Sign Material
Polycarbonate
On this page
At a glance
- Type Polycarbonate (Lexan)
- Use Indoor / Outdoor
- impact Up to 250× acrylic
- Thickness 0.06"–0.5"
- Colors Clear / Opal / Bronze
Spec Sheets — Lexan (SABIC)
SABIC official product page
Physical & mechanical properties
Overview
What is Polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate (PC) is a naturally transparent, amorphous thermoplastic best known by the Lexan brand. Its standout quality is impact strength — many times tougher than acrylic and effectively unbreakable in normal use, while transmitting light at nearly the clarity of glass.
It’s heat-resistant, can be thermoformed into curved shapes, and is available with UV protection on one or both sides for outdoor durability. Those qualities make it the default where signage must survive abuse: protective glazing, high-traffic areas, and security applications. The trade-off is a softer surface that scratches more easily unless a hard coat is specified.
Specifications
Key properties
| Type | Naturally transparent amorphous thermoplastic |
|---|---|
| Standard sheet sizes | 24"×48", 48"×48", 48"×96" |
| Standard thicknesses | 0.062", 0.118" (3mm), 0.177", 0.236" (6mm), 0.375", 0.500" |
| Standard colors | Clear, white (opal/ice), bronze; many more available |
| Outdoor durability | UV-protected grades for long-term exterior use |
| Fabrication | Saw cutting, CNC routing, drilling, thermoforming, printing |
Where it's used
Common applications
Protective Sign Glazing
Shatter-resistant covers over posters, directories, and displays.
Security & High-Traffic Signs
Durable signage for transit, schools, and public spaces.
Clear faces and light covers that resist breakage.
UV-protected panels built to take impact and weather.
Tough, thermoformable faces for lit channel letters.
Machine & Equipment Labels
Rugged identification in demanding environments.
Honest assessment
Strengths & considerations
Strengths
- Virtually unbreakable — far tougher than acrylic or glass
- Excellent optical clarity and light transmission
- High heat resistance for demanding environments
- Thermoformable into curved and complex shapes
- UV-protected grades available for outdoor durability
Considerations
- Scratches more easily than glass unless hard-coated
- Higher cost than acrylic for the same clarity
- Can yellow over time if UV protection is inadequate
- Lightweight panels may flex in high wind without support
Working with Signs New York
How we fabricate Expanded PVC signs
We cut, route, thermoform, and print polycarbonate in-house for signage that has to take a beating. When a sign needs to survive impact, weather, or heavy public traffic, we help you pick the right Lexan grade and carry it through design, fabrication, and install — for clients throughout the five boroughs and New Jersey.
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