What is Lexan? A Guide to Polycarbonate Sheets

If you are looking for impact-resistant, clear plastic sheets, you have likely come across the name Lexan™. It is one of the most famous names in the plastics industry, often used as a synonym for unbreakable glass. But what exactly is Lexan, and is it the only option for high-performance applications?

If you are looking for impact-resistant, clear plastic sheets, you have likely come across the name Lexan™. It is one of the most famous names in the plastics industry, often used as a synonym for unbreakable glass. But what exactly is Lexan, and is it the only option for high-performance applications?

In this guide, we explain the relationship between the brand and the material, and introduce you to the high-optical-quality alternatives we use at SRT Plastics.

Lexan is a Brand, Polycarbonate is the Material The most important thing to understand is that Lexan is a brand name, not a unique type of plastic.

Just as "Kleenex" is a brand name for facial tissues and "Teflon" is a brand name for PTFE, Lexan is a registered trademark of SABIC for their specific line of Polycarbonate (PC) resin and sheets. Whether it is branded as Lexan™, Makrolon™, or Makroclear™, the underlying material is Polycarbonate. All these premium brands share the same core properties:

A shield in an industrial workspace made from Polycarbonate

  • Virtually Unbreakable: 250 times stronger than glass.
  • Lightweight: Half the weight of glass.
  • Thermal Resistance: Can withstand temperatures up to 120°C.
  • Self-Extinguishing: High fire safety ratings.

Why SRT Plastics Partners with Arla Plast At SRT Plastics, we understand that our clients often search for "Lexan" because they want the best possible quality. However, for our stock and fabrication services, we have chosen to partner with the European manufacturer Arla Plast.

We utilize Arla’s Makroclear® and Makrolife® ranges for specific technical reasons that benefit our European clients:

A polycarbonate protection screen in an industrial workspace.

  • Superior Optical Quality: Arla Makroclear® is renowned in the industry for having one of the lowest haze levels and highest light transmission rates, making it ideal for architectural glazing and boat windows.
  • European Sustainability: By sourcing from a European manufacturer, we reduce the carbon footprint associated with shipping heavy materials, aligning with our sustainability goals.
  • Specialized Grades: Arla offers exceptional specialized grades, such as Makrolife (UV-protected for outdoor use) and Saphir (Hard-coated/Anti-scratch), which match or exceed the performance of equivalent global brands.

Conclusion: Do I need Lexan? If your technical drawing specifies "Polycarbonate," you do not strictly need the Lexan brand; you need high-quality Polycarbonate.

When you order from SRT Plastics, you are receiving premium, European-manufactured Polycarbonate that offers the same impact strength and durability associated with the famous brand names, often with superior optical clarity and faster availability within the EU.

View Our Polycarbonate Sheet Range

Overview

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  • What is Lexan? Understanding Polycarbonate Brands & Alternatives

    What is Lexan? Understanding Polycarbonate Brands & Alternatives

    If you are looking for impact-resistant, clear plastic sheets, you have likely come across the name Lexan™. It is one of the most famous names in the plastics industry, often used as a synonym for unbreakable glass. But what exactly is Lexan, and is it the only option for high-performance applications?