Plastic Sheet Properties Chart
Typical properties of the plastic sheets used most in fabrication, signage and industry, side by side. Use it to narrow down a material, then check the datasheet for the exact grade.
| Property | Acrylic | Polycarbonate | PETG | HDPE | Polypropylene | Rigid PVC | ABS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Also known as | PMMA, Perspex, Plexiglas | PC, Lexan, Makrolon | Co-polyester, Vivak | High-density polyethylene | PP | uPVC (solid sheet) | Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene |
| Density (g/cm³) | 1.19 | 1.2 | 1.27 | 0.95 | 0.91 | 1.4 | 1.04 |
| Weight per m² per mm | 1.19 kg | 1.2 kg | 1.27 kg | 0.95 kg | 0.91 kg | 1.4 kg | 1.04 kg |
| Max service temp (approx.) | 80°C | 120°C | 70°C | 80°C | 100°C | 60°C | 80°C |
| Clarity | Clear, about 92% light transmission | Clear, about 88% light transmission | Clear, about 88% light transmission | Opaque or translucent | Opaque or translucent | Opaque, some clear grades | Opaque |
| Impact resistance | Fair | Excellent | Very good | Very good | Good | Fair | Very good |
| Chemical resistance | Fair | Fair | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Very good | Fair |
| Outdoor / UV | Very good, naturally UV stable | Good in UV-protected grades only | Fair, best indoors | Good in UV-stabilised grades | Fair unless UV-stabilised | Fair to good, colour can fade | Poor unless capped or painted |
| Machining | Excellent. Laser cuts with a polished edge | Good with a saw or router. Laser cutting yellows the edge | Good. Bends and thermoforms easily | Good. Cannot be glued with ordinary adhesives | Good. Welds well, cannot be glued with ordinary adhesives | Good. Solvent-welds and glues well | Very good. Thermoforms well |
| Typical uses | Signs, displays, splashbacks, glazing, covers | Machine guards, security glazing, roofing, riot shields | Point-of-sale displays, sneeze guards, vacuum-formed parts | Cutting boards, tank linings, marine fit-outs, wear strips | Chemical tanks, trays, plating baths, lab benches | Ducting, fume hoods, chemical-resistant panels, signage | Enclosures, vehicle trim, vacuum-formed housings |
Typical values for general-purpose sheet grades. Foamed, filled, UV-stabilised and flame-retardant grades differ. Service temperatures are approximate limits for continuous use without load. Check the datasheet for your grade before relying on a figure.
Need it cut? Price plastic cut to size, or read the material selection guide and compare materials in more detail.
Common questions
Which plastic sheet is the strongest?
For impact, polycarbonate. It is the usual choice for machine guards and security glazing because it bends rather than shatters. Acrylic is stiffer and clearer but can crack under a sharp blow.
Which plastic sheet is best for chemicals?
HDPE and polypropylene resist the widest range of acids, alkalis and solvents, which is why they are used for tanks and trays. Rigid PVC is also good. Acrylic and polycarbonate are not resistant to many solvents.
Which plastic sheet is best outdoors?
Acrylic is naturally UV stable and keeps its clarity outdoors for years. Polycarbonate needs a UV-protected grade. HDPE and polypropylene need UV-stabilised grades for long outdoor life.
How much does plastic sheet weigh?
Multiply the area in square metres by the thickness in millimetres and by the density. For example, 1 m² of 6 mm acrylic weighs about 7.14 kg, the same in polycarbonate about 7.2 kg, and in HDPE about 5.7 kg.
Are these values guaranteed?
No. They are typical values for general-purpose grades. Foamed, filled, UV-stabilised and flame-retardant grades differ, so check the datasheet for the exact grade before you rely on a figure for a design.