About Lexan:
Lexan™ is a high-performance, transparent polycarbonate sheet and resin brand from SABIC (now often under POLYVANTIS) renowned for being 250 times stronger than glass and virtually unbreakable. It offers exceptional impact resistance, UV protection, and thermal stability (-40°C to 120°C), making it ideal for security glazing, automotive components, and durable construction applications.
Key Features and Benefits:
- High Impact Resistance:
Often used as a safe, transparent alternative to glass in high-risk areas like prison windows and machine guarding.
- UV and Weather Resistance:
Lexan EXELL-D sheets offer UV protection on both sides, making them ideal for outdoor applications like skylights and awnings.
- Formability:
It is cold-formable into gentle curves and can be thermoformed into complex shapes while maintaining strength.
- Lightweight::
Weighs significantly less than glass, easing handling and installation.
- Heat Resistance:
Withstands high temperatures up to 115.5°C without deforming.
Common Applications:
- Security & Safety:
Security windows, riot shields, and machinery safety guards.
- Construction:
Greenhouse panels, roofing, skylights, and barrel vaults.
- Transportation:
Automotive lighting components, EV battery covers, and train/bus windows.
- Industrial/Commercial:
Signage, light diffusers, and electrical component housings.
Important Considerations::
- Scratch Resistance:
Standard Lexan can scratch; however, premium, hard-coated options like Lexan Margard offer superior scratch resistance.
- Drying Requirement:
Before thermoforming or processing, Lexan must be dried in an oven (often around 100°C-120°C to remove moisture and prevent bubbles.
Lexan vs. Other Plastics:
- Lexan vs. Acrylic (Plexiglass):
Lexan is much more impact-resistant but slightly less clear and more prone to scratching than acrylic.
- Lexan vs. Glass:
Lexan is far lighter and virtually unbreakable, whereas glass breaks easily, though it holds high scratch resistance.