Clear Polycarbonate

Clear polycarbonate sheets are 250 times stronger than glass and virtually unbreakable, making them ideal for machine guards, protective barriers, replacement windows, and industrial applications. Available in thicknesses from 1/16" to 1/2" in full sheets (48"x96") and custom cut-to-size. Ships within 1-2 business days. Sourced from trusted manufacturers: Lexan®, Tuffak®, and Azcarb®.

Clear Polycarbonate Sheets: 250x Stronger Than Glass

Clear polycarbonate sheets are the gold standard for applications requiring extreme impact resistance, optical clarity, and durability. At 250 times stronger than glass and 30 times stronger than acrylic, polycarbonate delivers unmatched protection for machine guards, protective barriers, replacement windows, and architectural glazing. Our comprehensive selection includes thicknesses from 1/16" to 1/2" in both full sheets (48"x96") and custom cut-to-size options, ensuring you get exactly what your project demands.

Why Choose Polycarbonate from ShapesPlastics?

We source our clear polycarbonate sheets exclusively from North America's most trusted manufacturers—Lexan® (Polyvantis), Tuffak® (Plaskolite), and Azcarb® (AZpolymers). All our polycarbonate meets ASTM D3935 standards, ensuring consistent quality and performance across every sheet. Whether you're protecting industrial equipment, building protective barriers, replacing windows, or creating architectural installations, you're getting genuine polycarbonate that professionals specify for critical applications.

Fast turnaround: Standard sizes and cut-to-size orders typically ship within 1-2 business days, keeping your projects moving without delays. Our precision CNC cutting service provides tolerances of ±1/8", delivering custom panels ready to install without on-site fabrication challenges.

Common Applications for Clear Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate excels in demanding environments where impact resistance and durability matter most:

  • Machine Guards: OSHA-compliant protection for industrial equipment, resisting high-speed debris and maintaining visibility
  • Protective Barriers: Sneeze guards, service counter shields, and reception desk barriers for retail and healthcare environments
  • Replacement Windows: Durable glazing for sheds, porches, greenhouses, and outbuildings requiring impact resistance glass cannot provide
  • Transit Shelters: Vandal-resistant panels for bus stops and public transit installations in high-abuse areas
  • Data Centers: Aisle containment systems for mission-critical server room environmental control
  • Heavy Equipment: Door and window replacement for construction machinery, mining equipment, and industrial vehicles

How to Choose the Right Thickness

Selecting the appropriate polycarbonate thickness depends on your application's structural and impact resistance requirements:

  • 1/16" - 1/8": Lightweight barriers, indoor partitions, basic protection applications
  • 3/16" - 1/4": Most popular range—machine guards, protective barriers, replacement windows, moderate-to-high traffic areas
  • 3/8" - 1/2": Heavy-duty applications—extreme industrial environments, data centers, transit shelters, maximum structural requirements

Our price match guarantee ensures you're getting competitive pricing on genuine polycarbonate from trusted manufacturers. We work directly with Lexan®, Tuffak®, and Azcarb® to deliver professional-grade material at wholesale-competitive prices.

Need help selecting the right thickness or size for your application? Our team can provide technical guidance to ensure you get optimal performance for your specific requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about clear polycarbonate sheets

What is polycarbonate and why is it better than glass or acrylic?

Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic material that is 250 times stronger than glass and 30 times stronger than acrylic. It's virtually unbreakable, making it ideal for applications requiring extreme impact resistance. Unlike glass, polycarbonate won't shatter into dangerous shards. Unlike acrylic, it can withstand high-impact abuse in industrial environments, making it the preferred choice for machine guards, protective barriers, and safety applications.

What thickness of polycarbonate do I need for my application?

Thickness selection depends on your specific requirements:

  • 1/16" - 1/8": Indoor partitions, lightweight barriers, basic protection
  • 1/4": Most popular—machine guards, sneeze guards, replacement windows, general protective applications
  • 3/8" - 1/2": Heavy-duty—transit shelters, data centers, extreme industrial environments

When in doubt, 1/4" is the industry standard for most protective applications and provides excellent performance for machine guards, barriers, and replacement windows.

Can polycarbonate be used outdoors?

Yes, polycarbonate can be used outdoors. However, standard polycarbonate will yellow over time (typically 3-5 years) when exposed to UV rays. For outdoor applications requiring 10-15 year lifespan, we recommend our UV-resistant polycarbonate sheets which feature a protective coating that prevents yellowing and maintains optical clarity for extended periods.

What's the difference between Lexan, Tuffak, and Azcarb?

Lexan® (Polyvantis), Tuffak® (Plaskolite), and Azcarb® (AZpolymers) are all brand names for polycarbonate sheet—similar to how Kleenex is a brand name for tissue. All three manufacturers produce high-quality polycarbonate that meets ASTM D3935 standards. The performance and properties are virtually identical. We supply whichever brand is available, ensuring you always receive genuine, professional-grade polycarbonate from trusted manufacturers.

Do you offer custom cutting services?

Yes! We offer precision CNC custom cutting for all polycarbonate thicknesses up to 48" x 96". Our cut-to-size service provides tolerances of ±1/8" and typically ships within 1-2 business days. This eliminates the need for on-site cutting equipment and ensures you receive panels ready to install. Simply select "Cut-to-Size" when browsing our products and enter your exact dimensions.

Is polycarbonate safe for food contact applications?

Yes, polycarbonate is FDA-compliant for indirect food contact, making it suitable for sneeze guards, food service barriers, and protective shields in restaurants, cafeterias, and food processing facilities. However, polycarbonate should not be used for direct food storage or as cutting boards. For direct food contact applications, we recommend our HDPE cutting boards instead.

Need a Specific Thickness or Size?

Browse our complete selection of polycarbonate sheets by thickness:

Most Popular Thicknesses

View All Thicknesses & Sizes

Learn More About Polycarbonate Applications

Find the perfect polycarbonate for your specific use case:

Machine Guards → Protective Barriers → Replacement Barriers → Transit Shelters →