How Do I Pick Between Polycarbonate and Acrylic?

Oh no! Jon got official permission to break things in this week's How Do I...? video. Polycarbonate and Acrylic seem similar at first glance, but have very different uses and properties when it comes to use in robotics settings. Learn how to use each at the appropriate times (hint: Polycarb is almost always the answer)
PRODUCT USED:
0.060 in. Thick Polycarbonate Sheet
(am-0982)
www.andymark.c...
Music:
Newer Wave by Kevin MacLeod
Link: incompetech.fi...
License: filmmusic.io/s...
For more information, visit AndyMark.com

[@marcmercado2085]

Those nails tho. 😂😉

[@nyclifeguardmoe]

Fage

[@chrismiller5198]

I have successfully drilled through acrylic near corners and edges by starting with a very small, less than 1/16", drill bit and gradually working up to the desired diameter.

[@user-cj7fp2pm5o]

what is the best for the sun , so that it doesnt get yellow

[@Narsuitus]

For stopping bullets, how do polycarbonate (or trademark Lexan) and acrylic (or trademark Plexiglas) compare to AR500 steel and Porcelain tile?

[@AndyMark]

They dont compare. Neither Polycarbonate nor Acrylic are reliable for bullet-proof applications. They are not "bullet-proof glass".

[@mrmshifan]

Thank you

[@TheSakisaki666]

I would been interested of how the light comes out of sides comparison. I want to scratch a picture with laser and light it. Can you do that with polycarbonate?

[@AndyMark]

It is much better to use a laser on Acrylic. Using a laser on polycarbonate can release toxic fumes and be very dangerous. To shape and etch poly, use cutting tools eg. saws, routers, or even scissors if the poly is thin enough.
If using the cutting tools to etch/engrave the polycarbonate, lights will catch and light up the cuts, but the efficacy depends on the size of the area you are trying to light and the strength of the LED.

[@deebo7276]

Good video, I got the feel for how flexible PC is. Was the PC sheet 1mm thickness?

[@AndyMark]

It is 0.06 in thick, wich is approximately 1.5mm thick.

[@deebo7276]

@@AndyMark Even better, thanks!

[@roy0910707]

great video! i have a question about the contact with alcohol such as isopropyl alcohol and ethanol alcohol (for surface cleaning). I've done some research suggesting that Polycarbonate has a much better resistance against alcohol than Acrylic? continuous contact with alcohol turns the plastic white or create cracks on the plastics?

[@xinglinjiang4952]

what is the thickness in this video? can u compare pc with pet?

[@fatisummer9106]

Is Polycarbonate the same as plexiglass ,I am bit confused with all the terms

[@AndyMark]

Plexiglass is a brand name for acrylic. Polycarbonate is not plexiglass.

[@eslam7902]

What is the best material for TV screen protector Acrylic Or Polycarbonate

[@tedangerous]

Acrylic/plexiglass is usually more optically clear...used for display cases, windows, etc.

[@eslam7902]

@@tedangerous thanks alot for your answer

[@LeNguyen-im8dm]

I really enjoy watching this video.

[@noyza2132]

my team wants to combine the LED system with the polycarbonate side shield of our robot and make an edge lit shield with our sponsors engraved on it.
is polycarbonate clear enough for an engraved edge lit sign?
is thick (3-4mm) acrylic strong enough for a robot side plate/protector?

[@AndyMark]

We do not recommend using acrylic in any thickness for protective purposes. Polycarbonate will do better in a robotics environment. A polycarbonate sheet for an engraved edge-lit sign should work, but it depends on the size of the area you are trying to light and the strength of the LED. For any other questions, you can always email us at [e-mail].

[@ahatton8553]

I love your nails! Acrylics? ;)

[@AndyMark]

No, but they probably should have been 💅💅💅

[@jakerazmataz852]

What's the easiest way to etch poly or acrylic? I have an xTool 40w diode. Or a 5w., if that will work better.

[@AndyMark]

It is much better to use a laser on Acrylic. Using a laser on poly can release toxic fumes and be very dangerous. To shape and etch poly, use cutting tools eg. saws, routers, or even scissors if the poly is thin enough.

[@chrismclain4543]

Cmon man…

[@deadbeat5165]

welcome to the west haha

[@Tubeytime]

>his daughter painted them.
There, now you don't have to expand your worldview!

[@SomaRiver]

Right. I had respect for him till I saw the nails

[@0Logan05]

@@Tubeytime..If That’s “Expanding one’s World View”,..We are well overdue for a Flood…(Ahh, That’s where The Mocking “colorful striped” Symbolism actually comes from..)
It’s ok to be, NOT ok regarding this.

[@angelcat1406]

@@SomaRiverWhat did The nails did to you lil bro 😭

[@simmonsdevin]

fingernails???????

[@MileyPit]

Yes humans have fingernails.

[@socialbenbrown]

Did you have a hard time taking him serious?

[@circasurvive9891]

​@@socialbenbrownUhh Yessss😂😂

[@emildimofte6538]

👏👏👏🙏💯💯💯🥂✌️✨✨✨🙏🙏

[@waffielz3106]

nice nails dude lol

[@AndyMark]

Thanks!

[@ov7960]

👍