Solid Polycarbonate vs. Glass: Comparing Translucent Materials for Industry

At Klar, we know how important it is to choose the right material for every project. In this article, we compare two essential materials in the construction industry and other applications: solid polycarbonate and glass.

Impact Resistance

One of the most notable differences between these two materials is their impact resistance. Solid polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable — it is 250 times stronger than glass and 40 times stronger than pure acrylic. This outstanding strength makes it the preferred choice for applications where durability and safety are critical, such as security windows, protective barriers, and transparent roofing.

Weather Resistance and UV Protection

Solid polycarbonate offers excellent weather resistance and includes a double UV protective layer. These sheets are designed to withstand solar radiation and outdoor exposure without degrading, making them ideal for exterior applications.
Glass, while naturally weather-resistant, does not provide the same UV protection unless treated with special coatings.

Weight

Weight plays a key role in construction projects. Solid polycarbonate is significantly lighter than glass, resulting in substantial savings in transport, handling, and installation costs. Its light weight also reduces structural load, allowing for more versatile and efficient designs.

Flexibility

Polycarbonate is known for its flexibility and high plasticity: it can be molded or curved to fit complex shapes and designs. This versatility makes it highly valuable for architectural and modern construction projects.
Glass, on the other hand, is rigid and fragile, which limits its use in applications that require curved or complex structures.

Resistance to Natural Forces

Glass is susceptible to breaking under strong winds, earthquakes, or other natural forces. This vulnerability can represent a serious risk in areas prone to natural disasters.
Polycarbonate, with its impact resistance 250 times greater than glass, provides a much safer and more durable solution in demanding environments.

In conclusion, while glass remains valuable for certain applications due to its aesthetics and transparency, solid polycarbonate offers superior advantages in strength, safety, weight, versatility, and durability, making it the most reliable choice for today’s industry.