PMMA vs PET-G vs Polycarbonate: Choosing the Right Plastic Sheet
Selecting the right plastic sheet is one of the most important decisions in product design and manufacturing. PMMA, PET-G and polycarbonate are among the most widely used transparent thermoplastics, but each offers a different balance of optical clarity, mechanical strength and fabrication characteristics.
While these materials may appear similar at first glance, they are designed to solve different engineering challenges. Understanding their strengths helps manufacturers, designers and engineers choose the most suitable solution for their application.

PMMA: Exceptional optical clarity and weather resistance
PMMA, often referred to as acrylic, is valued for its outstanding transparency and long-term outdoor performance. With light transmission of up to 92%, it provides excellent optical clarity, making it a popular choice for applications where appearance is just as important as functionality.

Another key advantage of PMMA is its natural resistance to UV radiation. Unlike many other transparent plastics, it maintains its clarity and colour stability over many years of outdoor exposure, making it particularly suitable for architectural, lighting and signage applications.
PMMA is also lightweight and easy to machine, polish and thermoform, allowing manufacturers to produce both simple and complex components with a high-quality finish.
Typical applications include:
  • Signage
  • Retail displays
  • Lighting
  • Protective covers
  • Architectural glazing
  • Interior design elements
When optical quality and long-term weather resistance are the primary requirements, PMMA is often the preferred choice.
PET-G: Built for fabrication

PET-G combines excellent transparency with exceptional processing flexibility. It is particularly well suited to applications that require thermoforming, machining, printing or fabrication into more complex shapes.

Compared with PMMA, PET-G offers higher impact resistance while remaining easy to process, making it an attractive option for manufacturers producing customised components or shorter production runs.

Its versatility allows it to be used across a wide range of industries where both appearance and manufacturability are important.
Common applications include:
  • Point-of-sale displays
  • Medical components
  • Machine covers
  • Refrigeration equipment
  • Product displays
  • Protective barriers
For projects where ease of fabrication is just as important as optical performance, PET-G offers an excellent balance of properties.
Polycarbonate: Maximum impact resistance

Polycarbonate is recognised for its exceptional mechanical strength and durability. Offering significantly higher impact resistance than both PMMA and PET-G, it is widely used in demanding industrial environments where safety and reliability are critical.

Although its optical clarity is slightly lower than PMMA, polycarbonate delivers outstanding performance in applications exposed to heavy use, impact or mechanical stress.

Typical applications include:
  • Machine guards
  • Safety glazing
  • Industrial equipment
  • Protective shields
  • Security applications
  • Transportation components
When impact resistance and long-term durability are the highest priorities, polycarbonate is often the most suitable material.
How do you choose the right material?

There is no single material that is ideal for every application. The best choice depends on the specific performance requirements of your project.
If optical clarity, UV resistance and long-term appearance are most important, PMMA is often the preferred solution.

If your project requires extensive thermoforming, machining or printing, PET-G provides excellent fabrication flexibility while maintaining high transparency.
Where products must withstand impact, heavy use or demanding industrial environments, polycarbonate offers the highest level of mechanical performance.
Selecting the right material early in the design process helps optimise product performance, manufacturing efficiency and long-term reliability.
Beyond the material itself

Choosing the right polymer is only one part of a successful project. Manufacturing capabilities such as custom sheet dimensions, CNC cut-to-size services, colour matching, light diffusion technologies and recycled-content options can also play an important role in achieving the desired result.

Working with an experienced manufacturer ensures that both the material and the production process are aligned with your technical and commercial requirements.
Finding the right plastic sheet for your application

PMMA, PET-G and polycarbonate each offer distinct advantages. Understanding where each material performs best allows manufacturers to make informed decisions based on performance, manufacturability and long-term value rather than selecting a material based on a single characteristic.
At Polivektris Nordic, we manufacture premium PMMA, PET-G and polycarbonate sheets for industrial, architectural, medical and display applications. Our portfolio includes standard and customised solutions designed to meet demanding technical requirements, helping customers choose the right material for every project.

Looking for the right plastic sheet?
Whether you’re developing a new product, designing a display or specifying materials for an industrial application, our team can help you select the most suitable PMMA, PET-G or polycarbonate solution.

Contact Polivektris Nordic to discuss your project.