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Comparison Between PC and PMMA Blister Light Covers

PC Polycarbonate Industry Chain 2025-09-15 10:07:52

The main differences between PC (polycarbonate) blister lamp covers and PMMA (acrylic) blister lamp covers lie in their material properties, application scenarios, and performance characteristics.

1. Material properties

PC (Polycarbonate)

Heat resistance: Excellent high-temperature performance (softening point around 130-140°C), suitable for high-temperature environments (such as high-power LEDs or halogen lamps).
Impact resistance: extremely strong, over 10 times that of PMMA, not easy to break, suitable for places prone to external shocks.
Transmittance: Approximately 88%-90%, slightly lower than PMMA, but the light diffusion effect can be enhanced through surface treatment.
Weather resistance: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light can cause yellowing, requiring the addition of UV-resistant coatings or modification treatments.
Flame retardancy: Naturally flame retardant (UL94 V-0/V-2 rating), suitable for scenarios with high fire safety requirements.

PMMA (Acrylic)

Heat resistance: General (softening point around 70-90°C), prone to deformation at high temperatures, should avoid close contact with high heat sources.
Impact resistance: relatively brittle, prone to cracking or chipping, and should avoid mechanical collision.
Light transmittance: up to over 92%, close to glass, with soft and even light, suitable for decorative lighting.
Weather resistance: Strong UV resistance, not prone to yellowing or hazing after long-term outdoor use.
Surface hardness: High (Mohs hardness level 3-4), with wear resistance superior to PC.

2. Processing and Cost

Processing performance

PC vacuum forming temperature is relatively high (about 160-200℃), requiring specialized equipment, but it has good toughness and is suitable for complex shapes.
PMMA has a relatively low thermoforming temperature (about 120-150°C), is easy to form, but has high brittleness. The cooling rate needs to be controlled to prevent internal stress cracking.

The price of PC raw materials is typically 30%-50% higher than that of PMMA, but its durability can reduce long-term maintenance costs.
PMMA offers a high cost-performance ratio and is suitable for scenarios with limited budgets and high transparency requirements.

3. Typical Application Scenarios

Applicable Scenarios for PC Lampshades

Industrial lighting, outdoor street lights, automotive lights, safety and protection lighting fixtures (required to be impact-resistant and high-temperature resistant).
Children's rooms, public places, and other areas requiring high safety.

PMMA lampshade applicable scenarios

Interior decorative lights, advertising light boxes, commercial display lights (emphasizing translucency and aesthetics).
Outdoor signage and lighting fixtures exposed to sunlight for extended periods (relying on weather resistance).

4. Other Differences

Chemical stability: PC is resistant to weak acids and bases but is susceptible to erosion by strong bases and some organic solvents; PMMA has better acid and alkali resistance.
Environmental friendliness: PC has good recyclability, while PMMA is difficult to degrade but has a mature recycling process.
Weight: The densities of the two are similar (PC ≈ 1.2g/cm³, PMMA ≈ 1.18g/cm³), and the difference can be ignored.

Summary of selection suggestions

Choose PC: If you need impact resistance, high temperature resistance, flame retardancy, or use in complex environments (such as workshops, outdoors).
Choose PMMA: if you pursue high transparency, weather resistance, low cost, and the application scenario is stable (such as indoor decoration, advertising light boxes).

Weigh the performance against the cost based on actual needs, and if necessary, optimize the performance through material modification (such as adding UV stabilizers to PC or toughening PMMA).

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Comparison Between PC and PMMA Blister Light Covers

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