Cost-effective: Polycarbonate is typically less expensive than glass, which is beneficial for those on a budget. Impact resistance: Polycarbonate is stronger than glass, meaning it can withstand higher impacts. This makes it a good choice for areas with frequent hail, high winds, or those who throw stones.
Glass can be easily broken and damaged, causing a potentially hazardous situation. Polycarbonate can save you time, money, efficiency, and significantly reduce the risk of injury when replacing glass in buildings and construction.
Although not as scratch-resistant as glass lenses, polycarbonate lenses are less likely to break in falls, making them an ideal choice for sports and outdoor activities. In addition, polycarbonate lenses tend to be less expensive than glass lenses, making them more affordable for most people.
Polycarbonate is a cheaper material than glass, it is also lighter and easier to work with given its flexibility and resilience. Polycarbonate is more expensive than acrylic but it is less likely to break or become damaged.
Glass Cost. Laminated glass is more expensive than polycarbonate substitutes. On average, laminated glass will cost around 2-3x more than polycarbonate. This is due to the additional materials and manufacturing process it requires.
When you need a glass substitute, you're probably looking at either polycarbonate or acrylic. Both polymers offer the transparency of glass but are much more resistant to impact and scratching, and they're more cost-effective and lightweight.
The advantages of polycarbonate lenses include UV protection, they are lightweight, thin and impact resistant as well as versatile with many customisations available. Disadvantages of a polycarbonate lens include pricing, they require scratch protection and they are not ideal for all prescriptions.
Acrylic is also less expensive than polycarbonate and unlike polycarbonate, acrylics can be heated and molded to shape, then heated again while retaining its quality appearance.
It is undeniable that plastic has become widely popular in recent years, and there is definitely a good reason for this change: Lightweight. Plastic lenses are by nature much lighter and more comfortable than glass lenses. This is an important consideration if you plan to wear your glasses all day.
With an average lifespan of 10 to 20 years (and potentially even longer with proper care), they offer excellent value for money. Whether you're building a new home, renovating an old one, or just looking to replace your current roof, polycarbonate panels are certainly worth considering.
Some Important Don'ts
Benzene, gasoline, acetone, or carbon tetrachloride should never be used on polycarbonate sheet products. DO NOT clean polycarbonate sheet products in hot sun or at elevated temperatures.
This information will be either at the top of the lens or on the side (see diagram). Look for the letters S or F: if you can see an S your glasses are either CR39 or toughened glass, if it is F then they are polycarbonate. For industrial workplaces with a risk of impact, polycarbonate lenses should be selected.
Substances such as: Ethylene chloride, chloroform, tetrachloroethane, m-cresol, and pyridine can greatly affect polycarbonate, and in many cases partially dissolve it.
Quick Tip: While Polycarbonate will eventually yellow in the sun, it takes approximately 5-7 years for degradation to start on uncoated polycarbonate. However, manufactures have started adding chemicals that make polycarbonate inherently UV resistant and extends its lifetime before yellowing starts.
If a roof is well maintained, it can last between 10 to 20 years before it's going to need to be replaced. There are even instances where the polycarbonate roof panels have lasted 30 years.
The numberone reason to choose polycarbonate over glass is impact resistance. This material can withstand impacts up to 200 times greater than glass, so it's significantly less likely to crack or shatter.
Cost: Glass is more expensive than polycarbonate, especially if you choose thicker and stronger types so it can withstand a potential impact. Fragility: Glass is notoriously fragile and prone to breaking or cracking if it's not handled carefully.
Glass Lenses: These lenses offer clearer vision than plastic lenses, and they can be made with thinner materials, making them more attractive on your face. They are also less likely to scratch due to the high-quality design.
However, polycarbonate is not without its drawbacks. One of the main concerns is the presence of bisphenol-A (BPA), a toxic chemical used in PC production. BPA has been linked to a range of health issues, including reproductive disorders, developmental problems, and cancer.
Poly lenses can run up to twice the cost of other commonly prescribed lens types. Easily scratched – While a polycarbonate lens is unlikely to shatter, it is easily scratched.
Plexiglass is a trading name it also goes by the name Acrylic Sheet. Plexiglass looks significantly similar to glass. It is one of the most transparent and impact-resistant plastic materials out there, but the acrylic sheet isn't stronger than polycarbonate sheet.
Acrylic has glass-like qualities, but is considerably more durable and is half the weight of glass. Applications are more varied with acrylic simply because of its clarity over polycarbonate and colour options available, including bath enclosures, skylights, furniture, and windows for all types of properties.
Float glass: This is the most budget-friendly and has no natural tint. It is a single piece of glass that breaks into sharp shards when hit with force. Float glass can, however, undergo a lot of chemical processes to be strengthened. It can be used in single-pane and even double-pane windows once it's been enhanced.