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Choosing the right material for your custom extrusion project is critical. In the realm of high-performance transparent materials, Polycarbonate (PC) and Acrylic (PMMA) are the top choices, each offering unique trade-offs in clarity, strength, and thermal stability.
1. Clarity & Durability
Optical Brilliance (Acrylic)
Acrylic offers the highest light transmission (~92%) and a high-gloss finish that never yellows under UV exposure.
Indestructible Strength (PC)
Polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable, offering 250x the impact resistance of glass and 30x that of acrylic.
Figure 1: Technical focus on PC tube wall thickness and impact resistance.
2. Technical Performance Matrix
| Feature | PC Tube | Acrylic Tube |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency | ~90% | ~92% (Superior) |
| Impact Strength | Extreme (Unbreakable) | Medium (Brittle) |
| Max Service Temp | 120°C | 85°C |
| UV Stability | Needs Coating | Inherently Stable |
| Relative Cost | High | Low |
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