What is Lexan?

LEXAN is a registered trademark for General Electric's brand of highly durable polycarbonate resin thermoplastic intended to replace glass where the need for strength justifies its higher cost. It is a polycarbonate polymer produced by reacting Bisphenol A with carbonyl chloride, also known as phosgene. Lexan is the brand name for polycarbonate sheet in thicknesses from 0.75 mm (0.03 in) to 12 mm (0.48 in). Applications are mainly in three domains — building (glazing and domes), industry (machine protection and fabricated parts) and communication and signage.

Lexan polycarbonate is one of the most widely known "plastics". Lexan sheet with its unique combination of high impact strength, flame retardancy, and thermoformability makes it ideally suited for security applications. No other plastic can match Lexan's combination of light transmittance (clarity), and the ability to withstand extreme impact.

In thicknesses of .125", Lexan 9034 sheet will transmit 86% of the light. Lexan 9034 is UV stabilized, has a heat deflection temperature of 270 degrees F at 264 PSI, and has a smoke density rating less than 75. Lexan 9034 is engineered for window glazing as well as for sign applications. In addition to colorless (clear), Lexan 9034 is available in solar gray and bronze in thicknesses from .080" to .500".