(Quoted from Sign & Digital Graphics. Full article here.)

When it comes to signage applications, it all comes down to impact strength. Polycarbonate and acrylic plastics are two commonly used substrates for signage applications, and both are strong materials. They look basically identical to the untrained eye, and because of this, people often mistakenly people use the names interchangeably. But for those "in the know," polycarbonates and acrylics are anything but the same. Knowing these differences will help to ensure the right material is chosen for the specific signage job at hand.

Although the two materials do share some similar properties, the key differences should be explored because signage applications-such as channel letters, cabinet signs, thermo- and vacuum-formed signs-have unique requirements. Variables that come into play for sign applications are strength, ease of fabrication, aesthetic qualities and durability.

Click here to read the full article