Plexiglass Repair and Lexan Replacement
Introduction
Plexiglass / Extruded Acrylic Sheet (aka Plexiglass, Lucite, Acrylite, Optix, Plexi) is an excellent glazing, signage, window or display material that is unaffected by moisture, and offers a high strength-to-weight ratio. Acrylic (plexiglass) offers high light transmittance and can be easily heat-formed without loss of optical clarity. Professional Plastics offers generic acrylic sheets rather than Plexiglas® brand sheets. Plexiglas® is a tradename of Arkema. Plexiglass Acrylic sheets may vary slightly by brand based on varying production techniques. Glass West is a proud provider of plexiglass replacement in Sacramento.
- Easy to clean and maintain—just wipe and go
- Durable and heat-resistant with proper glass type
- Enhances the appearance of surrounding furniture
- Great for allergy sufferers (no dust-trapping fabric or wood grain)
- Custom shapes to match your space and style
Plexiglass (Acrylic Sheet) Features
- 92% light transmission – clearest plastic sheet available – about 15% cheaper than polycarbonate
- large variety of colors available
- light pipes through the sheet edges
- does not yellow or discolor in the sun – 10 year warranty regarding 2% loss max
- optically water clear in all thicknesses
- inert – no outgassing
- scratches – can be restored by sanding and buffing
- optically water clear in all thicknesses
- thermoplastic – working temp of 275F continuous
- scratches – can be restored by sanding and buffing
- resistant to breaking – when breaks pieces are large and dull edged
- recyclable
- easily bonds with solvent adhesives to itself and other plastics
- hydroscopic (will absorb a small amount of moisture on side facing moisture – warps)
- available up to 4″ thick as a monolithic cast sheet, and thicker via custom casting
Lexan (Polycarbonate Sheet) Features
- 88% light transmission – very clear – about 15% more expensive than Plexiglas acrylic sheet
- limited colors available (white, black, bronze, gray, sign colors)
- light does not pipe through sheet edges
- untreated sheet discolors in 5–7 years of sun exposure – UV coatings available to extend 15 years
- inert
- optically clear – loss of some light transmission in higher thicknesses (5% in 1/2″)
- thermoplastic – working temp of 275F continuous
- self-extinguishing fire rated 94V0 – UL rating depending on thickness
- scratches – cannot be restored by sanding and buffing
- resistant to breaking (virtually impossible to break)
- recyclable
- easily bonds with solvent adhesives to itself and other plastics
- bullet resistant grades are available – all grades of BR levels
- hydroscopic (warps, requires drying before thermoforming)
- available up to 1/2″ thick as monolithic extruded sheet, up to 2″ as a molded sheet