PLEXIGLAS® vs. LEXAN™ – which material is better for your project?

Strong brands from a single source

From the PLEXIGLAS® Online Shop to the POLYVANTIS Online Shop – your provider of innovative materials and solutions

The former PLEXIGLAS® Online Shop has a new name – and much more: from now on, customers will find their familiar products in the POLYVANTIS Online Shop. This step is not just about a new logo but about a clear message: POLYVANTIS presents itself as a globally leading multi-material player offering high-quality plastic solutions from a single source.

POLYVANTIS – bundled expertise under one roof

With POLYVANTIS, you have access to a portfolio that unites several globally recognized brands. At the forefront are PLEXIGLAS® – the brand name for acrylic glass (PMMA) – and LEXAN™, a high-tech polycarbonate. Both materials are true classics in the plastics market, standing for durability, quality, and versatility. The special feature: customers benefit from the fact that POLYVANTIS bundles both brands, providing a holistic offering – from sample pieces to custom cuts.

The offering in the POLYVANTIS Online Shop

In the new shop, you will find a wide range of materials and services:

PLEXIGLAS® vs. LEXAN™

PLEXIGLAS® vs. LEXAN™ – which material is better for your project?

Anyone planning a construction or DIY project often faces the question: Should I use PLEXIGLAS® (acrylic, PMMA) or LEXAN™ (polycarbonate, PC)? Both plastics are popular alternatives to glass – lightweight, transparent, and versatile. However, their properties differ significantly and define the ideal application area.

PLEXIGLAS® (PMMA) – crystal-clear elegance with scratch resistance

PLEXIGLAS® is a brand name for acrylic glass (PMMA).

  • High light transmission – up to 92% (more than glass)
  • Scratch resistance – more resistant to surface scratches
  • UV stability – does not yellow, ideal for outdoor use
  • Lightweight – about half the weight of glass

Typical applications: furniture, displays, lighting, outdoor glazing, design projects.

LEXAN™ (polycarbonate) – maximum impact strength

LEXANâ„¢ stands for particularly break- and impact-resistant polycarbonate (PC).

  • Up to 250× more impact-resistant than glass – virtually unbreakable
  • Heat resistant – suitable under temperature stress
  • Lightweight & flexible – can be bent or cold-formed
  • Good fire protection properties – flame retardant

Typical applications: protective glazing, machine covers, helmets, safety windows, carports.

Comparison PLEXIGLAS® vs. LEXAN™
Property PLEXIGLAS® (PMMA) LEXAN™ (PC)
Light transmission Very high (up to 92%) High (approx. 88%)
Impact resistance Approx. 10× stronger than glass Approx. 250× stronger than glass
Scratch resistance Very good More prone to scratches
UV resistance Excellent, does not yellow Limited without protective layer
Weight Approx. 50% lighter than glass Approx. 50% lighter than glass
Cost Usually cheaper Slightly more expensive

Start your project with PLEXIGLAS® or LEXAN™: In the POLYVANTIS Shop, you will find sheets of PMMA & PC cut to size.

*all marked prices in the PLEXIGLAS® Shop are plus the legally owed value added tax and shipping costs

„Semi-finished polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) products and Polycarbonate (PC) film and sheet from POLYVANTIS are sold globally under various registered trademarks.
PMMA products are marketed on the European, Asian, African, and Australian continents under the trademark PLEXIGLAS®, and in the Americas under the trademark ACRYLITE®, both owned by Röhm GmbH, Darmstadt, or its affiliates.
Polycarbonate products are sold globally under the trademark LEXAN™ Film & Sheet, owned by SABIC Innovative Plastics.“