Racing car & motorsport windows — lightweight, impact resistant glazing
- Agricultural panels — UV stabilised for outdoor longevity in polytunnels and greenhouses
- Noise barriers — secondary glazing for acoustic attenuation
Installation & Working Guide
- Cutting: Use a circular saw or jigsaw with a fine-tooth blade. Score-and-snap works for 2mm–3mm. Leave protective film on during all cutting operations.
- Drilling: Standard HSS or wood drill bits. Use moderate speed, light pressure, and a scrap board underneath. Drill oversize holes to allow for thermal expansion.
- Fixing: Do not over-tighten screws — always drill clearance holes larger than the fixing diameter. Allow 2mm per metre of thermal expansion gap.
- Bending: Cold-bend along the long axis only. For tight bends, heat to 150°C–160°C in an oven (sheet must be pre-dried at 120°C for 2–4 hours to prevent bubbling).
- Cleaning: Mild soap solution and soft cloth only. Never use dry cloths, abrasive cleaners or solvents — these cause surface crazing.
- Adhesives: Bond with suitable polyurethane or silicone sealant. Avoid solvent-based adhesives which attack polycarbonate.
Polycarbonate vs Acrylic — Which Should You Choose?
| Property | Polycarbonate | Acrylic (Perspex) |
| Impact resistance | ? Virtually unbreakable | ?? Can crack and shatter |
| Optical clarity | ? Up to 90% transmission | ? Up to 92% transmission |
| Scratch resistance | ?? Moderate | ? Better than PC |
| Fire rating | ? Class 1 — self extinguishing | ?? Class 3 — burns |
| Weight | 1.2 g/cm³ | 1.19 g/cm³ (similar) |
| Cold bending | ? Yes | ? Cracks if cold bent |
| UV resistance | ? Good (UV stabilised) | ? Excellent |
| Best for | Safety, security, impact protection | Optical clarity, displays, signs |
Why Choose Industrial Polymers?
- ? UK stock held for same-day dispatch — order before 2pm Mon–Fri
- ? Free UK delivery on all orders
- ? Precision cut to size — any dimensions from 100mm × 100mm
- ? Expert technical support — call 01744 520110 for material selection advice
- ? Trade pricing available — volume discounts for regular orders over £500
- ? 3,000+ plastic products in stock across 30+ materials
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